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Five Year Anniversary Helping People and Animals Dear Animal Welfare Supporter, A milestone has been reached! 2014 marks the fifth year that the Hum
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Dear Animal Welfare Supporter,
A milestone has been reached! 2014 marks the fifth year that the Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills has been helping people and animals in Placer county and surrounding communities. HSSF is the only humane society in the region with certified Humane Officers. Dealing with animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty is not pleasant. It is difficult work and sometimes contentious with neglectful owners. But with your help, we are celebrating our 5-year Anniversary doing this important job, and we look forward to our work together continuing for many years to come.
Here is one case story that exemplifies the many facets of HSSF’s dedication to stopping animal abuse and neglect: |
 very underweight with protruding ribs & hips |
After receiving complaints of animal abuse, an HSSF investigation showed that for ten years, several horses were victims of continuous and repeated neglect by the owner.
What the horses were forced to endure was appalling. They were living in confined spaces, forced to stand and lay in six inches of feces. |
Their water source was so disgusting, we couldn’t see the bottom of any of the tanks. Because of this longstanding and repeated neglect, HSSF officers obtained a search warrant to properly seize the animals. |
 grossly neglected hooves |
Hoof care was grossly neglected and none of the horses had had dental care in several years, as evidenced by the insides of their mouths—ripped raw from the dental points on their teeth. And if lack of basic care wasn’t enough pain and suffering, all seven horses were grossly underweight with ribs, withers and hip bones protruding, and bellies full of parasites– robbing them of what little nutrients they were given. Water tests showed filthiness to such a degree that it contained “potentially dangerous contamination.” |
One of the seven horses rescued was hardly able walk to the trailer waiting to take her and her companions to one of our facilities to begin their intensive rehabilitation program. It is always our hope to stop animal cruelty, rehabilitate the animals and find them new homes. But in this horse’s case, we were forced to give her a different gift of kindness – an end to her misery and suffering. |
 underweight with a large belly indicating parasite load |
She was so debilitated, and in such horrible pain, that the only alternative we could offer her was to hold her, as she breathed her, last painless breath.
Successful animal cruelty prosecutions are supported by great evidence, and our Humane Officers and veterinarian documented and detailed the situation with photos, videos, expert opinions and eye-witness statements. After this portion of our work was complete, we began the daunting task of providing all the horses with everything that had been lacking in their lives for far too long. |
HSSF engaged the services of farriers to provide hoof care and veterinarians to prescribe appropriate de-worming medications and feeding plans.
Our incredible volunteers provided love and special attention to these deserving horses.
We then patiently waited for each of the six horses to make their way back to good health. |
 extremely underweight with grossly neglected hooves |
As time passed, another horse didn’t seem to be recovering. We often found him laying down in the pasture for hours on end. It seemed that even his small weight gain made standing difficult for him. Even with the prescribed pain relief, he looked to be extremely uncomfortable. The veterinarian determined that he was in pain because his leg tendons were broken down. So we gathered the volunteers together to tell them that the prognosis for a full recovery was not good and we all unanimously agreed that the humane decision would be to set his spirit free from his earthly body.
As our horse care continued, the animal owner’s consequence for criminal behavior was being determined by the district attorney’s office. In this case, four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty were filed. The owner relinquished all of the horses to HSSF, except one. |
 20 year old "Annie" needs a home |
As soon as our veterinarian cleared the horses for adoption, we began searching for appropriate homes. As of this writing, two of them have found wonderful homes, and the last two are still with HSSF and we are looking for green pastures for them to spend the rest of their lives.
This is one case from the myriad of complaint calls HSSF received over our first five years. The work is very difficult, requiring animal law expertise (with continuing education to retain certification), diplomacy (with attempts to educate the animal owner and change the unacceptable conditions), and, when all other efforts have failed, taking legal action to protect the animals. The rehabilitation of neglected or abused animals is expensive; and if and when court proceedings are required, HSSF must hire legal counsel.
For this one animal seizure, the combined costs to HSSF including vet bills, medicine, food, boarding, hoof care, vaccines, etc. was upwards of $50,000!
This is why your ongoing support is greatly needed.
None of HSSF’s animal law enforcement and protection work could be possible without you—our cherished supporter and friend to the animals. With your donation, we can continue to be “rescue ready” to stop the pain and suffering of animals for another five years!
Any amount helps and is sincerely appreciated!! |
 Thank you for your support!! |
PLEASE DONATE NOW!!
Help Us Protect Animals in 2014
If you are not yet a sponsor, please consider making a $15 monthly donation or a one-time contribution. CLICK HERE
The Humane Society of the Sierra Foothills (HSSF) enforces the laws that protect animals from abuse. We are funded solely by donations, grants and sales from our Used Book Store in Auburn. As an independent nonprofit organization, we are not affiliated with any other entity, and we do not receive any government funding. All donations are tax-deductible.
GET FORM HERE to mail a donation. Make checks payable to HSSF and mail to 2945 Bell Road #175, Auburn, CA 95603. |
Privacy Policy—we do not sell, rent, or lend the e-mail addresses of our subscribers and/or donors. |
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