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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
RESCUE
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report. Most of the animals were moved to the Fillmore County Fairgrounds before moving them to locations where they will be treated and cared for appropriately for their condition. Twelve of the most critical cases were transported to the University of Minnesota Large Animal Hospital in St. Paul where forensic evidence can be gathered and health problems treated. Four animals had to be euthanized. At least one more may need to be. Many of the animals were severely malnourished, some had untreated wounds and other injuries. One young mule had over grown her too-small halter, which was embedded in her neck and head, the raw area infected. The animals were in a relatively small enclosure considering the large number of animals. The enclosure was littered with decomposing carcasses and discarded junk. Drew Fitzpatrick, Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation, spoke to me via telephone about the future of these animals. The foundation is in charge of evaluating each animal, stabilizing, improving their health, and eventually placing the animals. It is a non-profit organization
Monday, December 10, 2012
with the mission of rescuing horses and other hooved animals in distress, treating them with compassion and respect and acting in the animal’s best interest. They also strive to educate the public on the welfare of hooved animals. Fitzpatrick explained that in addition to caring for the physical needs of the horses, the foundation works to train some of them through their Trainers Challenge program. Many of the animals are probably not even halter broke. Foster homes will be found for the animals once they are well enough. The horses and other equines were coggins tested, pregnancy checked when appropriate, and dewormed. Streff explained that when horses have a body condition score (BCS) of one or two, bringing them back to a normal, healthy body condition is a complex science and more difficult than one might expect. In cases of severe emaciation, introducing a normal diet too quickly can be deadly. On a Nutrena website detailing the rehabilitation of neglected horses it states, “Horses with a BCS of one or two have often experienced actual starvation.” To get to that point it may take 60 to 90 days without feed or four months with poor water and forage. These animals have lost both fat and considerable muscle mass.
For more information about the foundation, visit their website at www.mnhoovedanimalrescue.org/ They are seeking financial support to help with expenses of food, transportation, vet care, and surgeries. Checks can be sent to PO Box 47, Zimmerman, Minnesota 55398. Donations of hay and bedding would be appreciated. Fitzpatrick is also a state investigator and helped gather forensic evidence. She described carcasses on the property in different stages of decomposition, numbering near twenty. Streff is in charge of the legal aspect of the case. Fitzpatrick wanted to commend the Fillmore County sheriff deputies, saying they were very helpful and their assistance was wonderful. Both Fitzpatrick and Streff agreed this is a case of “animal hoarding.” Streff said it is “absolutely consistent with the phenomenon of a hoarding complex.” The breed or species has no impact on the phenomenon itself, whether horses, gerbils or any other animal. In these cases of hoarding the deplorable conditions and injuries lead to death. Streff explained what he called a rolling herd dynamic, a shifting in the process, where animals that are in relatively good condition in a matter of days could shift to standard, in a few more days to bad, and finally, to dead.
In the forecast: a winter blast of extra DWI patrols Fillmore County. — You don’t have to have yourself a merry little time in jail if you plan ahead for a sober ride. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office along with Chatfield and Preston Police Departments will increase drunk driving enforcement during a statewide and nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DWI enforcement effort in December. The campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. Drunk Driving Facts
In Minnesota from 2009–2011, 344 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. Each year in the state, around 30,000 people are arrested for DWI. DPS officials say enhanced DWI campaigns have helped to reduce drunk driving crashes by 40 percent from a decade ago. Participating Agencies The December DWI patrols include participation from many local law enforcement agencies: “The holiday celebration season can be a potentially deadly one due
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to drunk driving,” says Sheriff Jensen “Make plans for a safe and sober ride, or face the consequences.” The Consequences of a DWI A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time. Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges. Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving •Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Let family/friends know you are available to offer a safe ride home. •Buckle — the best defenses against a drunk driver. •Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior. Enhanced DWI enforcement and education campaigns are a component of the state’s Toward Zero Death (TZD) initiative. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.
From all of us
The Very Best Wishes For Tuned up for ChisTmas!! A Wondrous Christmas & Happy New Year! May all parts of your holiday be merry and bright! Thanks for being a loyal customer.
Jordy Graham, Agent PO BOX 340 202 State Hwy 16 Rushford, MN 55971 507.864.7978 jgraham@amfam.com
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Himlie Construction 307 Industrial Drive • PO Box 56 Rushford, MN• 55971 • 507.864.7219
It’s that time again! As we count down to another Christmas, we’re counting up our blessings and your kind patronage is at the top of the list.
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Have a Merry Christmas! We are sincerely grateful for your continued patronage and support. Peace, prosperity and best wishes to all in the New Year.
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Thank you for the support in 2012! In the midst of this busy season, We’re filled with good cheer and you’re the reason. So now we’d like to shift gears and say, “Have a happy holiday!”
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