Stable Gets Booted Out of Park

"The history of McCarter's Riding Stables begins with Curtis McCarter, a bona fide mountain man who got into the horseback riding business on the ground floor....."

Click HERE for the full article from the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

More Starving Horses Found in Tri-Cities

"Fourteen horses found on a Washington County, TN farm. Owner charged with neglect".....
Click HERE for the full article from the NewsChannel 11.

"Neglected Horses Missing - Washington County Animal Control is Looking for Answers."
Click HERE for the article.

"Missing And Neglected Horses - An investigation is underway to find 11 of 14 neglected horses that are now missing from a Washington county field."
Click HERE for the article.

"Neglected Horses Found - The neglected horses from Washington County, Tenn. have been found-- located in different farms throughout the area."
Click HERE for the article.

Herd Of 36 Horses, Ponies Seized From Mosheim Farm

Area volunteers with a total of five horse trailers converged on a Mosheim-area farm at about noon Saturday to remove allegedly undernourished horses until a court can decide what action to take concerning them. In the photo above, while many of the horses eagerly ate hay that had been donated, the volunteers wait for an expected court order allowing them to remove the horses. The order was issued Saturday morning.....

Click HERE for the full article from Greene County Online.

Of the 36 horses confiscated in this case, only 33 remain. To date, two have died and one was humanely euthanized. Another is hospitalized at UT with a swollen leg and sheath. He is also suffering from respiratory problems, as well as a major parasite infestation.

If you can find it in your heart, we are in desperate need of hay and feed. As always, cash donations are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank all those who have donated already - THANK YOU!!!

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STABLE QUARANTINED FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH STATE REGULATIONS REQUIRING COGGINS TESTS

Tennessee law requires that every horse or other member of the equine family six (6) months of age or older, assembled by more than one owner at boarding, breeding or training stables or pastures, have a negative Coggins test (negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia) within the preceding twelve (12) months. Owners or managers of boarding, breeding or training facilities/pastures are responsible for maintaining proof of a negative Coggins test for each animal at the facility and is required to make the records available for inspection by the Department of Agriculture. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to quarantine of the facility/pasture until the owner/manager is in compliance or other penalties allowed by law.

Over the past few months several facilities have been quarantined by the Department for failure to comply with this regulation. The latest violation for non-compliance was discovered by the Department on November 20, 2002. A Middle Tennessee training facility housing 38 horses was quarantined after an inspection by the Department revealed that the facility owner/operator failed to comply with the Coggins testing regulations.

In addition to these regulations, horse owners should also be aware of, and comply with, the following State regulations regarding Coggins testing:

1. Test for Change of Ownership - All equine, except foals less than six (6) months of age in the company of their negative dam must have a negative Coggins test conducted within six (6) months prior to sale. This test is not required for equine entering an approved livestock market for sale. Coggins testing is the responsibility of the seller.
2. Approved Livestock Market Testing - All equine offered for sale at approved livestock markets shall have evidence of a negative Coggins test conducted within six (6) months, or shall have blood collected for testing prior to sale. Equine sold with a results-pending market test shall be confined at the market, or the buyer shall sign an agreement to maintain such equine at a specified location until test results are known.
3. Every equine, six (6) months of age or older, which participates in any horse show, competition or other assembly, except public horse auctions or other event where equine are offered for sale, shall be required to be accompanied by proof of an official negative Coggins test conducted within the preceding twelve (12) months.
4. The manager of each assembly or event shall be responsible for ensuring that each animal which he enters, permits or has control of is accompanied by proof of an official negative test and shall not allow animals not so certified to participate in the event, or to congregate with other equine. The owner of each animal shall also be responsible for meeting these requirements.

POTOMAC HORSE FEVER

Unfortunately, Potomac Horse Fever is ~once again~ rearing its ugly head in East Tennessee. Recently, several cases of Potomac Horse Fever have been reported in Jefferson & Grainger Counties. If you have not already done so, please... vaccinate your horses. If your horses have not yet been vaccinated, they will also require a booster shot, 3 to 4 weeks after the initial vaccine, and annually thereafter.

Veterinarians, that we've spoken to, feel that it is possible, even likely, for ground water to become contaminated with the bacteria that causes Potomac Horse Fever. Therefore, if you have well water, it is highly recommended that you vaccinate your horses as soon as possible. The actual vector responsible for transmitting the disease is unknown at this time; however, snails are thought to be a possible vector. Biting flies may also play a significant role in transmitting Potomac Horse Fever.

Please note: This vaccination will not guarantee that your horses will not contract Potomac Horse Fever. However, if your horse has been vaccinated and does become infected, the illness will probably be less severe. Treatment has shown a higher success rate on vaccinated animals.

If your horse experiences any of the following symtoms, please contact your vet immediately:

• Severe watery diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Incoordination
• Anorexia / Rapid weight loss
• Abortion in pregnant mares
• Fever
• Purple "toxic line" along the gums

Suggestions from HHT

Boarding a Horse at a Stable:

1. Visit the stable at different times of the day to check on overall condition. During your visits check for water, conditions of stalls and animals in general.
2. Talk with present boarders. Get names of some past boarders and speak with them.
3. Get board agreement in writing. Who is to clean stall, feed, groom, exercise, contact farrier and vet?
4. Check to see that other horses have required health certificates and paperwork.

Riding Stables (that rent horses):

1. Do the animals seem in good health?
2. Do they have water available, and access to it?
3. Are their feet in good shape?
4. If they have shoes, are they missing any?
5. Are they wearing good-fitting tack, or is stuffed with padding?
6. Have they been standing in the hot sun all day?
7. Do they enforce a weight limit, or have adequate sized animals for the rider?
8. Do the employees treat the animals with respect?

Maury County Man Faces Charges of Cruelty to His Three Horses

MOUNT PLEASANT - A Maury County man has been bound to the grand jury on cruelty to animals charges......
Please visit The Tennesseean Online for the full article.

New Regulations for Coggins Testing

TDA ANNOUNCES NEW RULES TO PROTECT TENNESSEE HORSES

NASHVILLE - State Agriculture Commissioner Dan Wheeler today announced the implementation of new rules to protect Tennessee horses and other equine from Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), sometimes known as "swamp fever." "Tennessee's horse industry is extremely important and represents the third largest equine population in the nation," said Wheeler. "In this day and age, we have to be concerned about the potential for both the accidental and intentional spread of diseases that could impact animal health and agricultural commerce. These rules are necessary to minimize the risks associated with Equine Infectious Anemia."

The new rules require a negative test for EIA within six months prior to the sale of a horse or other Equidae. This includes sales between individuals as well as sales conducted at approved livestock markets. However, untested horses can be sold at markets provided that blood is collected prior to the sale and provided the animal remains confined until the test results are known.

The new rules are in addition to existing requirements that call for a negative EIA test whenever horses of different owners are commingled for activities such as trail rides, stable and shows.

EIA is a viral disease of horses that is transmitted from other infected animals through insect bites. Once infected, a horse remains infected throughout its lifetime and can serve as a reservoir to possibly transmit the disease to other horses. In some cases, the disease is fatal.

"The new rules will bring Tennessee in line with our neighboring states and with the national standard as defined by USDA," said State Veterinarian Ron Wilson. "This represents an important step towards facilitating agreements between states regarding health certificate requirements, which will ultimately help ease restrictions on the movement of animals across borders."

The primary test for detecting infection is the Coggins test, which reveals circulating antibody to the virus. A national EIA control program has been successful in reducing the number incidences throughout the country, but a small number of cases surface each year. Tennessee normally experiences a low incidence of EIA each year, however increased surveillance under the new rules may lead to increased reports of the disease.

Failure to comply with the new rules is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a fine not to exceed $2,500 and/or 11 months and 29 days in jail. For more information on the new rules, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Web site at http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture or call the State Veterinarian's office at (615) 837-5120.

Additional resources:

http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0080/0080-02/0080-02-10.pdf

USDA Equine Infectious Anemia Site

The following was announced at the 8/15/2002 board meeting of the Tennessee Horse Council:

Dr. Ron Wilson, the State veterinarian, will be working through TDA staff across the state regarding the new rules on the 6-month EIA test required for the sale of any horse. It was also reported that sale barns must now be chartered or they will be put out of business.

WEST NILE VIRUS!

There has been a confirmed equine case of West Nile Virus in Lauderdale County. The horse is under treatment, and is expected to recover. There is also a suspected case which is pending lab results. This horse is not doing very well, and may or may not recover.

Last month, we reported that there had been a confirmed case of West Nile Virus in Jefferson County. If you haven't already done so, please get your horses vaccinated against West Nile. Your horses will also require a booster shot 30 days after the initial vaccination.

West Nile Virus causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, in horses, humans, birds, and ther warm-blooded animals. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that acquire it from infected birds.

Click below for more info on West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus Turns Up in Knox County

West Nile virus has been found in two birds in Knox County, the Tennessee Department of Health said. The two infected crows were found in Northeast Knox County. This is the first time the virus has been found in birds in Knox County.

Click HERE to read the article from the Knox News Sentinel.

Three Birds Found With West Nile Virus

The state Health Department has announced that three more cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Tennessee. A crow in Robertson County, a blue jay in Coffee County and a bird in Shelby County have tested positive. Health officials say the virus is deadly to animals and urge horse owners to consider a vaccine. They add that West Nile is not dangerous for most healthy adults and children. Elderly people have a greater chance of becoming ill if they are infected with the virus.

Additional resources:

http://www2.state.tn.us/health/CEDS/wnvfact.htm

http://www2.state.tn.us/health/CEDS/wnvhome.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/index.html

Horse Abuse in Bristol

I would like to thank all involved who helped put a stop to this neglect and abuse from the Gobbles. This same couple had tried to adopt the Bashkir Curlies from us some time back. They claimed at that time they "rescued" horses from local traders. After our inspection, they were turned down for adoption. They had since gotten into breeding and selling, going by the name of "Majestic View Farm". We had received complaints recently about the condition of animals they were selling. They had moved and we were awaiting word of a new address. Thank goodness, Sullivan County authorities took this problem seriously and caught up with them before it got any worse. We hope the courts will make a good call and sentence this couple to the 11 months and 29 days for each count allowable by law. HHT has offered any support needed with the care of these animals. They are currently in a "safe pasture" and receiving appropriate medical attention. We look forward to being able to work with Sullivan County and Phil Lane in the future. We are pleased they have Mr. Lane at Animal Control willing to speak for the animals in this county. Mr. Lane would like to take the Cruelty Level III training coming to Knoxville next week. Sullivan County is not able to financially afford to send him ($500) to this training so HHT has offered some support. If anyone would be willing to help with his cost please mail to P.O. Box 20392, Knoxville, TN 37940 and note "Cruelty Training" on the envelope. HHT will be sending 2 agents for this training due to the generosity of Collins and Aikman in Athens, Tennessee who held a benefit golf tournament fund raiser for us.

Nina Margetson
President - Horse Haven of Tennessee

6/4/2002 - Court was rescheduled until July 26, 2002 at 9AM to allow more witnesses to testify for the prosecution. HHT is accepting donations to help with the care of the horses that were confiscated. Your donation will assist the foster homes in supplying feed, veterinary care and farrier work.
Please send your donation, marked "Sullivan County Case", to:

Horse Haven of Tennessee, Inc.
P.O. Box 20392
Knoxville TN 37940

7/26/2002 - The Gobbles were found guilty on 11 counts of cruelty to animals. The Gobbles never took the stand for their defense. Sentencing has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 8/27 at 9:30 AM.

8/27/2002 - Junior and Karen Gobble were sentenced to 60 days in jail, with 3 years probation. They were ordered to surrender their animals, and are prohibited from owning animals for 3 years. They have 10 days in which to appeal.

9/6/2002 - The Gobbles have made their appeal. The case will now be brought to criminal court. Trial date has not been set.

In the mean time, the 16 horses that are in foster care are getting more and more expensive to care for. Horse Haven has been asked to try to help with finding the foster care family any help available for hay or feed. If you live in the Bristol area, and feel you can offer some help, PLEASE let us know. I think both round and square bales of hay could be used. Cash contributions can be sent to the address above. Be sure to mark the envelope with "Sullivan County". These donations will be used to help purchase feed, as well as any other needs that these horses will require.

Thank you in advance for any help you feel you can give.

Nina Margetson
President - Horse Haven of Tennessee

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

A bill has been introduced, by the House of Representatives, to prevent the slaughter of horses in and from the United States for human consumption by prohibiting the slaughter of horses for human consumption and by prohibiting the trade and transport of horseflesh and live horses intended for human consumption, and for other purposes.

To view the bill, in its entirety, please visit http://thomas.loc.gov. Enter the bill number HR3781, then click "search".

Click here to directly view the bill, in its entirety.

We have not posted this information to influence the bill or law, but only to inform you of pending federal legislation. HHT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so we are forbidden to try to change the laws or promote this bill. Only private citizens may voice their concerns for this important bill.

You may contact your Senators by using the links below:

Senator Bill Frist
Senator Fred Thompson

You may locate, and contact, your Congressperson in the House of Representatives by visiting:

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Not in Tennessee? Locate your Senators' email addresses HERE.

A petition has been set up on-line for you to add your name to HR3781.

Click here to sign petition

More info, and another link to the petition, can be found at:

http://www.habitatforhorses.org/AHSPA.html

ALFALFA CUBE ALERT!

Not having the greatest pasture at this time of year, I usually add a handful or two of alfalfa cubes to my horses meals. While talking with a friend she was quick to warn me of a possible problem feeding these cubes. Horses can choke on them being so big and dry. If they get stuck and choke, real problems can arise. As they soak up saliva they begin to expand and then the problems really start. So..... I decided to do a little experiment. I took a normal sized cube and let it soak in water. The results were amazing.

Click any image to enlarge

A 2" cube turned into one big pile of grass. 1-1/4 cups worth (each round mound = 1/4 cup).
If you use these cubes I would like to suggest that you break them up into as small of a piece as possible. I know I will be more careful from now on.

HORSE SLING

Recently one of our Satellite Centers was trying to track down a sling. If you know where we might be able to purchase one or know of anyone who might have one, please contact HHT. If you own one and would be willing to be put on a list of locations to borrow one from, we would also appreciate this. If we have a contact list of owners with slings, we would know who to call if the need arises again. The out come was not good on this situation, but we hope if the need arises again we will be prepared to help.

UPDATE: HHT has found out the cost of a Anderson Sling will be around $4,000 - $6,000. If interested in helping, you may send donations to UT Vet School earmarked "Anderson Sling".

The BEST Stuff for Rain Rot

Mud Season (otherwise known as "Spring") is finally upon us. All that heavy rain can lead to numerous skin conditions. Been there, done that & got the t-shirt. This is the best stuff that we have tried so far:

Click image to enlarge

Wonder Groom Equi-Bio Spray

Click HERE to download a PDF version of the product label.

Available at Allen's Supply in Knoxville and Jeffers Equine.

FDA Nationwide Recall of Miracle Leg Paint

For Immediate Release

Nationwide Recall of Miracle Leg Paint Veterinary Drug Because of Potential Health Risk to Animals and Humans

Grapeland, TX - May 30, 2002 -- Equine Miracle Corp. of Grapeland, Texas is recalling its Miracle Leg Paint for horses, 4oz container, because the product contains a mercuric chloride blistering agent, a poison to animals and humans. More.....

Click HERE for the 5/31/02 Yahoo News article about the recall.

Seller Beware!

There is a man named Lou Simboli who advertises as being "Second Chance Rescue". He has been running ads in Ohio, Pennsylvania and who knows where else. This man has been offering to take in horses that the owners could no longer care for, with the promise of finding them good homes. It has been reported that Simboli was actually taking the horses to the Sugarcreek Horse Auction in Ohio's Amish country. 35%, or more, of the horses sold at this auction go to slaughter houses for human consumption in Europe and the Far East.

Before working with any rescue, be sure to make sure they are chartered with the state and ask to see documentation.

Click HERE to read the NewsNet5 story of one horse that was saved from an unspeakable fate.

Please say a prayer

.....Other victims included Gail Shanahan, 49, who was returning to Texas with another horse trainer, Maggie Green, when their truck and a trailer hauling four horses plunged off the bridge. Searchers have pulled three horses out of the river. A former Texas Youth Rodeo champion, Shanahan trained horses for barrel racing.....

Click HERE to read the latest on the Oklahoma I-40 bridge collapse.

The Lucky Petition

Petition to make animal cruelty a felony in Tennessee. Currently, animal abuse is a Class B Misdemeanor.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Lucky/petition.html

Cavel Fire

Cavel International horse slaughtering plant in DeKalb, Illinois was destroyed by fire on Easter Sunday. Investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the blaze. Daily Chronicle articles may be read by clicking the links below.

4/1/02 Article
4/2/02 Article
4/5/02 Article

Indiana Horse Transport Bill - DOA

From: Equine Protection Network
To: horsehaventn@icx.net
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 6:14 PM
Subject: Rodeo & Cherry Kill Horse Cruelty Bill!

Rep. Bob Cherry representing "special interest" is singularly responsible for killing the Horse Transport Bill contrary to the wishes of the Indiana voters.

The people of Indiana should remember this when he is up for re-election!

The horses in Indiana will continue to suffer because of Cherry's refusal to sign the committee report at the request of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, PRCA , the rodeo industry's opposition, & the Indiana Horse Council's lack of support & alleged behind the scenes opposition. Jerry Walker, past president of Indiana Horse Council & from Cherry's district is allegedly orchestrating the opposition.

Senate Farm Bill Passed

On Wednesday (2/13), the Senate passed the Farm Bill, including an unprecedented series of animal protection measures. There were 5 major victories, this being one of them:

Humane Slaughter Resolution - A resolution calling on the USDA to enforce the Humane Slaughter Act of 1958. The resolution came in response to media reports that still-conscious animals are being skinned and dismembered in slaughterhouse lines, which operate at such high speeds as to preclude "humane" slaughter.

WANTED: YOUR ENDORSEMENT OF THE ASPCA'S TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE PETITION

In an open letter addressed to the United States Department of Agriculture and members of Congress, the ASPCA last week condemned the practice of soring, a variety of painful techniques that accentuate the gaits of Tennessee Walking horses. Although soring became a federal offense in 1970 under the Horse Protection Act, the practice is still widespread.

To view the letter in its entirety, and to add your name to the endorsement, please visit the following site:

ASPCA Petition

For more info on soring, please visit the following link from www.walkinghorse.org:

What is Soring?

TWH Breeders & Exhibitors Assoc.

Indiana House Committee Caves on Horse Cruelty Bill

Indiana residents are urged to call your legislators. Non-Indiana residents are urged to let the rodeo industry know that they are OPPOSED to rodeos using double deckers to transport horses.

Click here to read the article from Equine Protection Network.

ANIMAL PLANET AIRING WYETH-AYERST ADS

Animal Planet bills itself as an animal-friendly network, but some of its advertising has been less than humane. Several UAN members have contacted them to report viewing a Wyeth-Ayerst/Premarin ad on Animal Planet in recent months. These members have been upset that Animal Planet (which is owned by the Discovery Channel) would take advertising dollars from a company that makes its money off the abuse of tens of thousands of horses each year. They've let Animal Planet know what they think, but the ads are reportedly still airing.

To urge Animal Planet to be more ethical -- and more truly animal friendly -- when accepting advertising dollars, contact them via the Discovery Channel at viewer_relations@discovery.com. They can also be reached via telephone at 1-859-342-VIEW (8439).

Click above to sign online petition

Please add your name to the current petition against horse slaughter for human consumption.