What the HECK??

[BarkerChickens]

I live in the same town as Debi. No shelter here is ridiculous. We live in a DESERT where the sun is intense, we've had a chance of thunderstorms the last few days and our high is over 100 degrees (103 tomorrow...not sure what today was, but similar). Even our city sends out newsletters reminding to provide water and shelter for animals if they must be outside. It would be one thing if we lived along the coast, but around here...even the garden needs shade to not suffer, let alone animals!

Oh...and the dirt the pony and cow are on is HARD and gets hot like concrete. They can't lay in cool dirt around here...no such thing.

 

[bel]

poor pony and cow. Because it sounds like this is a long ongoing issue I would call AC. I wouldn't bother with the cookies and greeting, if you go asking questions then they do nothing and you end up calling or someone else does then they will blame you. Sounds dirty but in some cases its best to remain anonymous, PO'd neighbors can be a real nightmare. AC will probably give them a warning and a chance to fix it.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Debi, I really want to see you go down and ask if that pony can have a play date with yours...

Seriously though, I would be worried also about them. Our stalls are 12x12 holding one full size horse each but they also have a turnout paddock that is 80ft by 250ft that gets used daily. It doesnt have any shade, so often the horses would spend their days in the barn away from the sun and then be turned out at night in the cooler air.

Every owner does have the right to manage their animals as they see fit as long as it meets the minimum care standards. I imagine that those are different in every area so I appreciate that Debi came looking for info rather than jumping the gun. She shouldnt be flamed for caring.

Let us know how Bessie and the pony are doing!

 

[twentynine]

Cows and horses see'em together all the time, no harm there. Herd animals, they need company, any company.

Sun no shade.

That bothers me. My horse has shade available everywhere, pecan trees, pine trees, lean-to shed on the back of the barn. But you know what he does, he stands out in the sun, all day long, 95*- 100% humidity, 110* heat index. And that big grey dummy stands out in the sun. When I say he is never in the shade I mean he is never in the shade. Unlimited grass, everywhere, not a bare patch anywhere. We have actually got to put sunscreen on his big white nose.

Myself I can't imagine my horse is right in the head. Grass in the shade, grass in the sun, he stands in the sunshine eating his grass. He will be soaking wet from sweat, then he rolls in his dust pile, I end up with a filthy, muddy pig pen of a horse.

In the OPs case I do think the horse should be offered shelter, now if they won't use it that's another thing. I would also watch and see just how much they are being fed. Would I call Animal Control, probably not at this time, but if I noticed them getting thin, I would.

 

[JetBlack]

I think you should go talk to the owners first, *then* call animal control, if they don't fix it. Let them know "If someone drives by and sees that, they'll call animal control.".

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
People can flame if they want. I know my intention so no harm done.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Just a cultural thing...I'm not sure if you know the "niceties" or not.

Hispanics do not like being told what to do. Then again, do any of us? Treat them like joebryant likes to think of everything that works...it's all HIS idea. Gently ask questions regarding the horse, take down information...don't rebuke him up front. Ask "Where do you keep their hay?" "Can I see your barn to get an idea as to what I need to build?" "Do you let them out to graze at night?" "Do you ever go trail riding with it?"

Things like that. Be NICE about it.

If they can't answer about the shelter or the hay, or they state they don't allow them out to graze at all (forage is a huge deal with horses), then I'd consider taking action. It may just be that they throw out hay in the morning and night and allow the horse and cow out at night when you don't see it.

 

[debilorrah]

No barn. Their entire property is open and visible. I looked for hay this morning, none there. I will check tonight.

 

[greeneggsandham]

Quote:
Tell that to my mom's Haffie. He is in love with one of my uncles cows and she loves him back. They lick and scratch one another everyday. He gets mad when she goes up to the barn for feeding time.

 

[charmed one]

Quote:
Maybe just go visit and see? Is that possible?

Oh yes, very possible. I have decided that this weekend I am gonna make some cookies and take some to them and talk to them about the animals. I need to see what they are used to because they are Hispanic, probably first generation, and there are major cultural differences there. I do not want to get someone in trouble just because they didn't get it. You guys have been a great help!!!! Again.

I really think this is your best bet. Go over and first hand, find out what's going on and meet them before you make any decisions.