Pierce County Horse Summit-HELP

[wildwoman]

A couple months ago there was a horse summit hosted by the Pierce County Auditor's Office-in an attempt to understand why there are so many undercared for horses and what to do about it- first one was mostly information gathering-they are trying to figure how/what the county can do to help etc.
One thing that shocked me was the sheer number of "horse people" that equate slaughter-sending ones old sick or injured horse to the kill buyer with NO REMORSE with "humane euthanasia" and were VERY VOCAL about having this "right as an option" stripped away from them.
they have scheduled a second one for Gig harbor/KP I would like to see far more responsible people represented and also I am going to call and email Pat's office Monday to provide her with a little heads up as to what this actually entails-I know some people on here have links to actual facts and websites that I can forward to Lisa Drury and Pat Mc Carthy at the Auditor's office.
This is scheduled for August 22

The Pierce County Auditor's Animal Services and WSU Pierce County Extension are holding a Horse Summit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road KPN, Vaughn.
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> The summit is an opportunity for horse owners to share concerns and comments and to work with local officials on the challenges of owning horses. We are looking for partners and resources to assist us in addressing the problem of a growing population of under-cared-for horses.
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> If you own or board a horse in Pierce County, please consider attending this important meeting. RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Lisa Drury at 253-798-2118 or [e-mail].
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> A previous Horse Summit was held in Graham in April. The 2nd Horse Summit is being convened due to requests from members of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula horse community. Click here www.piercecountywa.org/pc/abtus/ourorg/aud/animalservices.htm for more information and a recap of the April 15th Graham Horse Summit.
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[hayforhorses - The Food Angel]

Isn't there a video that shows exactly the horrible way that horses are killed? Maybe if that is showed at those meetings, people would change their minds??? re: "One thing that shocked me was the sheer number of "horse people" that equate slaughter-sending ones old sick or injured horse to the kill buyer with NO REMORSE with "humane euthanasia" and were VERY VOCAL about having this "right as an option" stripped away from them."

Aimee

[wildwoman]

That's what I wanted to share with the folks from the county BEFORE the event-so when they stand there and let everyone have their say-they will understand exactly what slaughter entails. If everyone that wanted to drive a car did so safely to the letter of the law-we would have no need for the State Patrol, if everyone that procreated educated themselves and dedicated time and resources to raising that child DID SO-we would have no need for CPS-
Horse ownership is NOT an inaleable right-if one can't commit to house, care for and feed properly one's animals-one should not own them. Education is vital-but how to approach these people-and with what tools? how and when do the rest of us step in? What should the county do BEFORE we get to some of these situations that end up on the 6'O'clock news?-or worse-people drive by every day afraid to step in or don't know how to start the converstaions.
People stood there and said they just didn't have the money anymore to buy hay at the prices nowadays, couldn't afford the vet for their beloved retired horse, and the only option they saw to end life was a sale to the slaughter buyer cause no one else would buy their horse.
UMMMMMM HEL-LOOOOOO!!!!! IF YOUR HORSE IS THAT SICK/OLD/IN PAIN......-EUTHINASIA IS THE RESPONSIBLE THING-don't wait until the poor animal's heart gives out from stress/pian etc.
Is anyone else planning on going to this meeting? Will be there-hope a few more locals can go too!
Lisa

[wildwoman]

OK-so no one here gives a rip? come on people-let's get involved-of you know good resources for meds/hay/vets that are willing to do group care/education & shots to help defray cost of farm call-lets compile that info-they want people to share information and resources and get on the same page.
They are looking for community volunteers to help with outreach and education. etc-I stopped by Pat's office yesterday and as of then only 15 people had contacted them about the forum.
There is so much knowledge and sharing on here-I would like to see F2F involvment within the community as well!!!! Let's do something to alleviate the need for rescue as much as we can!
Lisa

[figi]

How did this go last night?

[wildwoman]

good-now to just get more people involved.......

[figi]

Are they going to have it again in this area? I would like to come to one.

[wildwoman]

the forum it's self was information gathering stage-what are the causes of the problems/what can be done about it....there will be long term ongoing involvment with the auditor's office now that they are in charge of animal control in the county. They are looking for community volunteers on several different levels-some hands on -boots on the ground in the field stuff/some possibly virtual support much as what happens on this forum (education/resource sharing/foster system needed and who can help etc...)
This is all very positive action that will not happen overnight and certainly not very effective without some volunteer help.