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  Discussion on Animal cruelty on leased farm
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Posted on Monday, Jul 3, 2000 - 7:32 am:

I have a friend who leased his farm out. He moved about 100 miles away. The leasee brought in pigs, cows and 3 horses. He would butcher the pigs right on the property and have pig roasts with his biker pals. The animals were never cared for properly. He has never paid rent on time and usually with bad checks. He has not paid rent in 8 months and his lease was up in June. He burned up part of the house and almost the barn. The owner has been trying to serve him with eviction papers for months now but he has disappeared. Now comes the BIG problem. The animals are still there. The cows and a pony are out on pasture 24/7 that is almost gone. THey have an auto waterer thank goodness. One horse was repo'ed and the other we just found out is locked in the barn in a 10x10 stall 24/7. Someone is sorta feeding her and her stall is gross. SHe is a basket case. It is breaking my heart and no one will help. The barn is closed up and it has been about 85 degrees here with high humidity. What would happen if we just took them? Do they still hang horse theifs? Since the guy owes all that rent..isn't there somekind of lien we can put on them? The cops say its a civil matter, the humane society says they are not skinny enough yet. What about mental cruelty?
The leasee has even made a death threat to my friend if we "take his animals" I am in Illinois.
Thanks for any advice.

Posted on Monday, Jul 3, 2000 - 8:18 am:

In my area, we have found that the best way to get law enforcement involved in an animal cruelty/mistreatment case is to get some media attention. You might be surprised at just how quick they respond if a local newspaper/tv station starts asking questions of them.

Jim

Posted on Monday, Jul 3, 2000 - 8:33 am:

Jackie-
I agree with James, call the TV stations and/or newspapers. Great idea! How about the person who is semi-feeding the poor dear locked in her stall all the time? Would that person know where to find this guy? Would it be possible for you to just go over and let her out for a bit, clean her stall for her? How long have these animals been abandoned? I thought the humane society went after animals in that situation regardless of the condition of them, being that the owner no longer accepts responsibility for them?! I guess not. I would be leary of going in and just taking them, but maybe you could see to their care until you can figure out something better? I don't know how feasible that suggestion is, it's just a thought. It's such a shame to see these things happen, some people just don't have what it takes to own animals. (putting it VERY mildly)! ;0)
Are there any equine rescues in your area that may be able to help you?
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