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FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions By You. Why do we defend out CONTRACTS?
Striving to Save Unwanted and Mistreated Horses 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. Currently, LCR is being challenged. Our
contracts are being examined in the courts to dispute the ownership of our
horses. There are several individuals who have banded together to contest
their respective contracts with LCR. Unlike most of our caretakers, they
have reneged on the terms of agreement in the contract. Our Board of
Directors (a group of professional business people and individuals who
volunteer their services) has determined that their motives are not for
the best interest of the equines. One such individual has bred a crippled
20–year-old equine, one has sold the horse, and two, from what we
understand, may be using the equines as medical guinea pigs. Moreover, we
have been denied access to any records, as well as an opportunity to see
any of the equines to verify their well being. We now have to spend
valuable resources to protect and defend the horses’ right to humane
treatment consistent with LCR’s founding principles, and in accordance
with the terms of the contracts between LCR and the caretakers. The monies
expended to protect and defend them could be put to other uses for the
betterment of the equines if these individuals did not attempt to deceive
LCR with their intentions. 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. Unfortunately, some disgruntled
individuals are publicly ridiculing us for our mission. They have tried to
humiliate LCR’s president and founder, to no avail, and to discredit the
works of the LCR rescue organization and all of its volunteers and
contributors. Their disparaging comments are unprofessional
and untrue. The Board of Directors at Last Chance Ranch appreciates
everyone’s support throughout this disheartening period. The
continuation and success of our equine rescue organization needs you to
rally with us. Please send your letters of support to Last Chance Ranch,
Inc., at 9 Beck Road, Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951-4725.
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.
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
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. 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.
IV.
Where does LCR stand on
the expansion?
V.
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.
VI.
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. VII.
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”. See Tucker’s story (link) for a perfect example of this. VIII.
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. IX.
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.
Striving to Save Unwanted and Mistreated Horses Last
Chance Ranch (LCR) rescues equines, including unwanted and mistreated
horses. 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. Currently, LCR is being challenged. Our
contracts are being examined in the courts to dispute the ownership of our
horses. There are several individuals who have banded together to contest
their respective contracts with LCR. Unlike most of our caretakers, they
have reneged on the terms of agreement in the contract. Our Board of
Directors (a group of professional business people and individuals who
volunteer their services) has determined that their motives are not for
the best interest of the equines. One such individual has bred a crippled
20–year-old equine, one has sold the horse, and two, from what we
understand, may be using the equines as medical guinea pigs. Moreover, we
have been denied access to any records, as well as an opportunity to see
any of the equines to verify their well being. We now have to spend
valuable resources to protect and defend the horses’ right to humane
treatment consistent with LCR’s founding principles, and in accordance
with the terms of the contracts between LCR and the caretakers. The monies
expended to protect and defend them could be put to other uses for the
betterment of the equines if these individuals did not attempt to deceive
LCR with their intentions. 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. Unfortunately, some disgruntled
individuals are publicly ridiculing us for our mission. They have tried to
humiliate LCR’s president and founder, to no avail, and to discredit the
works of the LCR rescue organization and all of its volunteers and
contributors. Their disparaging comments are unprofessional
and untrue. The Board of Directors at Last Chance Ranch appreciates
everyone’s support throughout this disheartening period. The
continuation and success of our equine rescue organization needs you to
rally with us. Please send your letters of support to Last Chance Ranch,
Inc., at 9 Beck Road, Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951-4725.
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