FAQ's: 

Frequently Asked Questions By You.
 

Why do we defend out CONTRACTS?
 

Striving to Save Unwanted and Mistreated Horses & Companion Animals

 Last Chance Ranch (LCR) rescues equines, including unwanted and mistreated horses and other farm animals along with companion animals. LCR is a volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue supported by fundraisers and donations. LCR is sometimes given horses from owners who can no longer keep their equestrian friend. But LCR primarily rescues horses by purchasing them from butchers at auctions—horses that we know for a fact would be put to death.  Although auctions are not the source of the evil mistreatment, they are an outlet for people to give up a horse when they no longer have a use for it with the starting bids consistent to the slaughterhouse demands of price/pound. Most of these horses we purchase have led terrible lives of harsh work and/or neglect. Many, without our intervention, would end their existence at the auction by being purchased by the representative of a slaughterhouse. LCR brings these horses onto the ranch without discrimination and does whatever it can that is necessary to give them a healthy, happy life. LCR has never spared an expense for any of the horses in its care. We have never said, “The horse is not worth that much.” Some of them have cost us well into the five digits to aid in the recovery process, but it’s all worth it to see the horse(s) healthy with the ability to play again. 

These horses, whether rescued or surrendered, are all treated with the same standard of care. Once they are returned to good health, appropriate new families from the waiting list are chosen for their continued care. We screen new prospective families and homes to make sure they are taking in this new family member for the appropriate reasons. We ask the individual caretakers to sign a contract to ensure that the equine will always be in the best possible situation. The contract is to protect the horse. We never transfer ownership because we don’t want the horse to someday fall through the cracks and die a horrible death. The individuals who agree with this and welcome our policies are the people we want to care for these horses. Attorneys have written our contracts with information supplied by representatives from reputable organizations to protect the horses in every aspect of their lives so no harm will come to them again. 

LCR has a panel of veterinarians and experts across the country to rely on, when needed. They are available to assist in the health and well being—both physically and mentally—of all our equines. LCR’s main objective is to provide a loving and secure environment for all equines in our direct care or under our supervision.     

   What Happens to monies donated?

Donated money, unless otherwise specified, is put into the general operating fund.  This fund pays for horse care, property rental, newsletters, promotions, fundraising, etc. Our general operating fund is then used to meet specific needs of LCR. First and foremost, LCR allocates money to the care of twenty to forty + rescue horses on hand at any given time. They are in various degrees of physical or psychological rehabilitation. These funds must cover veterinarian, medication, farrier, feed, and general care costs. Some funds are used in emergency and surgical procedures that LCR often encounters. Horses that pass through LCR accrue medical costs in the range of one to five thousand dollars, which is paid to two local veterinarians. We are fortunate to have some medical services discounted, but most are paid expenses.

Once the care for the individual horses are met, LCR constantly looks to obtain other horses in need.  LCR attempts to utilize as much of the capacity of our property as possible. Now adding an additional 25 acres. (See Expansion plans) Money that is not designated is spent on priorities as determined by The Board of Directors. Some of these priorities may include, but are not limited to fencing, pasture management, equipment maintenance and purchases, etc. (Financial statements are available for inspection, as required by our non-profit status, by a written request to LCR.) or posted on www.Guidestar.org  (Note they lost or 2004 990, and it is taking mounts of paperwork for the IRS to supply a certified copy to Guidestar. They will post it when they receive it. Let us know if you would like a copy)

FINANCIALS: LCR has hired an independent certified CPA to have audited financial statements yearly and will be posted here upon completion. LCR's fiscal year ends in August. The accountants are finishing up last years and will be posted soon.

As a non-profit organization, we are accountable for every penny that passes through LCR. This requires many many hours (all of which are volunteered by bookkeepers and office managers) and expenses with a professional financial company. Please let us know if you would like to donate or sponsor our financial audits. Any financial questions can be directed to judy@lastchanceranch.org
 

Rescued horses at LCR are used in the Natural Horsemanship Program. Learn how we fix the horses people problems, or use one of our more experienced horses to further your education. There is always a variety of ages, levels, experiences, and sizes of horses to choose from. You may fall in love with the horse you are using and ultimately want to adopt him/her. Lesson fees help meet the expenses associated with these horses.

   Who diagnoses and prescribes treatment plans for rehabilitation

LCR works with Dr. Randy Bimes and the entire www.quakertownvetclinic.com  Quakertown Veterinary Staff. See Sponsorship page (link),(1),(2)  Farriers, horsemen and women along with the combined years of experience of the Board of Directors and a multitude of equine experts around the country discuss and plan for each individual case.

   Where does LCR get their horses?

LCR obtains horses from a number of different outlets, and under diversified circumstances. Some horses are donated as healthy and rideable, but the vast majorities arrive with significant “issues” and/or medical needs, for which their owner’s can no longer handle.

When finances permit, LCR will purchase horses at auction, usually one or two at a time. These horses would have no future otherwise, and are normally purchased directly from the butcher pen, just before going to slaughter.

    Do you own LCR horses?

No (See Placement Agreement), (1), (2), (renamed from Adoption Agreement due to misinterpretation of the word “Adoption”) for Rules and Regulations link to page. The equine is yours to do with as you please, as long as it is in the best interest of the equine and you follow the stipulations of the contract. LCR matches humans and horses for a lifelong relationship. Situations have arisen where this doesn’t work out for either or both and in that case the horse must be returned only to LCR.

    Why did LCR change the name of Adoption to Placement?

The word Adoption is misconstrued as ownership. The Dictionary’s definition of Adoption: 1. To take into one’s family and raise as one’s own. 2. To take and follow by choice or assent. 3. To take up and use as one’s own.

   Why does LCR retain ownership of the      horses?

LCR retains ownership to prevent resale, sublease, commercial use, etc. This guarantees lifelong security for the equine to be well cared for. Too many horses have fallen through the cracks and end up at slaughter because somewhere along the line a well-meaning person has given them away to “A good home”.

   Why would LCR confiscate a horse?

The Placement Agreement (Adoption Agreement) contract is a legal binding contract. If there is a breach of contract, or there is a detrimental threat to the health and well being of the equine, we will remove that equine from the permanent care provider. We give the care provider a warning to rectify any situation and work with them if it is needed.

   Does LCR breed?

LCR does not breed, however, LCR has been given or has purchased a pregnant mare, and end up with a foal. See Responsible Breeding article (link).

   How does LCR decide on the placement fees?

When a horse is brought to LCR he is coggins tested, vaccinated, wormed, teeth checked, farrier visited, evaluated, and administered any other treatment that is prescribed. Some of these horses’ costs well exceed the amount of fee requested. The Board of Directors votes and decides the appropriate placement fee. It is a percentage of the fair market value of the horse in question. A fee is applied to help recoup some of the expenses incurred.