History of Jack Rider Case: October, 2007

Season of Giving?

In this Season of Giving, it is especially hard to take seeing an animal cruelty case like those of us at Pasado's Safe Haven witnessed today.  At a time where it seems that most everyone is a little more focused on kindness and giving, how could someone just stop feeding their animals and let them starve to death?

We received a call from King County Animal Control about animals who were suffering just like this in Covington, WA.  Animal Control was notified because a horse was down, unable to stand anymore because it was so malnourished that it did not have the strength to stand.

That horse laid here in this spot for days where it had nothing else to eat but this tree. 

Animal Control was able to rescue him and provided him with food and loving care.  "He just laid on his side and ate.  He didn't want to die," said Animal Control Officer, Janee.

They did everything they could but the call had come too late and the horse had endured too much neglect. He sadly passed away.
We are so very thankful that Animal Control did contact us about the surviving animals because today we were able to work together to save the remaining 24 alleged starving animals! Amongst the rescued were calves, horses, goats, geese, chickens, and a llama.  Many of the animals were very young.

What we found when we arrived were what appeared to be absolutely horrible living conditions- tiny pens that goats and sheep were kept cooped up in, empty food containers, and pastures of full of mud and feces.

Seen here is an empty food dispenser which is only holding rain soaked leaves and mud. 
In the background is a very small pen where several goats were kept.

Animal Control officers discovered what looked to be a fresh grave.  Upon further investigation, they found the tiny calf, below, which contained no fat on its body whatsoever. It appeared to have allegedly starved to death.

Sadly, with livestock, it is hard to often tell just by looking if an animal is starving. It is not as apparent as it would be with a cat or dog.  The only reason that someone noticed that something was wrong with these animals is because the horse was actually laying down and unable to stand.  We are thankful that person decided to do something about it and made the call.  Pasado's Safe Haven is always ready to help animals like this that are not able to speak for themselves. 

It broke our hearts that we could not reach him in time.  He must have known these two little sweethearts that we were able rescue today.  Although they do not appear to be suffering or emaciated from appearance, all you would feel would be skin and bones if you were able to reach out and touch them.

Look at those sweet faces!  Two rescued sheep

When the animals arrived at the sanctuary and given food and water, they did not lift their heads away from their meal for any interruption -  not for the shutting of the cage doors, the bright lights of the media cameras and flashlights, not to even take a peek at the Pasado's volunteers and staff who were there caring for them.  The chickens drank an entire bowl of water in a half hour- something we have never seen.  As happy as we were to provide for them, seeing this only reminded us of how much they had suffered.

It is only because of people like you, that take the time to be a part of Pasado's and read our stories, and donate that we are able to be the difference between life and death for these animals.  

...And not ready to stop eating any time soon!

• Animal Control is actively working on the animal cruelty case

• If found guilty, the alleged animal abuser could face a hefty fine and up to 5 years in prison

• All 24 animals have been checked out by a vet.  We want to send a special thanks to our Equine Vet, Dr. Dana, who has readily made herself available to help us with these animals.  We appreciate your care, concern and flexibility!

Please continue to follow this story as we will provide updates.

Would you like to help? We are looking for assistance with the following:

• Donations to help us cover the cost of vet care of the 24 rescued animals.
  
  Please click here to donate.

• Gift Certificates from Monroe Farm and Feed to help us feed the 24 rescued animals.  Please call today to order us  Monroe Farm & Feed Gift Certificates- 360-794-4663, Charge by phone.