The bucolic setting belied the horror beyond the front gates. The Pasado’s Safe Haven Posse, Pasado’s humane investigators, arrived at the Washington state farm after receiving a tip from an eye-witness to an act of animal cruelty.  When the Posse' figured out a way to gain access to the barns and fields, what they found confirmed the caller’s description.  Animals were in peril. 

A stallion dying of neglect, lying in mud and garbage. In the same filthy barn at least a hundred rabbits stuffed in cages living in their own feces without any food or water.  Many had open sores.  More animals were found, including goats, dogs, llamas, chickens and turkeys. One goat was particularly underweight and weak.

Our Posse' members consisted of Carol and David, two seemingly innocent 50-something folks, who looked like the average couple. The house where the animals lived, was up for sale; Carol and David pretended to be potential buyers - with digital camera in hand.

Pasado’s conducted the investigation, documented the deplorable conditions and called in an animal cruelty report to 911 as soon as they left the premises.  This horse needed immediate medical help.  The call was forwarded to the local governing authority, Snohomish County Animal Control. We had the pictures.  They had to respond.  Without the proof we provided there is serious doubt that an eye-witness account alone would be enough probable cause, as defined by Animal Control, to enter the premises.

Pasado’s Posse' members remained near the farm to make sure the call for help was heeded. There was no way we could allow this once magnificent stallion to live through another desperate night in needless pain. Being the "squeaky wheel" worked - local authorities were on the scene within a couple of hours. 

After many follow-up calls we were informed, to our relief, that a vet was called and the horse was euthanized that evening.   Had it not been for the tip that came in from a caring individual and the fast action of the Pasado’s humane investigators, the horse may have suffered for many days.  Only then would death give him what his human would not, release from his agony.

We work to rescue animals first and foremost, but there are situations when our first priority is to give an animal peace.  Our only regret is that someone who cared could not be at the side of this brave animal when that peace came at last.

Pasado’s is pushing for animal cruelty charges to be filed against the owner on behalf of that horse who was made to endure what no animal should. We'll need your help when the time comes.  Please stay tuned for more on this case.

Without your support for the Posse' and Pasado’s rescue efforts, calls for help like this will go unanswered.  Please help us continue this vital work. Make a donation - you'll pay for gas for us to drive to a cruelty site, help pay a vet bill - and you will be as big a part of the solution as any of us. And if you live in Washington State and want to be part of our Pasado Posse' and help with undercover investigations, e-mail us here.

It’s a gift that will bring life or peace to an animal in need.