IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS BLOG, PLEASE GO TO ORIGINAL POST FIRST: THE SAD STORY OF TREMBLY’S TINY TRAILS
Who Wrote and published this statement?
”In Uniontown Kansas a near disaster was averted by compassionate horses lovers raising an alarm and then coming to the rescue of a man and his too many miniature horses. On September 17 a cry for help was issued by Chances Miniature Horse Rescue when it was notified of the plight of nearly 100 miniatures horses severely undernourished and in visibly poor condition. Through the joint efforts of caring Kansas citizens, Southern Winds Equine Rescue and Recovery Center, Chances Miniature Horse Rescue, Windingroad Rescue, Kansas Miniature Horse Club and numerous other groups 16 horses in the worst condition have been voluntarily surrendered by owner Vernon Trembly. Trembly, 71, has devoted his life to his herd of miniature horses and found himself unable to provide the care needed to keep his beloved animals healthy. The local sheriff had a Kansas State University veterinarian examined the balance of the herd and announced that they were NOT in imminent danger. Trembly has been told that he must reduce the number of animals he owns and clean all of the debris from his property. Donations of money, services, feed, medicine, equipment and support items have come to the rescue groups from around the world to help the Trembly minis. Work days are being organized for Sunday, October 14 and Saturday, October 27 to assist in cleaning up the property for the safety of the animals and to haul in hay and feed to assist the elderly man. Victor McMullen of Southern Winds Rescue is organizing a schedule for regular visits to assist in the care of the animals. Virigina St. Pierre of Chances Miniature Horse Rescue is working to identify buyers and foster homes to assist Trembly in reducing the size of his herd. Local miniature horse lovers have offered to provide mare care for his pregnant mares so they may safely give birth to healthy foals. Offers for purchase of his excessive herd are flowing from around the world. Rather than stripping Trembly of his life long companions, the miniature horse community is coming to his aid.”
A different twist on the “rescue” of Trembly’s horses seems to be popping up on various websites. The above statement was apparently posted on craigslist. The listing has expired. I also found it on a forum website called STUMBLEUPON and a member with the user ID of “Slipped”. ”Slipped” describes himself as: “danny is a 62 year old guy from Wellington, Kansas, USA.” Here is the link: http://slipped.stumbleupon.com/tag/animals/
I also found this statement posted and described as a press release on a forum website called The Bubbler.
What a coincidence – Southern Winds Equine Rescue owned by Victor McMullen is also located in Wellington, KS.
A reference to a rescue organization called Winding Road Equine Rescue was included in this “press release”. Because I had never heard of this rescue organization, I decided to research it. Internet search engines only came up with one reference to the name in a forum thread that is discussing horse slaughter dated Sept. 24, 2007:
Kristin Chambers
Winding Road Equine Rescue and Retirement
Waverly, Kansas
see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorsePolitics101/message/2675
There is no website for Winding Road Equine Rescue or any other variation of the name. There is no telephone listing for Winding Road or Kristin Chambers in Waverly, KS that I can find.
Kristin Chamber’s profile has been removed from Horse Politics 101 website, but it used to show that she used the email address narrativedistance@…….
A quick check for user ID narrativedistance on You Tube turned up this: http://youtube.com/profile?user=NARRATIVEDISTANCE It shows that she joined You Tube on Sept. 25, 2007. Her favorite video list contains four horse rescue videos, one of which happens to be the You Tube Video about Trembly Tiny Trails.
She made numerous posts on a miniature horse forum. Her profile on that forum shows that she joined it on Oct. 9, 2007. Once again, the date is well after Sept. 17th when CMHR went public with their accusations against Trembly’s Tiny Trails. Kristin uses the ID name of windingroad, and her posting signature includes Winding Road Equine Rescue and Retirement Center. The last time that I looked at her profile on this website, it indicated that she is located in a time zone that is one hour ahead of Waverly Kansas. I suppose that could be due to a computer glitch or accidental oversight when she filled out her profile information. Here are a few of her posts on this miniature horse forum:
I am a very new shelter in Kansas (and new to this forum) about two hours from Uniontown. I’ll be heading out shortly to add to the eyes that can hopefully report back to those so far away.I’m not going with any agenda, other than to aid however I can in securing care for the horses. It is my hope they are seized, because I would like to see the laws enforced that were put in place to protect them and others like them.
Kristin Chambers
Winding Road Equine Rescue & Retirement
IF A FEW PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO SEND E-MAIL ADDRESSES, I CAN TRY TO SEND PICTURES FROM MY CAMERAPHONE. HOWEVER, I WILL BE LEAVING IN THE NEXT HALF HOUR.
I know there are so many people concerned and curious about what is happening and what will happen to the herd that has become known as the “Kansas minis.” I have way more questions than answers. But I do know that no matter where you stand on this issue, you want to know what is going on and you deserve to know. I arrived at Trembly’s Tiny Trails late morning with two big bales of premium horse forage and an empty trailer. I was accompanied by two new volunteers and two kids. SWER was on site and we were later joined by Deputy Gray. I didn’t have much of an opportunity to visit with anybody, so didn’t pose any questions I wish I could have. About four hours later, we left with two stallions and two geldings. One gelding is FAT. The other is okay. The stallions I was able to buy were black and Paint (or is that pinto in miniature horse world?) The spotted one has already been picked up and is making his way to the Kansas City area. He does not appear to be in ill health. The black one is thin and blind in one eye. I was able to get papers on the two stallions. Another volunteer put up temporary digs while I was on the road. All have shelter, water and piles of prairie hay.These are unbelievably difficult negotiations. We don’t hold many cards at this point. I had hoped for more with less, but I did the best I could.
Kristin Chambers
I know how concerned everyone is, so I wanted to post I have three geldings here. They’re doing well so far and will see the vet at 2:00 this afternoon. Thanks to CMHR and SWER.
Kristin Chambers
Winding Road Equine Rescue & Retirement
Pea Eye, General and Bob saw a vet today. His opinion was 1) they are all senior citizens! 2) that explains their thinness-they were unable to vie for themselves at the feed bunk as well as the younger stronger horse. His prognosis was very optimistic for all three.Two of them are going to what sounds to me like an experienced and wonderfully indulgent forever home.As for Pea Eye, this is his last stop–his forever home. I look forward to many moons with him–and I imagine he does, too.
Kristin Chambers
Winding Road Equine Rescue & Retirement
So who is Kristin Chambers, and where is Winding Road Equine Rescue? What has Winding Road Rescue – rescued in the past? Where did the money come from that was supposedly used to purchase these horses? Were they purchased on behalf of CMHR ? She indicates that only one of the horses is going to permanently stay with her. Where were the other ones sent?
I found some other posts concerning Kristin that may shed some light on these questions:
Dec. 2, 2007 by Connie P. “We finally have our two geldings that we purchased from Mr. Trembly home! I want to publicly thank Kristin for picking them up for us and keeping them at her farm for about a month before transport could bring them to us.”
See: http://www.miniaturehorsetalk.com/index.php?showtopic=86760&h1=kristin for photos of these two buckskin geldings.
By Kristin:
I have made an attempt to get answers for the questions looming–as of yet, to no avail. I’ll keep trying.
I am housing a 1999 black stallion and roan gelding, in addition to the buckskin geldings, and a palomino gelding I am fostering. Just wanted to let ya’ll know there are no outward problems and all have settled in. I’m calling the roan Sparky–for obvious reasons!
The new ones were not even the best of the worst. The palomino and black need some weight, especially the black. The roan is “sparky”–he had easily made his way to the feed bunk. He does not at all look like a rescue horse.
Although these guys weren’t in trouble, they are gtting quality feed and hay, lots of scratches and pets and already they are on their way to new, better lives.
I’m not done yet.
Then another post by Kristin:
“will try to acclimate myself from the photos when I go back this Sunday for those interested in certain horses and their availability and whereabouts. I have a hay donation for the herd and hope to pick up a little gelding I asked Vern to save back for me. Ginny stated: You’re already hooked. 10-4 good buddy!!
I’m not sure what happened to the hay donation that she mentions above unless she attempted to barter for the gelding with it. I asked Vern Trembly if he recognized the name Kristin Chambers. He told me that she was among the hordes of people that showed up trying to buy horses after this story became a world wide news sensation. He said that she gave him a check in the amount of $1,600 for the purchase of 5 or 6 horses and it bounced!
I specifically remember the palomino gelding because someone else stopped by and wanted to purchase it. Vern said “some little girl came by and said that she just loved him, so I promised him to her.” When asked if she had paid for the palomino or been in contact about him recently, he said no, but he didn’t want to go back on his word and disappoint her.
Here is what I am deducing from this information. I may be wrong. CMHR and SWER were ordered to stay away from Trembly’s farm. Vern Trembly was specifically advised not to sell or give away any more horses to anyone connected with theses rescue organizations.
We have Ginny St. Pierre’s own words: “And Yes, CMHR has purchased 5 of the minis with funds donated especially for that purpose. The others were purchased by individuals and some turned over to CMHR and some kept by the buyers.”
And then we have this interesting comment posted by someone else on a different forum:
It looks like they have hit a roadblock in being able to get more horses today . Here is an update from Ginny (CMHR) that was posted on their forum.Update from Virginia:
Today was not as productive as Ginny, along with Victor’s group, had hoped. She and Wendi arrived at Mr. Trembly’s mid morning. One of Victor’s coordinators was already there. He had six horses, thought to be surrenders, in a pen near the front of the property. While the coordinator was on the phone with Sheriff Coleman, 2 of his deputies drove up. They quickly asked Ginny, Wendi and Victor’s people to leave the property. They were told that no horses would be taken from Mr Trembly’s farm before November 7th. The sheriff will oversee the feeding and care of the horses, once again. Before everyone was asked to leave, a lady named Kristin managed to get three horses from Mr Trembly directly. Kristen is Winding Road Rescue and Retirement Center.
So they used Kristen Chambers to purchase horses? Is that it? Not just horses that seemed to be in need, but specific horses that people on this forum saw pictures of and wanted to buy – even two matched buckskin horses that were part of a team that was Vern’s pride and joy?
WHO IS KRISTIN CHAMBERS?
I can’t even count the times that Vern showed me this photo and described his pride in his buckskin horses. He always said “I had the only 6 horse matched buckskin team in the country.” He said repeatedly that he did not want to part with any buckskins.
Had Kristen mentioned that she was acting in the capacity of Winding Road Rescue or in connection with any other rescue organization, I don’t believe that Vern Trembly would have sold horses to her.
It also seems to me that everyone put a lot of blind faith and trust forward with regard to Kristen Chambers. She pops into a forum on Oct. 9th claiming to operate an equine rescue center, and I can’t find a telephone listing for it or any other information. It kind of reminds me of launching a You Tube Video and a world wide plea to save 100 starving miniature horses on the basis of a phone call and a few photos from Ronni Feldon without checking out her or her claims first.
To date, these rescue organizations have not provided any help or donations for the horses living on Trembly’s farm. They claim that all donations are being used for the horses that were surrendered to them which technically numbered at only 11. They have no interest in seeing to the needs of any horses on Trembly’s farm that they cannot sieze. The only help or donations that Mr. Trembly has received has come from local citizens in the community, and an organization called Mare Stare Cares. Mare Stare Cares raises money to help equine owners that do not have the financial means to provide for their horses with special needs. Link: http://www.marestarecares.com/Caring%20page.htm
Meanwhile, the equine rescue organizations tried to demand seizure of the herd from the very beginning. They disparaged local law enforcement for not taking action before their accusations could even be substantiated. They stated publicly that the entire herd was to be placed into their possession and started to solicite donations on this basis before ever stepping foot in to the state of Kansas. The worst part is that they risked a man’s life by inciting hatred, and then publishing his name, address, and directions to his farm all over the web. This dangerous and potentially deadly approach to animal rescue would have been wrong regardless if any accusations were true or not. I created this blog with the hope that other animal rescue organizations will take heed on this issue. When did seeking publicity, donations, and pats on the back become more important than helping to see to the needs of animals viewed to be in a bad situation? When did it become ok for self proclaimed animal rescuers to disregard due process of law and try to act as both judge and jury without the benefit of any investigation or explanation from the accused?
CMHR’s mission statement posted Oct. 23, 2003:
.Recently there has been some concern over what to do concerning rescue situations and trying to get CMHR involved. As a result, we are going to try to clarify how to best handle the situation so that CMHR has the best chance at helping the horses without judging the owners.All of us find that when we hear about a horse in need and a bad situation we tend to react with anger. This is not the way to get anything done about the situation, and that if we all stop long enough to re-read CMHR’s Mission Statement, we will actually cool off some and start to think with our heads, and not with our hearts. The part in bold is what we all must keep in mind or we will not be able to help the miniature horse in need.Mission Statement:Chance’s Miniature Horse Rescue is a not for profit organization dedicated to the well-being of all miniature horses. Our goal is to rehabilitate abused, neglected, or unwanted miniature horses through the charitable works of our members, sponsors, foster and adoptive homes. Surrendered miniature horses will be accepted without judgment. CMHR seeks to better the lives of all miniature horses through the constant promotion and education of responsible miniature horse ownership and breeding practices.Remember, it is critical to NOT judge. This is the only way that we are going to get people to trust us. This is and will be the foundation of our success. If we fail to keep that promise of not judging others, we will fail the horses as the owners won’t even think to come to us for help BEFORE the animal is in a severely needy state.Next, once you have decided that this is truly a needy case, you should contact the Board of Directors (BOD) of CMHR with the situation.Please be fully prepared to share the facts with the BOD. It is helpful if you have contact information for the owners, and pictures of the horse(s) and the situation of the horse(s) in need. With pictures, it helps us to assess the situation and to know how quickly we have to act.Following your contact with the BOD, the BOD will post necessary information on the case here on the rescue forum. The BOD will if needed, ask for the help for foster homes, transport, funds, and any other things that may be required. CMHR will not post the specifics on a public forum, but will be glad to answer questions in a private setting. Remember, this is where the trust issue comes in. We must gain and keep the trust of those who are voluntarily coming to us.Also, the BOD will keep the person reporting the case informed by email or phone calls of what is happening. Now, if CMHR is unable to accept a case, then it is fine for you to ask on the CMHR forum for ideas on how to help. BUT please remember, by posting on this forum, you are representing what CMHR is all about. So please be very careful to NOT judge others as CMHR does not want to be in a situation where we are asked to sensor any post. And feel free to chat about general rescue situations and how to handle them, but make sure that you are not pointing fingers at anyone.This forum is a wealth of knowledge, and can be a very big asset to the plight of the Miniatures in need. Let’s treat it as a treasure so that others will want to visit us and ask for ideas on how to help. So please remember, CMHR and its members are here to help, not judge.Thank You for your understanding and for helping us help the Miniatures!sincerely,
CMHR Board.
and in other posted comments:
“we have become a professional organization with the know-how to help both the miniatures in need and their owners.”
“We do not judge, we do not give out names, we just care for the horses and get them into permanent homes. This has always been our way. However, this situation was dire and needed drastic measures. It was not to disparage Mr Trembly IT WAS TO SAVE THESE STARVING MINIS. “
Ginnie St. Pierre, CMHR President
CMHR requires a $25 membership fee from potential foster homes. Their foster home application states:
1) Once a foster family agrees to foster an equine they are responsible for all usual maintenance costs of the equine including boarding fees, grain, hay, paste de-wormer, farrier, and other usual and customary costs excluding veterinary expenses. CMHR will be responsible for veterinary expenses incurred by the mini according to the Veterinary Procedures Policy.
By the way, the photo of the little 30″ tall palomino stallion at the top of the page is a horse that I got attached to while helping out on the Trembly Farm. I purchased him for $1,000. Would these rescue organizations or the “good samaritins” that showed up to help out by “taking some horses off Trembly’s hands” think that he is worth that much? Probably not, but he is to me. His registered name is Moonshine, but I call him Butterball. He certainly wasn’t starved while on Trembly’s farm. On the contrary, he is over weight. He is a half brother to a horse that Vern said came up missing from his farm in October. That missing horse looks identical to a horse that was pictured on CMHR’s Forum website and referred to as “The Hitchhiker” . They have stated publicly (online) that “The Hitchhiker” was picked up on the side of the road near Trembly’s farm.
“Rather than stripping Trembly of his life long companions, the miniature horse community is coming to his aid” – I cannot imagine who would have had the nerve to write such an outrageous and deceptive statement.
Anette, instead of continuing your farce here, I am assuming, since you say you speak to Mr. T “weekly” (your words) that you are aware that the shelters have all come down during the recent storm. The “two barns” that you stated had been built, or one of you cohorts are you cached blogs, never seem to have existed. Please, since you say you are helping this man, round up some folks and go and help him put his shelters back up for the horses. They need shelters or something with this horrible weather. Apparently he is looking for people to help him. Give him a call.
Comment by yougotproblems — December 18, 2007 @ 6:07 am
I am really confused at to why this blog is deemed to be a farce. It never ceases to amaze me how some people can find a way to repudiate anything that doesn’t fit with their own tunnel vision on an issue. You need to get a life and get off the backs of the people who are on the ground seeing and doing at the Trembly farm. You personally have no first hand information on anything to do with this situation at all. Time you faced up to that and ended this ridiculous obsession you have with proving something that isn’t provable and defending the actions of those that are indefensible.
To Annette. Thank you for your updates and your new little guy looks might fine!
Comment by Who really has the problem? — December 18, 2007 @ 6:58 am
this is Danielle from work, hence the different name in case you start insinuating things again. Why is it a farce Annette. Because you lie. First you and your cohorts say all kinds of things with a spin on it. You called the rescues N-z-s, you called the individual who reported this to the rescues a N-z-i. You say they were all old horses, they weren’t. You say there was nothing wrong with them. There was with many, vet reports confirm this. You say they were sick because of worms, partial truth, much more to it than that! We were told by one of your cohorts he/she had bought them all, which of course in untrue…I could go on and on and on. I don’t believe a darn thing you say anymore. The shelters the supposed two barns, etc. etc. What a crock of crap. You said you were talking to Mr. T. weekly. Then you know that he needs help, has been looking for help to put back the shelters that have fallen down, there never were any “barns” put up. So go help him, stop wasting your time here and do what you said you were doing or is that a lie as well. Oh and I guess your word on the other blog saying you were done with posting against others, etc. another lie.
Comment by ifonly — December 18, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
A temporary canvas shelter at the front of the property was taken down by me and Mr. T just before the first snow because there were high winds, and it was also not rated for heavy snow load. You fail to realize that there are 80 acres of land there and not all can be seen from the road or especially from Canada. I’ve never seen the horses enter either one of the shelters, they seem to prefer the thick trees at the back of the property.
Furthermore, I can back up everything that I’ve written on this website. You might want to be careful about publicly calling someone a liar.
Mr. T and his horses are doing fine for now. Yes, I think that he may need some help from time to time, and we certainly intend to see that he gets it.
As for name calling, you might want to think back on all that you posted about this man on different websites. You also might want to read up on the 2006 U. S. Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act: http://www.theorator.com/bills109/s3880.html
This blog was not intended to be about whether Mr. T. was negligent or not. It is about how this case was handled. Someone show me one other case where a rescue organization published accusations along with an owner’s name and address on a world wide media before seeing the situation in person or talking to local law enforcement first. All one has to do is read the hundreds of pages of public conversations (meaning conversations among the general public) that were online to see that it incited such anger and hatred that Mr. T.’s physical safety could have been jeopardized. It got so out of hand that there was talk of stealing the horses, stealing the feed supplies to make things look bad, and hiring helecopters to watch him! Do you think that Mr. T. doesn’t have a case here to fight back? He is a gentle soul, and it is not his way. I, however, am not that nice.
Comment by kswatcher — December 18, 2007 @ 9:36 pm
Calling someone a liar is NOT LIABLE. Do you need our lawyer to contact you again!!!! Calling people and organizaton “N-Z-S” IS SLANDER AND LIBELOUS!! You truly can’t be THAT naive. Well I find it intereting that Victor is in contact with the DA about the shelter issue, etc. Oh for God sakes. Nobody is trying to “steal” these horses, get off of it. People and rescues have PAID to rescue these animals and have furhter PAID to get the necessary vet help they needed when the owner didn’t and wouldn’t. The only person obsessed here is you. Do a search and all that comes up are your lies. I thought the horses were all bought, or so one of you cohorts said she/he had bought them all. What happened with that? Tell us, we would like to know what story will be fabricated now. I am sorry but if you think people are hiring helicopters, and stealing his feed, than I truly do feel sorry for you and I am being very serious and suggest you contact some help for yourself.
comment edited for the protection of person posting
Comment by ifonly — December 18, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
I responded to your initial post and I am not Annette. There was just an update posted today from someone else who had visited the Trembly farm recently and as far as I know that individual does not even know Annette. Perhaps you would care to tell her she is lying too? Explain to me how it is that everyone who is going there and saying things are fine are liars. They are in a far better position than you are to judge the situation. When you are there on the ground with these folks you can comment. Otherwise anything you have to say is pure nonsense that is being fed by this unending obsession you have to tear down anyone associated with assisting Mr. Trembly. With the energy you have put in to these venomous activities you could have eliminated world hunger by now. So undertake that will you please and channel your anger in to something positive.
Comment by Who really has the problem? — December 18, 2007 @ 10:08 pm
Did I say the word libel? Don’t think so. Did I say people were stealing horses or hiring helecopters? No. I said that there were online conversations by the public talking about such plans after so much anger and hatred was created. If I recall, it was after an “update” on the situation when the public was informed “for a fact” that horses had been moved. Believe me, I don’t need to fabricate anything.
Comment by kswatcher — December 18, 2007 @ 10:11 pm
I have followed this trembly case from the first post on another forum, the whole thing is a joke, a witch hunt, I have seen all the pictures and read every post, even the ones that where removed. Some of the people involved in this so called rescue seemed so much smarter then to do something like this. These type of people scare me as they tend to get the sent of blood and go crazy. I watched in dismay as memebers picked out horses they would like, love those buckskins don’t they, and the palaminos, oh yes they love those too. Who has all of these horses now? Some we know where and some we don’t. I also LOVE the statement “do you need our lawyer to contact you again!!!” What a brat, did I hear a nah-nah-nah-nah-nah with that…grow up and let me know when you start working on that world hunger thing, I’d like to help.
Comment by pooryou — December 19, 2007 @ 6:36 am
Cool. the games are starting back up. more evening entertainment. Hey CANADA, bring on some more genius statements. You are more entertaining than police scanner picking up cordless phones.
Comment by Midnite Master — December 20, 2007 @ 6:06 am
I am Leslie Whye, treasurer of Mare Stare Cares. I personally stay in contact with Mr. Trembly on a regular basis, as well as the Sherriff, Sherriff Deputy, and County Attorney. While I don’t like to get into public dispute, I do take great offense Danielle, that you are still continuing this banter of sorts. You see, Mare Stare Cares was my brain child that started last year when we watched a colt come into this world and quickly turn septic. I was joined by several other people after voicing my idea, and we have continued to make it a great success. While there are outright abuse cases which are just disgusting, there sre others cases where people just get down on their luck and are victims of circumstance. When you come up on these cases, many times you will find that these owners will absolutely in a heart beat go without just so their animals can eat. Such is the case of Vern Trembly. Society often forgets that there is a human side to these cases and all the trials and tribulations they’ve gone through to keep what they have. So that’s where Mare Stare Cares steps in. We don’t hand people money. We HELP them get back on their feet by helping with vet bills and emergency situations, but it goes further than that. Education and the heart to know and understand what they’ve been through. How can we insure better equine owners if we don’t educate? It’s not about how many people we know or meet. It’s whether or not WE consider OURSELVES blessed for having met THEM, and making sure they don’t regret having met us. I have read all over the internet about how bad a person Mr. Trembly is, BUT what has he said about you?
Comment by yacowgirl — December 20, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Excellent post Leslie! You really got to the heart of the matter and heart is what it is all about at the end of the day.
Comment by Who really has the problem? — December 20, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
When I look at the case in Michigan, wouldn’t it have been so much better to work with the owners to correct perceived problems. In these types of cases involving large herds, there needs to be a non profit organization that can provide temporary stewardship – kind of like a Mare Stare type organization can can also act like a probation officer in order to provide both monetary help and guidance, but with the power to ensure that things stay on track. I don’t know how you keep corruptness out of animal rescue as long as there is money involved. In Michigan, they took a herd that was 90% healthy, gave them deplorable care, and then sold them at auction. How many of them went to slaughter? Along with these proceeds, there was an alleged half million in donations for the rescue group involved, a judgement for nearly $135,000 for the County, possibly the farm, and all of its equipment. Jackson County Michigan also sells animals from pound seizures to research labs. How hypocritical is that? Voluntary surrender is one thing, but there needs to be a lot more accountiblity when it comes to trying to seize animals. There also needs to be laws in place against releasing details and personal information on the accused before they are convicted in a court of law. I see no reason for creating a media frenzy other than to pull at the heart strings of the public in an effort to get donations. It may turn out that the accused is completely innocent, but they still get the donations out of it, don’t they? Animal abuse is an issue that probably inflames hatred more than the abuse or killing of human beings. The general public will always assume guilt. Leslie, is it time for a whole new type of animal assistance organization that County Animal Control Divisions can work with?
Comment by kswatcher — December 20, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
Leslie, you are a breath of fresh air! I live out on the west coast but have watched the Michigan case with horror and from what little I’ve seen of Mr. Trembly’s case, it had the potential to be just as bad. Looks like folks like yourself and some halfway sensible law enforcement folks have helped keep the damage down a bit. We had a recent case here where a gal had a beautiful herd of paints, had lost her partner/fiance to sudden death at the same time that the lease on her farm fell through. She worked hard at fostering her horses out on care leases to get down to a manageable herd until she could make better arrangements. She had handraised her horses and didn’t want to dump them at auction and not know they went to geood homes. All of her horses were in good shape but with wqinter coming on, she was worried. She had people threatening to call the humane society if she wouldn’t sell her horses to them for next to nothing. Those people are nothing more than vultures. It’s good to see there are folks like you and some of the Michigan folks who have come forward and tried to turn things around there. The goal should be healthy animals, not profiting from someone else’s misfortune. My hat is off to you!
Comment by karen benjamin — December 21, 2007 @ 4:25 am
I really don’t know what, how, or who would handle something like that Annette. It would take more help, bodies, and funds than MSC has at the moment. Granted, we’ve grown by leaps and bounds this year and have been able to help with over $4,000 in donations to equine owners. BUT spreading the word is the hardest part. There are certain critiria that have to be met as we’ve had to set new guidelines this year since we got burned. Long story and very sad. MSC has many knowledgeable horse people and vets at its side, and we spend man, MANY hours working not only to promote MSC, but helping to research new possibilities for treatment of equines and help make better equine owners. To make MSC a country wide known organization will take many years, but our determination keeps up going.
Karen and “Who really has the problem?”, thank you for your kind words. Its people like you who make the day worth while! We, as humans, so often spend all of our time concetrating on the bad that we have a difficult time hearing the good… we can’t see the forest for the trees. And to prove that, go watch your daily news cast tonight. We forget that we have neighbors. Heck, most people don’t even know their neighbors. We forget that there’s someone half a mile down the road suffering what we’ve suffered. We forget how much it hurt. And when we started up MSC, I realized my neighbors aren’t just next door to me. They’re in TX, OK, CA, and everywhere in between.
Comment by yacowgirl — December 27, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
It has been reported that Vern Trembly is adding to his herd. I will pray that this situation doesn’t become once again what is was. I hope “Mare Stare” is keeping an eye as has been reported here on the situation. It’s been over a year and we don’t need a repeat of what transpired before.
Comment by Danielle — November 24, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
KSwatcher, please contact me. I’m on Vern’s side in this and have info and we’re starting a blog.
Comment by Linda — August 16, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
kswatcher, please contact me. I have info for you and I am on Vern’s side.
Comment by Linda — August 16, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
Witch hunt. People showed up at Vern’s place and stole his best ponies.
Comment by Beanfarmer — October 22, 2009 @ 4:06 pm