Reply to Scarlett54
Posted by WVracer  |  April 1, 2009 5:49:40 AM

So the BOD said that they didn't want to "waste" their donors money on 2 elderly horses? Mountain and Gatsby were dealing with an "ever-changing herd" for the 5 years Days End had them. They didn't seem to care. They didn't seem stressed. There WERE homes waiting for those 2 horses. One even sent in an adoption application in on them. Days End actually did NOT do much to help those 2 horses. On PetFinder Days End uploaded the WRONG pictures for Mountain. I believe the pictures were actually of a horse named "Remington". Did Days End not realize they uploaded the wrong pictures? Or did they not care? They also did NOT post updated pictures until 1 week before they killed those horses. They did NOT send out emails asking for homes. Days End reaches 27,000 individuals a year- no one wanted 2 companion horses? How sad... unless Days End never contacted any of those individuals. Mountain and Gatsby had no behavioral issues, health issues. There's no proof they had any problems other than their "age" if you even consider that a problem. I hope Days End, in the future, does not euthanize horses for being elderly.

Euthanasia
Posted by Scarlett54  |  March 30, 2009 9:39:56 AM

From the Board of Directors of Days End Farm Horse Rescue:

Mountain arrived at Days End Farm in 2005 and Gatsby in 2004. Days End Farm and many of our volunteers and friends have been actively looking for homes for these horses for four and five years, yet a home that would provide them the care required under our guidelines for their protection and well being has not been found.

Days End Farm has been advocating for the quality of life for horses for 20 years and as the climate for the horse changes, so must we. We are a very special place that offers horses that have been previously abused and/or neglected a chance to thrive and usually find a new home. Days End staff helps to ensure the proper care of horses in Maryland while assisting animal control and humane society officers. Our Staff, Veterinarians, Farriers and other Specialists document evidence of abuse and neglect and testify against the abusive owners in a court of law when the owner is charged with criminal animal abuse and/or neglect.

Mountain and Gatsby were rehabilitated to the best condition possible and given the care they needed at Days End for many years but unfortunately were not able to find that special home. We looked at them, as all horses here, individually and gave them the peace which they deserved at their age. They did not need to be put through the constant stress of an ever changing herd. We looked at their personalities, their health needs, their behavior and ultimately our future ability to help the abused and tortured equines yet to come.

Our donors expect us to use their hard earned, donated money, wisely and to continue our most important mission, that of saving and helping more horses in need. These decisions are gut wrenching but necessary for the future of our organization. These guys will be missed and remembered and we feel honored to have shown them love and compassion while providing excellent care during their time with us.

"Rescue" Killing Horses
Posted by PrayerWarrior  |  March 23, 2009 1:12:53 PM

It is very troubling that Days End Farm Horse Rescue is killing healthy horses to make room for more horses. One horse was a Chincoteague pony, which could have been returned to Chincoteague, rather than euthanized. Two old geldings were euthanized, in spite of the fact that they had two homes willing to adopt them. Both were out of state, however, both were rescues and came with impeccable references. One individual had ties to the HSUS, who would have done the site inspection for Days End. The FOBs begged for more time to find the horses a home in Maryland. Offers were made to finance the horses care, until a home could be found. Responses from Days End were not forthcoming and the horses were euthanized. Organizations can make their own rules, but people need to know what kind of organization they are supporting. As for me, I will donate my money to "rescues" that do not euthanize their animals for space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4rx9y3akUo

Euthanizes Healthy Horses....
Posted by WVracer  |  March 19, 2009 6:08:41 AM

I recently found out that Days End is not only a pro-slaughter rescue, but they are also a kill-rescue. Both which disappoint me greatly. They've euthanized 11 horses in the past few months, with no valid reasons whatsoever. 2 of the horses they euthanized (Mountain and Gatsby)were for being "too old". There were many people that wanted to adopt those two horses, but Days End would not allow them to go because they were "out of state". So instead of letting Mountain and Gatsby go to another qualified rescue in Iowa, they chose to euthanize the horses. Days End was also unprofessional when dealing with Mountain and Gatsby. They did not respond to anyone who offered to help Mountain and Gatsby. They also chose not to answer any questions about them. One pony they euthanized for being "too dangerous", but in reality she was not dangerous at all. Maggie was adopted to a great home, but as Maggie and her adopter were jumping, the adopter fell off and broke her ankle. This led to back problems (NOT Maggie's fault). Maggie's adopters even said Maggie was the perfect pony. Since Maggie was at a self-care facility, the adopter could not care for her anymore, and abided by the DEFHR contract which states "If the owner cannot care for the horse, it must be returned to Days End." When Maggie returned to Days End, there as a rumor that Maggie "broke someone's back." NO Days End staff or the BOD corrected the rumors. Days End labeled her as "dangerous". And even though they promised to give Maggie training in the fall... they euthanized her 3 weeks later at the age of 8. Days End did not tell anyone Maggie had died. They didn't even tell her grieving adopters. Days End should make their stance on horse slaughter, and new euthanasia policy CLEAR, so that the public knows what kind of rescue they are donating too. I volunteered with Days End for 8 years, and I'm appalled by these recent euthanasias.