Letter to Neglectful Owners

I started a thread a while back about two horses who were being neglected where I board. This has continued to be a problem and because our local animal control hasn't done anything I've contacted a horse rescue group. A rep from the group came by today and did a check on the horses and she said she'd be willing to work with me to either get the horses out or get the owner to properly care for the animals. She said to begin with we need to write a letter and post it on the stall doors.

Has anyone here had experience writing a letter like this? I'm not sure where to start.

You should just write the letter saying what you see nothing more nothing less. Don't get emotionally Involved; state the point and that's it.

She wants you to go onto someone else's property and attach a notice to their stall doors?

This is a HORRIBLE idea and could easily get you shot or arrested.

It doesnt sound like a horrible idea considering it is a boarding barn that she also boards at? Lots of people post messages on stall doors if they miss the owner / need to get them a message.

Ah sorry I missed that part, even though it says right in the OP. I assumed it was on private property.

What has the BO/BM had to say about the situation?

I agree with red raider, state the facts and facts only don't be emotional , if you have to write it 20 times to get it right ,do it. The other thing is KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE RESCUE CONTACT and don't let her brush you off, and can tell you as I'm sure many here and the forum can tell you also, that if she doesnt keep up with them the people will only move to another stable and the problem will continue.Good Luck, and I'm proud of you for standing up for these poor horses. Keep us posted.

Oh by the way did you get some pictures? May need them if it goes to court.

Question?...if animal control didn't immediately take care of this situation are you sure it is so bad? What is going on there and is it possible you are being oversensitive? It seems odd that you have reported to us and the authorities and nothing has been done. If you are the same person who posted about feeding horse tree branches then why does this continue? If you are not that person and this is a new situation I would say you have done all you can do and need to maybe MYOB for awhile. You can't do anything more except for feed the poor horse. I don't understand why the animal protective authorities have done nothing about the situation.

Animal control" varies HUGELY from one area to another. Different states have different laws and even within a state, levels of enforcement can be totally different in different areas. Most animal control officers, cruelty rescues etc. are SWAMPED as a result of hay prices, drought, the economy and lack of funding for staff and/or enforcement. Sometimes it can take a long time to get their attention and then actually taking action can take even longer.

I know for a fact that in our county, there is ONE person who responds to these problems in addition to his regular duties in law enforcement and that person has no experience with horses and there's no shelter for horses. Cats and dogs yes, but the county can't afford to take in horses. There's a private rescue organization that depends on donations and they are swamped.

You can't always depend upon "animal control" to take immediate action. Even if they have the resources and want to, state laws may make make it very difficult. I have no idea where Utah stands in regard to animal welfare, but I do know that some states do a MUCh better job than others. For a horse, it's very much the luck of the draw, depending on where he lives.