Minis in Kansas need help! Please!

[GotSpots]

Hello Group,

I apologize in advance if this ends up being a long post. I am cross posting this info from a miniature horse forum I belong to, in hopes that other horse lovers will help us speak up for these minis who cannot speak for themselves.

There is a case of neglect in Kansas, with anywhere from 75 - 125 minis. The owner is an elderly man who does not live on the property. At first, we all speculated this to be a case of poor health or something on the old mans part, but just recently have learned that is not the case at all!!! In fact, it is not financially related either. He lives with his girlfriend, instead of on the property with the minis, and has pretty much left them without food or water. They are skin and bones, some more injured than others, and some are down and won't get up. There is one mini male who has lost an eye, and the socket looks to be infected, and has flies around it. There is even a skeleton that was found on the property. He refuses to surrender them because he "loves" them!

The sheriff for that county has chosen to sweep this under the rug, and not bring light to this story, or help these minis. He has lied to everyone that has tried to help, including the CMHR (Chances Miniature Horse Rescue). People are trying to bring this to the attention of the media, and he simply tells them the horses are old and have cancer to put them off this story! Two reps from CMHR went to Kansas to see first hand, they first had to get the approval of the sheriff, and then found no one at all living on the property, and nothing but mud in their water tanks, or any decent food of nutritional value, other than rotten hay or weeds. When they looked at the teeth of some of these "supposed old minis", the teeth show that most of them are not in fact old at all.

They have tried to contact anyone who would listen, and get turned away by all, telling them to contact the sheriff...........but the sheriff won't help, even though the vet that was out there with him was appauled, and said the minis were in iminant danger. She was discusted to say the least..........as is everyone by the lack of sympathy or support shown by this sheriff. Everyone that has been contacted says to refer to the sheriff for that county, yet we do not see in any of the Kansas laws, where it says the sheriff will have sole athority over matters such as this.

We are asking everyone to contact anyone they can think of reguarding these minis.............or even just to e-mail the governor of Kansas, or call and pester the sheriff of this county. Anything! There is power in every voice, and these minis need everyone who is willing to help them! We are hoping to make this a now national plea to get the word out. This is a very time sensitive rescue...........there are minis down according the the CMHR reps, and they certainly won't make it through winter at this rate!

Here is a link to the thread on the Little Beginnings Miniature Horse Forum.
75 - 125 Kansas Minis "OMG Please help by WRITING!!" - L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forums The original story is on page one, with initial photos. You will find additional photos on page 50 of this thread, and the most current and up to date pics and information reguarding this case starting on page 56 of this post.

Here is a link to the Kansas state laws reguarding animal cruelty in Kansas.
Kansas Animal Health Department

Contact info for the sheriff's office in Kansas.
BOURBON COUNTY
Harold D. Coleman, Sheriff, PO Box 42, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
620/223-1440
FAX 223-0055

Kasas Governor - Kathleen Siebelus
Governor@KS.GOV

Chance Miniature Horse Rescue - feel free to contact any of the BOD members for additional information.
Welcome to Chances Miniature Horse Rescue!

Thank you in advance for anything you are willing to do to help out.........even if it's just one phone call, or one e-mail!

[GotSpots]

YouTube - Uniontown Kansas Mini Horses

[CarolsCritterCare]

Has anyone contacted Paul over at Farm Sanctuary?

Farm Sanctuary does animal rescue across the USA. Infact I was involved with the placement of many horses from Michigan and 100's of potbellied pigs from Florida

[GotSpots]

As we all know, rescue is not black and white! It's a combined effort of hard work, tears, anger, sadness, fear, determination, compassion, and relief all rolled into one! With that, here is the latest update on the Kansas miniatures. Thank you to everyone who may have read their story, prayed, shared a tear, or made a phone call on their behalf.

Press Release

In Uniontown Kansas a near disaster was averted by compassionate horse lovers raising an alarm and then coming to the rescue of a man and his too many miniature horses. On September 17 a cry for help was issued by Chances Miniature Horse Rescue when it was notified of the plight of nearly 100 miniatures horses severely undernourished and in visibly poor condition. Through the joint efforts of caring Kansas citizens, Southern Winds Equine Rescue and Recovery Center, Chances Miniature Horse Rescue, Windingroad Rescue, Kansas Miniature Horse Club and numerous other groups 16 horses in the worst condition have been voluntarily surrendered by owner Vernon Trembly. Trembly, 71, has devoted his life to his herd of miniature horses and found himself unable to provide the care needed to keep his beloved animals healthy. The local sheriff had a Kansas State University veterinarian examine the balance of the herd and announced that they were no in imminent danger. Trembly has been told that he must reduce the number of animals he owns and clean all of the debris from his property. Donations of money, services, feed, medicine, equipment and support items have come to the rescue groups from around the world to help the Trembly minis. Work days are being organized for Saturday, October 13 and October 27 to assist in cleaning up the property for the safety of the animals and to haul in hay and feed to assist the elderly man. Victor McMullen of Southern Winds Rescue is organizing a schedule for regular visits to assist in the care of the animals. Virigina St. Pierre of Chances Miniature Horse Rescue is working to indntify buyers and foster homes to assist Trembly in reducing the size of his herd. Local miniature horse lovers have offered to provide mare care for his pregnant mares so they may safely give birth to healthy foals. On a sad note, a Kansas man who rescued several of the miniatures horses suffered a heart attack and has had to undergo heart bypass surgery early this morning. Offers for purchase of his excessive herd are flowing from around the world. Rather than stripping Trembly of his life long companions, the miniature horse community is coming to his aid. Updates and photos to follow

[CarolsCritterCare]

Thanks for the update

[kswatcher]

I see that someone out there is putting a new spin on this story. I would like to set the record straight, and I apologize in advance if this turns out to be a long post. First I would like to explain how this story became a world wide sensation of the web. Last spring, Vern's horses contracted tape worms. It would seem that it effected the older horses and the stallions that were penned up together the most. Vern's vet did not recognize what the problem was until 10 to 15% of the herd had lost a substantial amount of weight. By Sept., they were all being treated for it. Vern had been using Ivermectin which doesn't cover tape worms. In Sept, a woman named Ronni Feldon apparently tried to buy a horse from Vern and he did not want to sell to her. She came back and snapped photos of the horses that were being kept up near the front gate where Vern could more easily give them special attention. Ronni called CMHR and told them that about 100 miniature horses were starving to death and she emailed a few photos. From what I can tell, Ronni was a complete stranger as far as CMHR was concerned. Without checking anything out, or talking to Mr. Trembly, or talking to the local authorities, CMHR launched a campaign on Little Beginnings website asking everyone to call just about every politician and news outlet in the state. They provided Vern's name, address, and directions on how to get there. Then they put together a slide show with Ronni's photos and posted it on You Tube. Again, they specified Trembly's Tiny Trails in Union Town, KS.

When I first saw the film, I ,too, was horrified. Then I noticed that the same horses seemed to be depicted at different angles. More photos surfaced and there were clearly horses in the background that were not thin or malnourished. This told me that it was not a case of starvation from lack of food. I decided to drive down and check it out. The debris shown in the pictures was actually outside the fence. It was made to look like the horses were trapped in a junk yard. In reality, they have 80 acres to roam on. I have spent many hours and days on the Trembly farm since this story was launched.

A lot of horses are missing. This "press release" mentions Winding Road Equine Rescue, and in searching the web I find that a Kristin Chambers of Waverly, KS claims to be the owner. I can't find a listing or website for Winding Road anywhere. I do know that Kristen went there and bought 5 or 6 horses for $1,600 and her check has bounced. The little palomino stallion that has been called the "hitchhiker" that they claimed was picked up off the side of the road by Trembly's Farm is missing. A nice little horse I might add. I have his half brother that is under 30" tall.

I see that a man is mentioned who bought some horses and had a recent heart attack? The only man involved in this that I know of is Victor McMullen. If Victor had a heart attack, I am sincerely sorry to hear it after all that he has been through losing his wife, back surgery, ect. Never the less, this "press release" seems to have originated on Craig's List. The listing is now expired, but it was copied and placed on "Stumbled Upon" by a man described as Danny, age 61, from Wellington, KS. That would pretty much describe Victor. I have tried to give Victor the benefit of the doubt through all of this. For the record, Southern Winds Rescue and CMHR were ordered to stay off the property when the sheriff arrived and found Victor rounding up more horses (whatever he pleased without permission) in preparation for loading them up. When Victor wrote a letter to the County Attorney in
Oct. stating that nothing was being done and demanding that all but 10 horses be seized, the legal aspect of this case ended. It was simply an outright lie, and the County was pissed off. The Sheriff has been keeping a very close eye on the situation.

To date, with the help of local citizens, all of the horses have been wormed, vaccinated and trimmed. Teeth floating is an ongoing project. There are no vets that will do dental work on minis in the area.

The rescue agencies involved have not helped on the Trembly farm or donated anything. They have retained all donations claiming that it is for the few that were surrendered. At least half of the horses surrendered were not underweight. No pictures have been posted of those. No documentation was written on what horses were taken - a very bad policy for a rescue organization I might add.

Since when do rescue organizations post someone's name and address all over the web before any accusations are substantiated or charges filed? They endangered this man's life, and they must be stopped. When I first met Vern Trembly, he was living in his car parked at the front gate because people were showing up with horse trailers looking to take free horses - at all hours of the night and day! It was as if someone advertised an equine shopping mall with a 100% mark down sale.

Don't get me wrong. Things are far from perfect at the Trembly farm. Vern did get behind on ferrier work, but over 80% of the herd were fine with regard to that. This was not a case of intentional starvation. Go there any day at feeding times, and you will see horses leave the feed bins in order to follow Vern around. Yes, he does love them, and it appears that they love him too. In regard to the state of the pasture grass, I would agree that it needs to be burned off and re-seeded. Some corrals will have to be built first, because you can't put minis out on a bunch of green grass. They founder too easily. They have been getting brome hay and grain year around all along.

For someone to claim that they weren't trying to take away all of this man's horses or that they are trying to assist him with the horses that are left is an outrageous lie.

If I have anything to say about this, CMHR will be sued for libel. I have every thread post that they had deleted, and reading it - it sounds like a lynch mob thirsting for blood. Show me one case that has ever been handled in this manner. I guess it's time to start blogging on this story again. I was ready to let it all drop so that Vern could have some peace. I got tired of Little Beginnings and people claiming to be from PETA threatening me with lawsuits, but somebody has to stand up against this kind of disregard for the human aspect in animal rescue cases. It seems that they continue to use this story to seek donations and pat themselves on the back.

Sincerely,

The Kansas Watcher

This is the horse that I purchased from Vern in Oct. He sure wasn't thin or starving. I have him on a diet.

[MBShafeena]

To those of you on this forum and this thread - be careful what you are reading here by the above poster. It seems wherever KSWatcher goes she likes to pick and chose little tidbits and put a spin on this when in fact what is being reported by her is NOT the ENTIRE story, nor is it factual or accurate. This poster is being monitored by our lawyer. Unfortunately your word on your own blog that you wanted things to calm down, etc. etc. etc. I kept copies of all of those even though you removed the "comments".....
If anyone wants the true facts on the condition of the horses removed, the first and second group, prior to the KSU vet inspection, I would strongly suggest that you contact one of the rescues or the miniature horse club in Kansas or one of the many volunteers that fostered the first two groups. It is MUCH more than a case of tape worms as being alleged here. The ones removed were seen by various vets when they arrived in their foster homes and those reports go into more detail as to the condition of the horses and the reasons. Shame on you once again for making light of this situation KSWatcher and the neglect that took place.
If you wish the name of the CMHR lawyer I will be happy to send it to you but wait I believe you have already received communication from her about things you wrote on your blog and the "nazi" cartoon insinuating that the woman who contacted CMHR (the rescues were also called "nazis" and members of lilbeginnings as well - yes I also kept a recordsl)....
Have a good day

Danielle

[MBShafeena]

I see that a man is mentioned who bought some horses and had a recent heart attack? The only man involved in this that I know of is Victor McMullen. If Victor had a heart attack, I am sincerely sorry to hear it after all that he has been through losing his wife, back surgery, ect.

To put your mind at ease, and to ensure that "facts" are put out there since you mention this here, nobody had a "heart attack". One of the volunteer foster homes - back in October, the second day after the first group of horses were removed had some chest pains and went to the hospital to have it checked out. I know I spoke to the man directly when I was inquiring about one of the minis they were fostering. So not to worry, nobody had a "heart attack".

Danielle

[MBShafeena]

The rescue agencies involved have not helped on the Trembly farm or donated anything. They have retained all donations claiming that it is for the few that were surrendered

Thank God people donated to the rescues. You fail, for some reason, but I am sure I know why, that the little black stallion that had "penile warts" that grew to the size of a grapefruit and required surgery... we were first told it was cancer and then the owner at the time said "oh that one has west niles..." when it went down being led to the trailer to be removed from the property... his surgery cost a LARGE amount of money. The foster homes were certainly not the ones that were going to pay for veterinary costs incurred for getting these horses back to health!!!! Good grief.

Update on Sundance - L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forums
Vet Report on 13 Kansas miniatures - L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forums

[MBShafeena]

You fail to conveniently mention when saying that the rescues are amassing donations and not using them on the rescues... excuse me???????????
Usually foster care givers in rescue situations are not the ones that pay for needed surgeries, medical bills, feed, etc when rescues are in their hands until permanent homes can be found for them.

You conveniently omit in your post above about the surgery required on one of the stallions rescues, the one that we had been told had "cancer", than told by the onwer he had "west niles" only to find out that his problem was an out-of-control wart growth on his penis!!!! The wart had grown over time to the size of a small grapefruit. CMHR paid for that surgery with the monies received from the wonderful people who donated to get these horses back to health. Whether the money was used for feed, surgery, dental, etc. etc. it went to help the horses, those rescued in this situation and all others that need CMHR's help. Don't take my word for it, go verify for yourself below. There are pictures of the surgery

Update on Sundance - L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forums

[LinksToThePast]

It is great to see so much passion for the four legged creatures out there, however, this forum is a family friendly forum and we would appreciate if you take your hatred, arguing, and drama elsewhere.

This is not a forum for those interested in getting into he said, she said discussions.

Consider yourself warned.

[MBShafeena]

Thank you to the site Administrator "Linkstothepast" for allowing my post and link, it is very much appreciated. Please know that their is no "hatred" or "drama" involved here. You are correct though in your assessment of "arguing" in the sense that some see things differently than others and that is fine as well. Everyone is allowed their own opinion but it is appreciated when both sides of the story can be told that make up the "whole picture". Again, thank you.

Danielle Emond
Dreamweaver Miniatures
Ontario, Canada

[kswatcher]

I hope that I get a chance to respond here. Yes, there are two sides to every story.

Here are photos that I took of the herd back in October: Kodakgallery.com*Slideshow

Here is the man that all of this controversy is about:
Vernon Trembly: A closer look at the man and a lifetime of sharing his love of miniature horses « Kswatcher’s Weblog

"Sundance" did have west nile in the spring, and Trembly had his vet treat him. He recovered from it.

I sure would like to see a histology report and a veterinarian's name associated with these assessments. These photos clearly look like a classic sarcoid or carcinoma, and in both situations, it is unlikely that surgery would be a permanent cure. The two veterinarians that examined the entire herd stated that no horses were in immediate danger, and therefore, no charges were filed. Recommendations were worming and separated feed areas.

No one will ever see what was reported by people not connected with this rescue ( and even two of CMHR's own members) that went down there to check it out in person. All of that information information was deleted wasn't it?