OK, but I still don't really feel I have an answer to my
question. There's my standards of care, and then somewhere below that there's
what the typical owner does, and then below that there's neglect, and then
abuse.
For example, our horses (even the one that is retired)
never go more than 8 weeks without farrier care. Some people think 12 weeks is
OK (IMHO, this is borderline OK), others go to twice a year (bad, but is it
abuse?). Where do you draw the line? When should animal control be
involved?
BTW, in terms of "bring it on" - our truck got keyed on 3
panels. $700 worth of damage unless we can get it fixed cheap. I'm not sure
which of 2 neighbors did it. Even if I knew, then there's doing anything about
it. Happened right after the incident with the neighbor's horses. I'm not
especially up for putting my property and animals at risk if it isn't going to
help anything. I'll take some substantial risks if I think it is going to
help.
BTW2, I used the term "ratting out" because that's what the
person who started this question about the pony used. A failed attempt at
humor...
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Paddi Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 8:17 AM To:
ridecamp Subject: [RC] ratting out
Since we are small children we are
taught not to tattle.
So when we grow up that is brain
washed very deep.
If you do not take action when
action is needed then you are as guilty of abuse or neglect as the person
doing it.
Just the term ratting out makes it
sound like you think calling authoritative is wrong
I do not call it ratting I call it
taking affirmative action.
I personally do not hide behind the
anonymity clause I let the person know it was me who called.
Also when you register a complaint
do not then get on chat lines, tell all your friends, confront the persons
involved.
Many cases get screwed up by
not letting animal control do the job. It takes time to win a case. They need
to make sure everything is in order or it will get thrown out of
court.
