Yakima Rescue News Article

[kidznhorses]

I hope this article doesn't come across as tooting my own horn. Especially since I haven't been on the board much lately. I've just been SO darn busy. Guess we all have been, though.

www.yakimaherald.com/stories/2009/02/10/equine-expenses-and-the-evaporating-economy

When you read this article. Please keep in mind the discrepancies. I did NOT say my rescuing days are over and I am NOT keeping all of the rescue horses in my possession. I am constantly trying to re-home, but this reporter didn't do me any favors in that department. Other than that, I guess she did a fairly good job. Oh, but she didn't give people who need to give up their horses any options! I gave suggestions, but she didn't list them! And euthanasia in our area is NOT as expensive as she stated. Well under $500, including disposal. Less than half that price! I gave her figures but she must have thrown them out. Another thing that REALLY irritated me was our Animal Control Officer. Saying that he hasn't heard of the unwanted horse problem getting any worse! Yet Chuck Walker says he is turning horses away! Okay. All in all, I am extremely frustrated!

MTA: And I made sure she knew slaughter houses are inhumane and not the answer, but it sure didn't come across that way.

[mickeyfan3]

You could always write a friendly, emphasise friendly, letter to the editor, as well as post online, what wasn't brought up or correct any discrepancies. You might want to call her first to see if she could post the changes herself.

[kidznhorses]

Yes! I was thinking of perhaps asking the paper to post something like a retraction that said the info was wrong and I am still willing to help those in need. Even if I can't take their horses! I just didn't want to come down hard on the reporter as she wrote a really nice article about our rescue horse and kids program last August. Plan B is writing a letter to the editor and pointing some of these things out.

[pokicowgirl]

Our hero Kerry ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[halfwayhome]

K- Call me, saw the article, am proud of you gal. I do agree it was weird the way she wrote it considering how things really are, you would think they would want to discuss alternatives and suggestions. However, I already think this AC and officer are worthless around here. He talks about penalties etc for animal cruelty charges, etc, but they never go after anyone, even when reported. And as far as his take on not seeing much problems here, I told my DH that if that is what the AC guy thinks he is in lala land and not reality. As far as Euthanasia and disposal, it can be done for a little over $100 in this county if not counting hauling to the landfill. Vet charges around $80 and the landfill is $25. If you call ahead, the landfill people are very nice and have a hole ready for you;
The reporter also makes it sounds like Chuck just "takes them in" when in reality he is a slaughter buyer.

[wildwoman]

There is a link to click on and leave comments-didn't see anything added there-not sure if it was because I wasn't loggen to an account? That might be one place to leave addendum notes?

[agilitygal]

Write your own letter to the editor and ask to be contacted.

[luvmypaints]

it's a good article, it's just too bad the reporter left out some vital info...

[kidznhorses]

Thanks guys! I am going to write a letter to the editor. I want to make sure people know they can contact me if they are trying to rehome their horses in this area. Chuck's is not the only option!

You are SO correct, Heidi. I swear we have the worst AC officer on the planet. I plan on having a chat with our Sheriff about him because he needs to know what is really going on. The AC guy doesn't have a clue when it comes to horses!