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Malnourished Horses, Dogs Seized From Century Home
December 23, 2010
Several malnourished dogs and horses were seized from a Century home Wednesday.
Escambia County Animal Control, Panhandle Equine Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office seized at least six dogs and four horses from the home at 6420 North Century Boulevard, just south of Tedder Road.
“All of them were malnourished,” according to Chris Welborn, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “They were all removed from the property, and they will all receive veterinary care.”
The Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the malnourished animals by a representative of Panhandle Equine Rescue, Welborn said.
One of the dogs, a pit bull, was found chained to a piece of post, according to the Sheriff’s Office incident report. Another, also a pit bull, was found in a cage by itself with open sores on its body. A female pit bull was found with three puppies. The puppies were playful and appeared to be of reasonable health, according to the reporting deputy, but the mother’s ribs and hips were clearly visible.
Eight other dogs — four pit bulls and four beagles — were kenneled in a different area and did not have any visible signs of unhealthiness.
One of the horses was stabled by himself in what deputies described as “an old dilapidated building”.
“The horse was standing on a thick layer of manure that coated the entire floor of the stall,” according to the Sheriff’s Office report. There was no food or water for the horse.
A man that lives on the property told deputies that he had fed and watered the horses Wednesday morning, but it was the last of the food. He said the owner was due to purchase more food and hay for the horses Wednesday.
Deputies found another horse in small enclosure standing in a pile of manure that was several inches thick. None of the horses on the property had food or hay, and several lacked adequate water.
No charges were filed against anyone Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office, but the situation remains under investigation.
“The living conditions were poor for all the animals. We have been working with the owner for almost four months and the conditions have deteriorated,” said Diane Lowery, president of Panhandle Equine Rescue. “After finding no feed on the premises today and finding a horse living in filth in a dark barn, the decision was made to seize four of the horses.
“We would like to thank animal control and the sheriff’s department for taking action today to help these animals. The animal control officer on the scene was very compassionate. We are also grateful to our new livestock officer, Josh Weekly,” Lowery added.
Pictured above and below: Two of the dogs and horses seized from a Century home Wednesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
77 Responses to “Malnourished Horses, Dogs Seized From Century Home”
Animals should be given a better chance when seized instead of being euthanized just because of their breed or personality at first. Every animal can change and get better. You gotta give them a chance…look what they’ve been thru. And sending the horses to slaughter is more than cruel!!!
We visited the kennels last weekend, One of the pups has died, but they other two are doing well, we hear!
My husband I are adopting the pups this week. We have all the training equipment, and are getting lots of good toys this weekend.
The problem is funding a home for their mother. She is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve yet to meet. After she is spayed, she will make someone a loyal friend for life.
Momma Dog does have some special needs, considering she lived in a rabbit hut all of her life. Her heart is already healing – she just needs the right person to spend time working with her special challenges related to her ability to walk normally again.
David I guess i took your opinnions wrong and I apologize. With that being said, Once again there are other sides of the story to address. On the top pets thing. Most pitts or pitt mix dogs are not sold through stores so accurate counts on the amount of dogs sold wont be accurate. On the attacks, almost ALL attacks by pitts are worded like “appears to be pitt” or “looks like a pitt mix”. Im not saying that pitts wont attack because they will just like any dog. Its very rare for a dog to be tested on its breed when they attack. But you do seem fare in most of your assesments and you did look up stuff rather then just accuse the dogs and I thank you. Im just trying to show people that there is a big misconception about this breed. And once again if anyone like harley ever shoots my pitt ( my baby ) just because its out of my yard, There will be severe actions taken!
IF YOU CANT FREAKIN TAKE CARE OF YOUR ANIMALS, DO NOT GET THEM! THAT MAKES ME SO MAD! WHY DONT WE TAKE YOUR KIDS AND TREAT THEM LIKE THAT….SEE HOW THEY LIKE IT THEN?! ANIMALS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HUMANS AND THEY NEED TO BE TREATED WITH AS MUCH RESPECT!
REGARDING:
“and a lot of people are talking about the breed.”
In this set of comments, only harley 1 has definitely shown some dislike for unrestrained pit bulls attacking his animals and seems to consider them dangerous. You probably consider me anti-pit even though I’m mainly just amused at the statistics showing how harmless they are as long as they are properly trained, restrained, unprovoked by anything they might consider threatening.
Those specifically defending these loveable critters are “Amanda Barnes,” “Buckeye,” “Just saying,” “funny,” “J. Walston: and “Required.”
In 2005 the 10 most popular breeds in the United States were Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers, Poodles, Chihuahuas (although the Lord alone knows why), Shih Tzus. I just mention this to point out that pits aren’t overly common.
In most dog attacks:
Most dog bites occur in the home or another familiar place
Most attacks are perpetrated by unaltered males.
Dogs contained or otherwise restrained on the owner’s property are responsible for more serious and fatal attacks than those roaming at large. (territoriality)
Thus, those insisting all dogs be confined are insisting on making them more lethal. All kinds wander by my house to steal (share?) my possum’s food. I never worry about them since the possum doesn’t really need all that much anyway.
Though more than twenty-five breeds have been implicated in canine homicides over the last twenty years (including a 4 pound Pomeranian!!), pit bulls and pit bull mixes have been responsible for about a third of the fatal attacks between 1981 and 1992 and a comparable proportion of serious injuries.
Note: they don’t make up anywhere near a third of all dogs.
David for uneaten children
even if they are in the wrong
It doesn’t matter what breed of animal it is. If you are not going to feed and water it give it to someone who will. You should be ashamed to call your self a human being to allow one of Gods creatures to suffer like this.
REGARDING:
“No, he said if there is a dog that LOOKS like a pit bull with out a collar, it could’ve escaped a bath,”
I wasn’t aware you took off the collar to bathe a dog. My bad. You win.
David the defeated
Isnt it funny how the people defending pitts are using their personal dealings with the breed as examples and the people bashing the breed are using what theyve heard or what they have read somewhere? Maybe you should just get one and learn for yourselves and stop hating a breed because you have heard that they are bad.
There are so many areas between the Alabama state line and the Gulf Of Mexico borders, where many animals are being treated like this. If you go down half the streets in Cantonment, Century and/or Downtown Pensacola; you will see several cases similar to this. There are dogs, cats and horses wandering around EVERYDAY that are starved, and the people that treat them like that get to sit in their homes, warm and well-fed while they have to suffer? Where’s the justice in that? Where’s the penalty in that? “Oh we’ll fine you 500 dollars now, 500 next time and 1000 after that. Then take your animals.” How is that justice?! Those animals suffer DAY and NIGHT..
My family and I used to live over off Eden Ln, in Cantonment. And our landlords had several horses, donkeys and sheep at the time. They did not feed those horses, or give them water, or anything. Instead my family and I went out and used what little extra money we had to make sure they had food. And anytime we called someone out there to look at them, and how they were treated, we were told they could not find any evidence of neglect or abuse. Even though there were signs of it everywhere. It’s disgusting how people treat animals these days. They have EMOTIONS just like YOU and I. They get protective, they get depressed and they get mistreated.
Pitts, for example, are not bad dogs. (And whoever said it’s an unwritten law in your neighborhood to shoot one on sight, you should have yourself locked away for a long time.) They’re very sweet dogs, and they will love their owners until the day they die. Yes, they are very protective, but if one bites you, it’s for a good reason. Not “Just Because”. My family and I had a Pitt for over 4 1/2 years, who had been beat and worse by her previous owner, and she was the most timid and sweet dog you could ever have. It’s all in how you raise them. If you raise them to be aggressive, BIG SUPRISE, they’re going to be aggressive. If you raise them to be sweet, they will be SWEET.
No, he said if there is a dog that LOOKS like a pit bull with out a collar, it could’ve escaped a bath, or wriggled it’s collar off (Which is actually something mine does) and a lot of people are talking about the breed.
actually, most didn’t mention the breed, only anger at the neglect. the only one who spoke out against the breed, only addressed loose dogs without collars, hence not being cared for
Most popular and STUPID questions I have ever heard ….. Does your dog bite? AND Does your horse kick? I love those darn questions. IF it has teeth, IT can bite. IF it has back legs, IT can kick. ise A wise lady told me “Best to look stpuid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”
I have horses and dogs(from 5 to 130 lbs) you are dealing with an animal with a free thinking brain-just like you!
Get back to the point- a FEELING, BREATHING animal was/is suffering and all most can do is down the breed of the dog pictured. SAD!!
No charges have been filed?????
How long are WE supposed to PAY for these idiots who cannot seem to understand that an animal has to be fed and watered. PUT HIM IN JAIL… no wonder things never change. These people are let go with a slap on the wrist.
ARREST HIM and CONFISCATE ALL OF THE ANIMALS!
This is so heartbreaking to see these poor animals like this, if pet owners cannot assume responsibility for them, then they don’t need them!!! Animals have feelings and needs too, just like all of us humans. How would these owners feel if they were mistreated like these poor animals that I see here? I don’t think they would like it too well… The law needs to be more firm with these owners and all others that do this same crap!!!
No charges have been filed? Isnt it a little obvious there has been neglect going on? This is why people are still doing this. Charge this owner and make an example out of him. Pit bulls are victims AGAIN. These friendly loyal animals do not deserve this but luckily, can bounce back after enduring alot. We run a pit bull sanctuary in Brewton and it infuriates me to see this taken lightly. These are the best dogs and should not have to suffer due to an ignorant owner.
Harley My home owners insurance is well aware of my pitts. There are steps i have to take to have them though. Fenced yard with locks on the gate and they do an annual inspection but only because i have a “large breed dog”. Not because its pitt. In regards to the “But just do a google search for this area alone on “viscous dog attacks” and by far most of the dogs involved were pits or closely related.” Im not trying to be arguemenative but were they pitt bull mix or full blooded? Or did theyy APPEAR to be a pitt? When they take animals that have attacked other animals or even people they do not check unless the dogs have papers on them. DNA testing is to expensive. My point is this, All dogs attack when provoked and will eat other animals if hungry enough. Once a dog (any dog) taste blood for the first time they will continue to want it. Pitts get accused of alot of attacks. Some are pitts and some are not. Pitt attacks are more heard of because of the few idots who train them to be mean. German Sheppards will attack if trained also. Pitt mix dogs are all over the place and because of the number of them there are more stories. Its in the math. Maybe its the mix and not the pitt thats the problem. But any dog owner should be responsible enough to keep their dog in their own yards. Its not hard and I will conceed that point. My dog is my family and please understand that the pitt breed is a good breed. Its the owners that need to be shot.
This just breaks my heart!! My grand-daughter is 5 years old and she cries when the commercials come on TV about animals being mistreated. She wants to be a veternian when she grows up so she can help them. She is 5 years old and knows how to treat animals better than some adults!!
I have a pit and two chihuahuas and the pit is the one that will lick you half to death. The chihuahuas are another story. If they don’t know you, they don’t like you and they don’t care to know you either. I’ve had all of them since they were 6 weeks old and they have been raised the same way. My children’s great-grandmother had a chihuahua for years. She was the only one who could get near it. My grandmother had standard poodles. These are not small dogs, probably bigger than most pits. I was terrified of those monsters. They were the most aggressive dogs I have ever seen. I had a wonderfully sweet tempered rottie, a golden retriever I had to have euthanized (don’t know the proper spelling, sorry) when it bit my friend, a beagle that loved to bite ankles, and a pit that thought SHE was my kids’ mom not me. There’s also a dachsund across the street from me that is so aggressive you would think it was rabid.
When comparing the number of animals in a breed to the number of bites for that breed, pits are exceptionally low on the list. It’s not their fault that they are so much stronger than other dogs. And a lot of the problem is the way people play with them. You can’t bat them around, shake their heads, hold their jaws closed. slap them, etc. What would YOU do if treated that way? You’d bite too. Also, when people make “aggressive” moves toward them, they naturally respond in kind. If people would treat them all the right way, there’d be a lot less of these situations. Another mistake is horseplay in front of them. Pits are very protective and don’t understand joking around. Best not to engage in any activity that can send the wrong message or bad vibes to the dog….ANY dog.
No one would dispute there are good pits out there, raised responsibly by their owners. But just do a google search for this area alone on “viscous dog attacks” and by far most of the dogs involved were pits or closely related. I did not mention some years ago a person up the road had two full blooded pits that were no doubt viscous. They kept getting out, chasing my horse in the pasture trying to attack it. the owner was warned more than once. Finally they killed two newborn calves of a neighbor. The dogs were euthanized by rifle shots from persons unknown. It could have been a child,not calves. Why take the gamble. If pits are so good as a breed I challenge those of you who have them to call your homeowners insurance company and tell them. let me know how that works out.
REGARDING:
“i know 2 kids attacked by 2 small breed dogs (mixed i believe) that had to have surgery to repair the face and necks also”
If you actually know of two dogs part Chihuahua or part poodle which removed children’s faces, then I stand corrected and shall sleep poorly.
Actually, I’m okay since I don’t have any dog–lots of dogs come by to visit and steal my possum’s food but none have claimed me yet–but now I know not to even get a poodle if the thought ever crosses my mind. I’ll just have to stick with my possum.
David for good pets
Just to finish up on my point about pitts here is an article proving the breed is not dangerous. Its how the owners train them.
The American Temperament Test Societ (http://www.atts.org) perform their temperment tests regularly on popular breeds. You can visit their web site to view upcoming testing dates and location and actually get your own dog tested. The most recent aggregation of all test results was in 2008. Description of the test:
The test simulates a casual walk through a park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog’s ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.
The dog fails the test if it shows:
Unprovoked aggression
Panic without recovery
Strong avoidance
American Pit Bull Terriers passed the test at a rate of 85.3%.
This is higher than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and other dogs generally considered “family friendly”. The average dog population is around 77%.
David i know 2 kids attacked by 2 small breed dogs (mixed i believe) that had to have surgery to repair the face and necks also. They were NOT pitts! ALL breeds can hurt people!
I agree! I have 2 pitts and they are the most loving animals Ive ever owned. There are all kind of stats that prove how dumb people are about this breed but people would rather assume because one pitt does something wrong the whole breed will to. They are just idiots. I assure there has been german sheppards, great danes, dalmations, poodles, and almost every other breed of dog that has attacked other animals. BTW if my pitt gets out and somebody shoots it because its a pitt, You will have to worry about the owner not the dog.
REGARDING:
“Why oh why does everybody assume the worst about pits? Did you know that the most bites come from chihuahuas and poodles?”
Chihuahuas and poodles take small, nonlethal bites–usually around the ankle. If a powerful, larger dog bites people, the danger of real damage is greater. I know a kid whose face had to be reattached and it wasn’t a poodle who bit him. I don’t know how dangerous they are as a group, but the individuals who ARE dangerous are very dangerous.
If you could tell us how to tell them apart, nobody would worry about the harmless ones.
David glad pits aren’t
as aggressive as some Chihuahuas
Why oh why does everybody assume the worst about pits? Did you know that the most bites come from chihuahuas and poodles? But I don’t see anybody saying “let’s shoot all the chihuahuas and poodles!”
The most dangerous dog I have seen in my neighborhood, the one that has bitten I don’t how many people, doesn’t even come up to my KNEES!!! Does that make him less dangerous? No.
Harley,
Two dogs killed your niece’s horse. That’s horrible, but why would you blame the entire breed for it? That’s like saying “A man killed my dog so I’ll kill ALL men!” Doesn’t make any sense, does it?
this poor dog looks so sad. you can see his bones. so sad.
When animals are found in this condition, is it not obvious that time is not what the owner needs more of to correct the problem? Animals do not get into this condition overnight. Tthe very appearance of the animals is proof enough time will correct nothing. As to roaming dogs. Last Christmas morning we found my neices just bought miniature horse in pieces, with two pit bulls just laying there with blood all over their mouths. Tthe dogs were killed immediately. We adopted a neighborhood rule. Any roaming pitbull looking dog WITHOUT a collar is shot on sight. It could have easily been a child we found.
One more time… all together now – PER (not my favorite group) has to give the owner’s opportunity to show they can care for the animals. PER can NOT feed the animals while in the owner’s care because if the animals are fed by PER, they will gain weight and then who will sign the court order saying they can be seized because they are starved?
Put the valid and appropriate emotions on the back burner and look at things from a legal standpoint. If you watch the “Animal Cop” shows on TV, some of those folks get months or years depending on conditions.
I’m glad the animals have been seized and I hope they find great homes.
AL – a horse foster for Santa Rosa seizure that took 7 months , by the county, not volunteers
REGARDING:
” just south of Tedder Road.”
Not to be greedy, but that makes it a Bluff Springs home although it would be a Century mailing address.
David claiming everything south of Tedder Road
and from Whirlpool Road North
for Bluff Springs
Can we get an update on how the animals are doing now? Are they all still alive?
Warm? Fed? Safe?
If PER had seen the animals in this condition before, then there is NO excuse for leaving them there. They should not have been allowed to remain there regardless of the excuses given. If they were in better condition at first and continued to deteriorate after PER became involved, then they should not have allowed it to go this far.
How can a group profess to be helping animals when they knowingly allowed them to get this way? They are just as responsible for not doing something sooner. It’s a downright travesty and they should be ashamed of themselves. In my book, they carry an even higher share of the blame than the owners because they let it continue. I certainly wouldn’t turn to them for help or to report someone else since it is obvious that they would let the situation go on.
PER is probably handling all they can and was trying to keep from having to remove the horses/dogs…another problem is, they are to busy looking where animals are not in this condition than where they are truly needed, it takes them this long to realize what a real problem is. Volunteers or not, they are getting orders from someone in charge and the decision making is not to their own accord! Feed for animals does not buy itself folks!
IF a person can do this to an animal (of any kind) they can dang sure do it to another human being.
I agree with T on 12-23 and ABC with this “Compassion is slowly leaving our society…… so sad”
On a better note, Merry Christmas and May God Bless everyone this Holiday season.
Yes this is as an abomination, however, the streets are overloaded with dogs that are not fenced or cared for, We have our property totally fenced, and our pets do not live outdoors all the time, , they are family. We have them because we love them as most good folks do. However we live in the county and other folks let their dogs roam the streets and they are an irritant to our pets as well as to us, we can drive up to our gates to go in and there will 6 or seven dogs from around the neighborhood all around us, its difficult to drive through our gates to go into our home,,,,,, if our dogs are out the neighbor dogs are running at the fence and creating commotion, but I can truly say none of them are suffering from lack of food.. These dogs are apt to be killed by maniac drivers flying down the road in a 35 mile zone, We see many strays hungry and looking for their homes, and have taken a couple in and kept them till the H.S. could make room for them. It is apparent that people treat others as they treat their animals, Compassion is slowly leaving our society…… so sad.
Ok, if PER was working with the owner for not a week or two but four MONTHS then WHY were these animals in this shape? How often did PER check on them? Shame on PER for not doing something instead of letting them get into this condition! They should have offered feed if the owner couldn’t get it and to place the animals with others who COULD afford to feed them. They should have told the owner that the horse had to be in a CLEAN environment and made them clean it up then checked every couple of days to make sure that it was. Anything else is just as bad as the owner.
If they were watching this situation unfold, WHY did they not feed the animals themselves instead of sitting by and waiting for them to get this bad off? To me, it’s just as criminal for them to say they are working with the owners and watch them get into this shape without doing anything to PREVENT it! They could have kept these animals from starving. Think of the agony these poor animals have endured while waiting for PER to do something.
These animals didn’t get this way overnight as clearly stated. If PER wanted to “help” them, they wouldn’t stand by and watch them deteriorate to this extent. They would step up to the plate and give them what they needed.
If you see an animal that is in a situation like this, you really don’t have the right to report them to anyone unless you have asked the owner or responsible party what the story is and if you can help. If they refuse any help or if you are unable to give them what they need, THEN you should go elsewhere to assist them in getting the proper care for their animals.
If people want to help, go to your local feed store and purchase feed/hay for PER. Another choice is to donate money to the organization. It doesn’t have to be much, change adds up. Most feed stores have a donation can. You can also buy feed at the feed stores and notify PER it is there and they will pick it up. You can even do it by phone, no trips out. Remember, they do a very unpopular job, are unpaid volunteers, and are dependent on donations. Instead of spending Christmas Eve with family, they are working hard to find a place to put these animals so they can begin their recovery, this includes trailering the horses to area vets for exams. They can’t begin their new safe life until they are examined. They need our support.
@Clive Hickson
I have donated money when I could afford it. I do have many animals – over 10 – and they get fed twice a day, clean water every day, regular vet. visits, and they are all fixed – and they come inside when it’s cold outside, even though they have houses outside to accomodate them. When money is short I’m the one who eats beans instead of meat – they get their regular food.
This ‘ain’t’ Canada – you are comparing apples to oranges…… And I offer no praise to PER for watching this go on for 4 months before taking the animals. “Four months of dedicated and emotionally draining effort ” – what effort – did they go see about them every day? Even twice a week? I’m sure not. If they had checked on them more often, instead of undoubtly believing false promises, these animals would not have got to the state they are in. If they had taken them sooner, there would be less expense in bringing them back to health. Some of them might not make it now.
If we don’t take care of what God gives us, how can we expect Him to take care of us. I agree with PensacolaEd. Hopefully there is.
To unchainyourdog
I read the law on that link you posted and Im a little confused. Can you please help me understand it? From the way I read it, its saying that if the animal is over 6 months old its ok to tether it as long as its visible to the owner or if the owner is outside with it? So does that mean that as long as they can see the dog from their window its ok? I hope not because Im against putting a chain on any animal. If you dont have a fenced in yard then dont have a dog!
No charges were filed against anyone Wednesday,
Shame on animal control and the sheriff’s department. , you are part of why this keeps happening !
A minumum of 5 years is warrented in this case , with 5 days a week Bread and Water only.
there is no excuse for this , NONE !
I listened to an young man frantically searching for his dog a few months back and had pictures asking for help.
another man wished him luck and said many are stolen to train pit bull dogs
Disgustingly Criminal . calls for new laws and stiffer penalties and Enforcement of the Law
THIS IS SO VERY SAD. I AM PRAYING ALL THESE ANIMALS ARE WARM AND FED AND SAFE TONIGHT AND WILL GET GOOD HOMES WITH PEOPLE THAT LOVE THEM AND WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM. I AM ALSO PRAYING FOR THE POOR OWNER OF THESE ANIMALS. NOT TO JUDGE IF WE DONT KNOW THE CIRCUMSTANCES. WAS THE MAN SICK AND UNABLE TO CARE FOR THEM ? IT SAID THE AUTHORITIES HAD BEEN WORKING WITH HIM FOR MONTHS, WHY NOT TAKE THEM BEFORE NOW ? IF THIS MAN WAS NOT ABLE TO CARE FOR THEM AND HAS NO REASON TO HAVE NOT TURNED THEM OVER TO SAFETY THEM SHAME ON YOU MISTER BUT IF YOU HAVE GOOD CAUSE I PRAY FOR YOU.
@tHREEmYCEnTS,
yOU MAKE SENSE-no?
Bottom line people, please spay and neuter your pets
I agree it is very sad to see animals suffer..but as others say, there is no “right” answer..many animal shelters have policies where they can not adopt pits…and most humane societies are full and not taking new animals according to many posts on craigslist…and so many people post about the horrors of chaining dogs…and they did get that outlawed in Escambia County…but then they complain about dogs who roam free when there is no leash law and the owners don’t have a fence..it amazes me that we think we should control what our neighbors do…but we don’t think our neighbors should control what we do…
To unchainyourdog,
The dog I was talking about is a couple of miles over the line in Alabama. Is it illegal in Alabama too?
I am sorry..there is absolutely no excuse for the way these animals to be treated this way !!!! !My opiinion is: treat the owners the way they have treated these helpless animals…If you cannot care for ANIMALS SURRENDER THEM..
Im sure PER acted as fast as they could. Having said that, It wsnt fast enough! Laws need to be changed and more fund raisers need to be held. 4 months is way to long. Maybe a month would be good. I know PER has the best intrest at heart and the laws mandate what they can and cant do but this is ridiculous. It makes me sick to look at these poor animals. Why was some of the dogs in the kennels in fair health and the other ones were neglected so bad? These owners chose what they wanted to take care of and what they didnt. That makes it criminal in my mind. I hope they rot in hell for what they have done.
Why do people DO this????????? Why????? I cannot even stand to look at the eyes of mistreated animal .Even THAT, often makes me cry, and always disturbs me. . I do not understand why, if one cannot afford to take care of animals, they even have them. If the inability to take care of them comes later, why not GIVE them to someone who CAN care for them? I would like to read an interview with some of these folks, and hear in their own words……….WHY?
re: Jane ~ “We need stronger laws in regard to mistreatment of animals”
Jane, the laws are on the books (http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusfl828_01_29.htm), believe me. I, and a few others in the area, monitor animal cruelty cases by attending court dates, writing to Judges and Prosecutors, informing the media and public of animal cruelty in the community, etc.
One of the biggest problems as I see it is Animal Control cannot arrest/file criminal charges without the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and/or the State Att. Office. We see time and time again, cruelty and neglect cases where AC just writes citations/fines and sometimes civil charges requiring mandatory court appearances which is only CIVIL, not criminal (slap on the wrist). However, many of these cases clearly fall under the FL Animal Cruelty Statutes for CRIMINAL charges.We NEED AC to get with the ECSO/State Att. Office and ask for CRIMINAL Charges. The laws are on the books and the community needs to demand that AC step up and do their duty.
I encourage the community to contact Escambia Co. Animal Control to ask for stronger enforcement of the FL Animal Cruelty Statutes by requesting CRIMINAL, not civil charges. They usually counter back that the Judges just dismiss these cases. If so, then we need to put pressure on the Judiciary to take these crimes seriously and sentence these abusers to jail time, as is prescribed in the statutes.
With the plethora of data linking violence against animals and violence against humans, prosecuting these cases is vital for the safety of the community. Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves!
* Animal Control: http://www.co.escambia.fl.us/Bureaus/Corrections/AnimalControl.html
* Office of State Attorney: http://sao1.co.escambia.fl.us/
* Judges: http://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/pageview.asp
This just burns me up! I can’t even put on here what I think of the SICK people who would do this to all these poor sweet animals. I hope they are never again allowed to have a pet of any kind!
The guy said the owner was buying food and hay on Wednsday because all of the food was gone. I might could understand that but it didn’t cost him anything to go out and put some water in bowls and clean out the manure!!! He had no common sense or compassion so he should be charged just as the owner!!
this is simple people! dont have animals if you cant take care of them.
Not Fair
reading this really made me sad….
Then there was YOU…..
Thanks for the laugh,,,,and your absolutely right!
This is SO SAD! It makes me cry to know people are so heartless to starve poor innocent animals! I bet they are making sure food is in their stomachs! They should be took out and the mess beat out of them!! And then locked up and starved to DEATH!
I am not a fan of PER… but really? If they had seized the animals the first day they saw them there would be 30 comments about how they were just out to “steal” folks animals instead of helping them. If they give the owner the counseling, education and time to make changes then shame on them for waiting so long. The animals are emaciated, but in these photos there is no imminent danger of death.
Should the owners be prosecuted to the full extent of the law? Yep, that and probably more.
But give the devil his due, PER apparently tried to help here.
This is disgusting – especially if Panhandle Equine rescue knew of this & did nothing about it until almost too late.
This is awful. right down awful. who ever done this should be shot. why would someone want to hurt animals like this? poor things.
I can not understand why people who mistreat animals are not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! We need stronger laws in regard to mistreatment of animals! I Thank God that there are rescue organizations to help these poor animals!
Thank You Panhandle Equine Rescue! And Thank everyone for stepping in to save these animals. God Bless you all!
This is a sorry situation! If you are not capable of caring for a pet, do not take on the responsibility.. These animals love their masters unconditionally, and do not deserve this.. I understand that in this economy, some people are no longer able to properly feed and care for their animals, but they should contact the ASPCA, or their local animal shelter and give them up before allowing this sort of thing to happen..
I hope there is a special corner of HELL for people that can treat animals like this.
“Common Sense is Dead…
Your the bomb buddy…..you said a mouth full
Stupidity, Ignorance, laziness, meanness, and apathy.
Sometimes Humans make me SICK!”
I couldn’t agree more! The depth of disrespect for life is appalling. Anyone that can treat an animal this way is capable of worse. Disgusting!
@Jen…. bear in m ind that PER had been working with the owner for four months. THAT was when the state of the animals was brought to their attention. You’re obviously right, they were already in terrible shape leading up to that time.
@ Just my two cents… with deep respect have you EVER worked with a volunteer animal rescue organization? Four months of dedicated and emotionally draining effort on the part of these wonderful rescuers is a drop in the bucket compared with the time frame of some other rescue attempts. I live in Canada, and a recent case took 2 years before the rescue group was able to force the authorities into action and seizure in an amazingly similar case. I’d be prepared to bet that PER is composed of wonderful, compassionate VOLUNTEERS. People who lose much sleep at situations that they cannot resolve on their own…. I know I do. My suggestion to you? Don’t berate these folks for their apparent inadequacies, you could either support them by cleaning out barns or dedicating land for their use, or, if this is not possible, by donating money to their organization. Mere criticism does not help to rescue animals.
WELL DONE ALL THOSE AT PER INVOLVED IN THIS RESCUE.
I first saw this story on Criag’s List and am very thankful that the authorities stepped in and removed the animals. What type of dogs are they? How can we help?
I also think the names of these appalling jerks should be released so they
can be watched more carefully by the public.
Common Sense is Dead…
Your the bomb buddy…..you said a mouth full.
Stupidity, Ignorance, laziness, meanness, and apathy.
Sometimes Humans make me SICK!
I find it stunning how often this happens up here! It is heartbreaking! Our animals are so dependent on us…and they offer us so much more than they get!
If anyone can foster one of these horses, Panhandle Equine Rescue will provide expenses.
http://www.panhandleequinerescue.org/
To C.W. ~ It is ILLEGAL to chain a dog in Escambia Co. unless you are out with him and heavy chains are illegal regardless. Where is this chained dog? Feel free to contact me at (850) 384-1490.
The Ordinance is here:
http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/tetherordinance.pdf
This breaks my heart. I don’t see why these orginazations have to let months go by with the animals suffering more and more the whole time. If a person is going to correct a situation they will take steps in the first day or two after being warned. Sometimes, that is even too long. I hope these animals recover and go to good loving homes. I don’t think I could ever work for one of these organizations though because for whatever reasons, it takes too long to rescue these animals. If the law is tying their hands, then the law needs to be changed. If these animals were children or the elderly or the disabled, the law would not give the people weeks or months to correct the situation.
CW…If I read it right I do believe it is illegal in Florida to have a pet tied or chained. I think it has to be in a pen of certain dimensions now.
PERS is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. God bless them for caring and finding room for these animals. They are out of space, out of money and need help – not criticism for working with owners to try to educate them. They are actually very brave people. Again, God bless them for caring.
It’s funny when I read on these stories that some people rant that it took “too long” to rescue the animals. Then, on other stories, they say the animals were seized “too soon” and the owner didn’t have a chance to correct anything.
Mostly, it’s all bull. Fact is, WE (the public) do not know what has or has not been done, how many times and with what outcomes.
I believe the group like PER has to, if the animals are not literally dying, give the owner time to correct the problem. PER tries to work with the owner because THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE HORSES. PER has no room or money to care for more animals. They MAKE room and money when they have to, but they try to educate the owners and make them more responsible and see what they are doing is wrong.
More often than not, apparently, the owner’s are just too stubborn/uncaring/ignorant or just plain stupid to “get it”.
I know an owner one time had a couple donkeys in his cow herd. The donkeys had terribly grown out hooves. PER told the owner to do something about it. The owner said “hell no” and sold the donkeys at the auction. Most likely to another ignorant uncaring fool who wouldn’t trim the hooves.
IGNORANCE and STUPIDITY is an epidemic in this country. Be careful who you associate with, it’s contagious.
I just wish there was a way to give them a taste of what they did to those poor animals. I think if you can dish it out, you should know what you’re giving and how it feels. Also, I would like to see their names plastered everywhere as animal abusers. They should have to be labled like sex offenders so everyone would know not to let an animal close to them.
Please tell me they did not have CHILDREN. Not only because of their way of life, this type of homelife only shows them how to abuse animals and the cycle never ends….
I see the dog is attached to a huge chain. Why do people think this is okay? I pass by a dog everyday when going to work that is hooked to one, that poor thing is forced to stay in that one spot 24/7. It should be illegal.
They were working with the owners for four months? Four months? I’m not sure but it looks like those animals have been malnourished and kept in less than decent conditions for longer than that.
While I applaud the groups that nuture animals like this back to health I don’t think/feel that it should have taken so long for these animals to be taken away from the owners. Those poor animals.
Sad….really sad
What a shame. If you mistreat a animal you will do the same to a human. An you here people say, it is just a dog. Cute as puppies and when they get larger, dump them out somewhere. Thanks go out to the Equine rescue, Sheriff’s department and animal control.
…that is beyond heartbreaking…. And this is a fact, not trying to ruffle any feathers, but the truth is the truth, IF YOU CAN’t TAKE CARE OF CHILD OR ANIMAL GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO CAN. You are a better person for giving either child or animal a better chance, it’s called selfless love, you’re giving them better regardless of your own feelings.
If this country would get serious about law-breakers we would see a huge drop in all crimes. This isn’t only illegal… it is immoral. Think about all the hunger-pains, sickness, long sad days and cold sorry nights…… these animals didn’t get this way over night!!! The owners ate everyday, Right?! I don’t allow my children to come to the supper table unless they feed their dogs first. It ain’t right… a chained dog is totally dependent on you for everything.
Whys it gotta be a pit???!!! I SWARE……… WE NEED TO GIVE AN IQ TEST TO EVERYONE WHO BUYS A PUP!!! They can be such wonderful dogs. People are the biggest problem they have. This kind of abuse/neglect can’t produce a rational thinking dog and it isn’t the dogs fault.
Thinking about a career change…any room for me at PER?
If I worked for any organization that was supposed to be “rescuing” these kinds of animals, I would be too ashamed to have made this statement for it to be put in print. Quote from this article “The living conditions were poor for all the animals. We have been working with the owner for almost four months and the conditions have deteriorated,”
Four months?? These animals are pitiful! They should have been taken away after one month because I’m sure there were no improvements then. And is that some sort of growth on that poor dog’s ear. How sad – how sad.
I continue to not understand why some people get animals when they know are unable to take proper care of them. Give them away to someone who will take care for them. It looks like some people would rather see their animals die from starvation than give them away.