Anatomy of a Search and Seizure 

Part two

Previously in the February issue we discussed detailed reports: taking pictures on every visit, recording dates and times,  follow ups, as well as owner education. E-mail  ihahs@home.com if you need a copy of part one of "Anatomy of a Search and Seizure". We'll be happy to e-mail a copy to you.

What to do if education has failed:

1. One of the options I did not cover in our first article was what to do if you cannot get action from county police officers. Take your reports and pictures to the State Police. Let them know you have genuine concerns and issues, and cannot get the county to take action. If that fails send copies of your material directly to the Animal Board of Health in your state. Every state has one for infectious disease control and livestock health regulation. You may also make a formal request to county or state police or prosecutors and judges to allow a full examination by a State or local vet. Veterinarians play an important role in determining the conditions and needs of animals. 

2. So Education has failed, don't feel bad this is a common occurrence as most offenders feel nothing will happen to them for their actions. Most offenders simply do not realized there are laws governing animal neglect or abuse. So when education fails, simply carry the investigation one step further. Explain to your prosecutors in detailed reports from the beginning, how the case got started, provide previous pictures and reports, demonstrate how long these animals have suffered already. Record deaths if any occurred. Report failures to comply with suggestions in providing nutrition, water, shelter, and ESPECIALLY report non compliance with herd reduction. If the animals are not improving, yet no effort has been made to reduce the herd numbers, or sell the animals, then that is a strong issue. The person is starving or abusing the animals and yet  still refuses to take the opportunity to make money and sell them, but would rather let them suffer in the name of love or what ever the excuses. You'd be surprised at how many offenders will claim with full blown tears they love their 30 + animals, each and every one and refuse to care for them, but also refuse to get rid of them. 

3. Search out foster homes if possible. One thing is for sure most counties do not have the funds or facilities to foster animals. Foster homes have to understand that the court may order these animals returned to the owner at anytime for any reason, and they may or may not be reimbursed for their expenses, (scary isn't it?).  Most Humane Societies are mainly geared toward small companion animals and do not have the money or facilities to house large animals either. So finding foster homes willing to keep animals for up to two years is important. Be sure to get references from vets and personal references from individuals who can attest to the care the foster applicant provides is own animals.

4. Let the authorities know there is a place for these animals to go and the county does not have to pay for their care. It's amazing how many counties will do something about large animal abuse if the financial burden of caring for the animals during recovery has been lifted from their shoulders. After proving the animals are in danger with detailed reports and pictures, then ask Authorities for a Search and Seizure. If the proof is strong enough and there are enough complaints that have been validated by qualified persons, such as Veterinarians ( State or otherwise), people how have specific knowledge and a good reputation in dealing with the type of animal you are concerned about, Law Enforcement Officials, or Animal Control Officers. Then a Search and Seizure is likely to be approved for the removal of the animals in the best interest of the safety and well being of the animals.

Common Excuses or Defense Statements:

Owners are inventive in explaining away the conditions of their animals. Here are some commonly heard excuses!

1. So and So down the road just turned me in because....... Usually some imagined offense is inserted here, leading up to the evidence of an on going neighbor war.

Agreed, we get a lot of neighbor wars or overly concerned citizens that don't know much about certain animals,  where reports and neglect are unfounded. But if the animals are indeed suffering, point out the person who brought this to you attention has some valid concerns because.......    ( don't ever release names of the reporters to the offender, only do that for the court or prosecutors if they want to know).

2. I keep my animals the natural way. All animals on the range lose weight and look skinny coming out of the winter months. Yes sir may animals are cared for just like they were living wild the way nature intended them too, to cull the weak and weary.  (My personal Favorite) This kind a treatment keeps my breeding stock healthy. 

Well, O.K. range animals are thinner and tougher than the gentile bred to perfection breeds of domestic animals, for sure. BUT range animals are in control of their own destiny, they live on cunning and sparse food. The decisions they make, or twist of fate nature deals them, either nets a bounty of food and keeps them safe,  or causes them to meet with their demise.  They are also able to travel hundreds or thousands of acres freely. They are thinner and fleet of foot because they have to out run predators. Once an animal is fenced in he doesn't have the opportunity to get his own food. The animal is solely dependant on what ever care the owner chooses to provide. That animal is no longer living the way nature intended, and is for as long is he remains contained, at the mercy of his owner.

3. I was told to do such and such by so and so....... I read a magazine article that said such and such.

Reading articles and seeking advice from friends is great, as long as it seems to help in some way. But if is doesn't seem to be working, try something else or (here's a real toughie) CALL A VET or TRAINER for advice. Animals are like people; what works for some does not work for all. Common sense. Most of the time the offender can't provide proof of such and such and so and so or find that beloved magazine article either.

4. I feed my animals after dark and early in the morning. That's why no once sees me do it. I love all my animals like they was my kids. I just could not live without them!!

Well this person may be feeding his animals at those times. I had reports that animals have not been fed or watered for three months. All of us know that is this is true then the animals would be dead! But owners will often use this as an excuse as well. Sure they might be feeding some, but if the animals are still thin obviously the animals are not getting enough or the offender is infested with Food Gremlins. 

WARNING

NEWS FLASH: Food Gremlins are a serious problem and scientists around the world are seeking proof of the existence this mysterious illusive animal. They do not tend to leave tracks or any other discernable evidence of existence, but scientist know they must exist. Why else would there be so many seemingly neglected animals, owned by such seemingly nice people who genuinely love their animals, and treat them like they were their own kids. Food Gremlins are animals that have certain tastes, such as picking mainly on innocent unsuspecting owners,  that could not possibly live with out their animals. This extreme bond and  loving nature between  man and animal seems to attract Food Gremlins in droves. Food gremlins are cunning and tricky, they often arrive shortly after feeding time and make off with the goods. These Food Gremlins are so slick the poor animal doesn't even realize they've been victimized. Symptoms of Food Gremlin infestations include stories about owners feeding  10 or more lbs of grain in the am and pm, plus all the hay or other food any animal could possibly want. Yet the animals continue to lose weight, and can die if the infestation persists. Food Gremlins have even been known to clean out an entire stores of food leaving the owner helpless to explain lack of food on his property for his animals. Food Gremlins also drink lots of water and  raid fields for dung piles. Scientist believe this dung is used to line to their nests. Investigators must be well trained in order to determine if this is a case of genuine animal neglect, or a Food Gremlin infestation. Food Gremlins can only be eradicated by animal number reduction, keeping a ready supply of fresh food and water, placing animals is safe enclosures, providing regular worming and routine vet care. Food Gremlins will move on to greener pastures, so to speak, once all of these things have been accomplished.  Investigators beware Food Gremlins are extremely dangerous to the welfare of animals and might be on the loose in your area!