You can imagine my horror. The place that we rescued Patrick from had three new donkeys yesterday morning. Yes, three.
They are small and from what I can tell are young. They still have a spring in their step and don’t yet wear the shackle of a halter that Patrick endured for almost three years.
Two are white and one is grey. They’re beautiful.
We have to stop this. Many of you offered to help, and here’s your opportunity. I have drafted the following letter and would appreciate your comments.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
Date 2011
The Honorable Art De La Cruz
Bernalillo County District 2 Commissioner
One Civic Plaza, NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Dear Commissioner De La Cruz,
We are writing to express our concern about the practice of using donkeys as a training tool for roping horses. We live in your district and this issue is very important to us. Donkeys are extremely intelligent and sentient animals and are not made to handle being roped – either physically or emotionally.
Roping is necessary for ranching cattle, and team roping as a sport hones the skills needed to treat cattle on the range. However, that doesn’t excuse using donkeys to improve roping skills. There are many mechanical roping dummies that can be used, and can be cheaply built with a little ingenuity.
The wording of the law as we understand it today falls under the following New Mexico statute:
§ 30-18-11. Unlawful tripping of an equine; exception
A. Unlawful tripping of an equine consists of intentionally using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment.
B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section do not apply to laying an equine down for medical or identification purposes.
C. As used in this section, “equine” means a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny.
D. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine is guilty of a misdemeanor.
E. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine that causes the maiming, crippling or death of the equine is guilty of a fourth degree felony.
L. 1995, Ch. 113, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995.
Donkeys are being used as a training tool for sport roping just down the road from us. When we contacted the New Mexico Attorney General’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce about this, we were told that, “…the roping issue won’t cut it with law enforcement.”
We urge you to please enforce the law against this illegal and inhumane practice and are seeking your help in how to make sure this happens. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
If you prefer, you can also download the letter here: Letter_to_Art_de_la_Cruz.
To send your own version of the letter, please see Clair’s comment here.
Thank you all for being such wonderful blogging friends. ♥
April 5, 2011 at 4:33 am
I cant believe and I´m horrified. You have to drive past there daily and see the poor new young donkeys. That must be hard for you Justina.
I hope, someone tells them soon that there is a law they have to abid.
Thanks for taking care, you have a heart of gold!
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April 5, 2011 at 4:48 am
I think it would strengthen your letter if you removed “The wording of the law as we understand it today falls under the following New Mexico statute:” and used the entire name of the law. In legal proceedings, the whole citation is important. You want to state clearly what the offense is and what part of what law it violates.
I offer:
The practice of using donkeys as a training tool for sport roping is in violation of Article 18 – Animals of the 2009 New Mexico Code Chapter 30 – Criminal Offense, § 30-18-11. A., the full text of which follows.
§ 30-18-11. Unlawful tripping of an equine; exception
A. Unlawful tripping of an equine consists of intentionally using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment.
B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section do not apply to laying an equine down for medical or identification purposes.
C. As used in this section, “equine” means a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny.
D. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine is guilty of a misdemeanor.
E. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine that causes the maiming, crippling or death of the equine is guilty of a fourth degree felony.
I think you want to come across as less sad about the plight of the poor donkeys than outraged at the violation of law. Saber-rattling has its uses.
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April 5, 2011 at 5:55 am
June,
Thank you. An excellent suggestion and one that will definitely help to strengthen the letter. Thank you!
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April 5, 2011 at 4:50 am
Okay. I couldn’t preview, so now I have to edit that.
Cut “, the full text of which follows” and change it to “The full text of § 30-18-11 follows.”
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April 5, 2011 at 5:00 am
Oh god!Tell me, do you think the letter will have any weight if it comes from a Canadian? Can we get the Humane Society or Peta involved? I can’t believe this: Save one, condemn three! D******!
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April 5, 2011 at 8:42 am
Sigrid,
Yes, please do send a letter. Thank you so much.
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April 5, 2011 at 5:07 am
Um.
I’m probably catching fire a little too much here, but have you considered sending a copy of the letter to the local newspaper?
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April 5, 2011 at 5:53 am
June,
Yes. Thanks to my friend Di’s suggestion, I’m considering sending to the local humane society, HSUS, every newspaper, veterinarian, and of course the NMAG’s office.
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April 5, 2011 at 5:33 am
I’m just sick over this…
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April 5, 2011 at 5:55 am
This has my vote!
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April 5, 2011 at 6:00 am
Good job in writing the letter, and I agree with June’s comment.
It’s so sad that there are three more victims in Patrick’s place. Poor babies. Some people just suck…
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April 5, 2011 at 6:17 am
I’m with June also. Why do law enforcement only enforce certain state laws??
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April 5, 2011 at 6:25 am
I’m out of state but I will write as well.
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April 5, 2011 at 6:40 am
Bev,
Thank you so much.
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April 5, 2011 at 6:38 am
Okay, I have sent a copy of the letter via email to Commissioner de la Cruz with the subject title ILLEGAL AND CRUEL DONKEY ROPING. I changed the letter a bit to make it more from myself, a person not living in his district. His email address is dherrera@bernco.gov according to the Bernalillo County page at http://www.bernco.gov/live/departments.asp?dept=2321.
My letter looked like this:
April 5, 2011
The Honorable Art De La Cruz
Bernalillo County District 2 Commissioner
One Civic Plaza, NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Dear Commissioner De La Cruz,
I am writing to express my concern about the practice of using donkeys as a training tool for roping horses. I understand that this is happening in your district. This issue is very important to me. Donkeys are extremely intelligent and sentient animals and are not made to handle being roped – either physically or emotionally.
Roping is necessary for ranching cattle, and team roping as a sport hones the skills needed to treat cattle on the range. However, that doesn’t excuse using donkeys to improve roping skills. There are many mechanical roping dummies that can be used, and can be cheaply built with a little ingenuity.
The wording of the law as I understand it today falls under the following New Mexico statute:
§ 30-18-11. Unlawful tripping of an equine; exception
A. Unlawful tripping of an equine consists of intentionally using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment.
B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section do not apply to laying an equine down for medical or identification purposes.
C. As used in this section, “equine” means a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny.
D. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine is guilty of a misdemeanor.
E. Whoever commits unlawful tripping of an equine that causes the maiming, crippling or death of the equine is guilty of a fourth degree felony.
L. 1995, Ch. 113, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995.
Donkeys are being used as a training tool for sport roping in your district. When the New Mexico Attorney General’s Animal Cruelty Taskforce was contacted about this, they said that, “…the roping issue won’t cut it with law enforcement.”
I urge you to please enforce the law against this illegal and inhumane practice and am seeking your help in how to make sure this happens. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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April 5, 2011 at 6:40 am
Clair,
You ROCK! Thank you.
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April 5, 2011 at 6:39 am
In addition to your list above, I would also copy your local representatives to the state government, the sheriff? (wondering who would actually enforce the law), the state attorney general….
One would surely hope, with the law on the books, there is some way to make them stop…..
😦
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April 5, 2011 at 6:58 am
great letter: concise and to the point. I always feel concise is important to express a point. However, I might add one quick line of why it is dangerous to the donkeys physically: such as physical concerns include but are not limited to crushing espohogeal injuries even death. See list of injuries here: and list website.
I suggest this b/c they may just think it is just another “animal lover” concerned about “hurting some stupid animals feelings.” Seriously… some people will disregard any concerns but he may pay attention to some of the more serious physical concerns.
you go girl!!!!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:52 am
Jane,
Thank you for your support!
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April 5, 2011 at 6:59 am
Question—will it hold any water if I (from Texas) send this letter to your state rep? I’ll be more than happy to do so, if you think it will help!!
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April 5, 2011 at 7:26 am
CeeCee,
I don’t know if it will hold any water, but I don’t know that it would hurt, either… Does anyone else have thoughts or experience with this question?
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April 5, 2011 at 7:50 am
In these Internet days, pressure can make a difference even if it comes from the other side of the country. At least, that’s what I think!
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April 5, 2011 at 7:19 am
There are some parallels here to the illegal cockfighting issue, which went on for so long in New Mexico. My memory is sketchy but a law was passed making it illegal, and now the law is enforced, to some extent anyway. With enough awareness and public outrage of the donkey-roping issue, how can law enforcement not enforce this statute that’s already on the books? One of the local tv news outlets might be willing to grab on to this. I’ll do a little digging into the enforcement of illegal cockfighting to see what I can learn … after I write my letters!
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April 5, 2011 at 7:24 am
Carson,
We love you. Thanks.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:43 am
Justina….we may not physically be able to save these donks, much like other animals but your letter writing campaign will certainly be adding sound to a fury. In this case more is better. You should contact Larry Barker at Channel 7, he is a big animal activist himself and a pit bull of a man when it comes to getting on a story. I’ll certainly take you letter and make it my own and send it along as well. I will also get in touch with my rescue friends and as for their letter writing help and any other suggestions. Be of good heart, together we are stronger than on our own in all causes of importance. The Olde Bagg
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April 8, 2011 at 5:51 am
Linda,
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:51 am
Would it help If I sent one and I don’t live in your area (Baltimore, MD). Let me know and I would be happy to send one.
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April 5, 2011 at 8:41 am
Kelly,
Looks like the answer is yes. Thank you so much.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:54 am
I think I would include a detailed description of just what happens to the donkey when it is roped.
You go Justina!
Suzanne
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April 8, 2011 at 5:51 am
Suzanne,
Thank you for your support.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:54 am
I was waiting for Carson to jump in – I knew she would have some ideas!
TV and newspaper coverage will reach many people. The more people who know = more pressure on the lawmakers and law enforcers to act. You know we will burn up the blogosphere!!
Also – who is selling the donkeys to these people? Is there any way to go after them too? I guess they could say they didn’t know what the donkey was going to be used for – but maybe, just maybe, they might actually care that these cute babies are going to be abused.
Mr. De La Cruz – prepare for an email from Georgia!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:50 am
Sue,
Thank you!
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April 5, 2011 at 8:03 am
I have stopped crying long enough to print out the letter and find an envelope. I will mail it on my way home this afternoon.
I also edited the letter to reflect that I don’t live in the area, but I am still very concerned about this terrible thing.
My local TV news stations have a “Tip Line” for news stories. They love to pounce on animal stories and especially any situation where laws aren’t being enforced. Is there something like that in Albuquerque?
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April 8, 2011 at 5:50 am
Cathy,
Thank you. Hugs.
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April 5, 2011 at 8:20 am
I strongly believe that anyone out of state can help supporting this splendid idea regarding donkey roping even in NM. I, recently, did my part in supporting NY State (I live in MD) in keeping 4201 deaf, hearing impaired and slso deaf and blind schools opened instead of closing as many as 11 schools there. So go ahead and support Justina!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:49 am
MeeMaw,
Thank you!
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April 5, 2011 at 8:35 am
I really hope you flood your Commissioner with hundreds of letters; take it to the news media for sure, they are always looking for human interest stories, and some good investigative journalism would be just the thing to get this issue front and center.
Expect resistance from ropers.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:49 am
Shirley,
Thank you. I don’t know if you noticed, but one of your original comments is part of the letter. Thanks for being a voice of reason.
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April 5, 2011 at 8:36 am
A letter is forthcoming from Iowa. This makes me so, so very sad.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:48 am
Sara,
Thank you.
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April 5, 2011 at 9:10 am
Oh geez. My heart sank reading your post. They got three more donkeys! Three more! This just makes me sick and angry. You can count on me also sending a letter. Like you, I will not just stand by and hope someone else steps up to the plate. The more I think about this the more angry I am getting.
Bless you for stepping up for the donkeys!
Together all of us can make our voices heard loud and clear.
Hugs!!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:47 am
Cindy,
Thank you for sending a letter.
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April 5, 2011 at 9:29 am
I keep thinking about this, and I keep coming back to “roping is necessary for ranching cattle.”
This makes me think — every time I eat beef, I am part of this whole problem. Every time I eat beef, I am part of making roping “necessary.”
I wonder about making a slow but long-lasting difference by eating less meat. Every time I eat beans instead of beef, that takes the “necessity” of roping down, just a little…….
That doesn’t mean I think the current issue can be ignored! !!!
But removing (or at least lessening) the “necessity,” over time, seems like a sure way to have fewer donkeys abused in this manner.
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April 5, 2011 at 10:19 am
I have watched people from all over the world support a starved pitbull named Patrick on Facebook. Pressure from folks who don’t live anywhere near New Jersey (which is where Patrick was found, starved to the brink and dumped down a garbage chute) has propelled folks to do all sorts of positive things and put pressure on officials. Yes, you can make a difference, even if you don’t live where events occur. I’ll be sending a letter from Oregon! 🙂
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April 8, 2011 at 5:47 am
Valerie,
Thank you.
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April 5, 2011 at 10:30 am
It is so sad that they went out and got more donkeys. I was afraid that was going to happen though.
Team roping is a sport that is loosly based on ranch work. Very few team ropers I know use their team roping skills on a ranch anywhere. Team roping is their chosen hobby, sport, whatever just like some people ride dressage or jump. Roping cattle is sometimes necessary on a ranch, but not eating beef will not cut down on the number of people team roping. I’m also not sure the tripping law will apply to roping donkeys as most are not actually “tripped”. That law was designed to outlaw the charreada sport of roping the front legs of a running horse and causing them to crash to the ground.
I think that using donkeys to practice roping is awful. And hopefully all the letters will at least bring it more the the publics attention even if the law ends up not applying.
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April 5, 2011 at 10:41 am
Lisa,
Thank you.
My thoughts too; however, the law as written states: Unlawful tripping of an equine consists of intentionally using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment. I’m hoping that the intent of the law applies to using donkeys to practice roping.
Someone very helpful working on this issue with me yesterday wrote:
…that could possibly include anything which would impede with the equines natural movement or POTENTIALLY cause it to lose its balance…..
So if the donkey is moving or running and they rope the legs and the donkey staggers around….I would say that is within the language of the law.
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April 5, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Hopefully. I am guessing the original intent of the law was focused on horse tripping at the charreadas, but it could apply to donkey roping as well.
I think the best thing is getting it out to the public. I bet most people have no idea that donkeys are used for practice roping. Also, consider sending the letter to USTRC.
http://www.ustrc.com/home/
Some of these organizations don’t like their sport looking bad. While they may not do it entirely for the donkeys sake, they might have some interest in keeping their sport clean. Whatever, as long as it helps the donkeys.
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April 5, 2011 at 11:54 am
I was beyond saddened after I read this post:(( I can’t believe it this is happening again. Those people are just heartless….
I copied your letter,added what Claire and June suggested and I just e-mailed Commissioner De La Cruz. I stated that I was from Slovenia and asked him to “listen” to my plight anyway.
I agree with what some already said – animal welfare is not limited to a district, it’s an international concern.
I hope we can make a difference. You, Justina, already have.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Sandra,
Thank you so much for doing this.
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April 5, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I’m relatively new to your website, and not licensed to the bar in your state, so this is not legal advice. If I were in your position I would talk with an attorney. You don’t specify if the statute is in the criminal code or civil code, but perhaps you could seek private enforcement by filing suit yourself. In oregon, there are some lawyers that specialize in animal law–perhaps there are some in your state also. The political process is a good place to start also, but I personally wouldn’t want to wait it out. Have you documented any of the roping activities?
If you call the state bar they can also recommend what kind of attorney will help you.
Regards, Carrie
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April 5, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Carrie,
No documentation as of yet… we’re working on it. Thank you so much for your comments… they were extremely helpful.
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April 5, 2011 at 8:23 pm
I looked up the statute and it is part of the criminal code under cruelty to animals. If I were in your place, I would document the activity and take it to the police. I would also take any documentation you have from patrick not being properly cared for. Or, you can take the information directly to the DA’s office and ask to speak with a DA. This crime is a misdemeanor–without a showing of harm to the animal. This isn’t small potatoes stuff. Most THEFTS are misdemeanors. DA’s prosecute misdemeanors. There is a reason the legislature enacted this law–it needs to be ENFORCED.
You could also notify the police without collecting documentation and they should investigate. What your neighbors tell them may be an entirely different story, of course.
If you don’t obtain any satisfaction, there are private nongovernmental organizations like the ASPCA that you can contact for advice.
again, this isn’t legal advice–just some things to think about. 🙂
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April 5, 2011 at 1:50 pm
I am so saddened by this news. Poor sweet little donkeys…it breaks my heart.
I have adapted yours and Clair’s letters and sent my own and asked my readers to please send a letter as well. Thank you for drafting the first one. Please let me know if I should not post that actual letter on my blog-I am hoping it will make it easier for people to send one in.
If there is anything else we can do please let us know…I cannot imagine how horrifying it was for both of you to see the new donkeys.
Sending lots of hugs,
Sue and the crew
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April 8, 2011 at 5:46 am
Sue,
Thank you. xoxo
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April 5, 2011 at 3:47 pm
What can I do from Europe? Would e-mails from outside the US have any effect?
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April 5, 2011 at 4:02 pm
slingback,
The general consensus appears to be the more letters the better, so please do send a letter if you’d like.
Thank you so much.
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April 5, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Count on a letter coming from my part of Oregon, too.
♥
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April 5, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Danni,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Patrick and the rest of the boys send you their love.
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April 5, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Do you have to be a resident of New Mexico for a letter to have any punch?
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April 5, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Diane,
Everyone seems to agree that the more pressure we generate, the better.
As Valerie B said above, “Yes, you can make a difference, even if you don’t live where events occur.”
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April 5, 2011 at 7:07 pm
I just sent a revised version of the letter via email today. If you decide to pursue Larry Barker too, I’m all for it.
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April 5, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Lauri,
Thank you so much.
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April 5, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Thank you all. Each and every one of you!
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April 5, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Can we just buy these guys something appropriate to rope?
I mean would that help? In the meantime include the governor in your list of folks. Also contact the local animal cruelty group. As much as all of us care, it’s voters in your area that matter.
I run grass roots organizing efforts. I’ll send you some tips by email.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:45 am
Winter,
Received your email. Thank you so much!
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April 5, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Just an editing suggestion… maybe change the part where it reads about it being emotionally damaging to say mentally damaging. Basically the same thing but comes across as less “fluffy hearted animal lover”. As JaneK said, sometimes people concerned about animal welfare and cruelty are taken less seriously when its about the animal’s emotional welfare rather than when we are stating we’re worried about the animal’s physical welfare.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:45 am
Lisa,
Thank you.
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April 6, 2011 at 6:43 am
Letter sent… this poor commissioner will never know what hit him! 🙂 I can see him now, scratching his head, going: “What donkeys? where donkeys?”
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April 8, 2011 at 5:44 am
Sigrid,
Thank you so much.
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April 6, 2011 at 7:54 am
I came over from Clair’s blog- I had read about your saving Patrick a while back. A very happy story, though I was afraid they would just get another… so now they have 3. I would be happy to download & sign, but if I just sign as is , with no physical address of the offenders, will he know what I’m talking about? I mean in terms of putting a stop to this at that particular ranch? I do agree w/ “Linda in NM” get the media involved. I think it is the best way to get the word out!
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April 6, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Hi Becky,
Thank you for your support!
Because I don’t want to publish a physical address, I included the specifics in my letter, which was sent yesterday. It will be obvious to them that all of these letters are related – plus, what I’m really hoping for here is to eradicate the practice of using donkeys for roping practice… period – not just this one case.
If you look at the bottom of the post, I have linked to Clair’s comment so that you can see how she modified the letter. You can link to her comment here to see the modified letter: https://morningbrayfarm.com/2011/04/05/we-have-to-stop-this/#comment-8290
Does that help? Really – thank you again for your help.
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April 6, 2011 at 8:10 am
I will send a letter. I recently found out that some ropers in our area are using donkeys too. 😦
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April 8, 2011 at 5:44 am
Rosanne,
Thank you. Hugs to Russ.
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April 6, 2011 at 9:21 am
I came to your website from Linda of New Mexico’s blog (Olde Bagge) and have copied the revised letter to send Commissioner De La Cruz. Outrage, heartbreak and everything in between is what I am feeling. You are an angel to have rescued Patrick. It is unbearable to think of these new donkeys being abused. Blessings to you, Robin Larkspur
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April 8, 2011 at 5:43 am
Robin,
Thank you so much.
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April 6, 2011 at 9:59 am
Horrible Horrible Horrible!! I was in tears reading about this at Olde Baggs ‘n Stuft Shirts… Have already emailed the New Mexico governor asking him to enforce the laws there. I very much hope it helps. ~tina
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April 8, 2011 at 5:42 am
beansieleigh,
Thank you.
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April 6, 2011 at 11:02 am
I learned of Patrick and the cruelity that he endured thru Linda of Olde Bags. I’m very saddened and horrified that this mistreatment is allowed to go on. I will write a letter if it will help. Bless your heart 🙂
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April 8, 2011 at 5:42 am
Tamara,
Thank you for writing a letter.
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April 6, 2011 at 11:08 am
I am a friend of Sue and Chloe’s, I read the story of your new little guy and thank you for taking him. I see that you have a letter you would like help getting out. I have lots of friend that would be more than happy to get this out, and they would love to know the work that you do. If I get your permission I will post this little guys story and get you thousands of letters. Again thank you for helping him, and let us help you try to stop this. Sue knows me, she will tell you what I do. Thank you for listening to the hearts of these animals.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:41 am
Brandi,
Thank you for everything.
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April 6, 2011 at 11:55 am
I will certainly be writing a letter!!! although I do live in West Virginia, the more the better!!!I HOPE they enforce this law!!and SOON!! They probably got 3 more donkeys just so SWEET concerned peeps like YOU would buy them too!! Money is the root of all evil! DONKEY LOVERS UNITE!!!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:41 am
Cinda,
Thank you.
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April 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I am in Arkansas but I am definitely sending this letter! I just printed it out. Thank-you for giving me the opportunity..love the donkeys!!!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:40 am
April,
Thank you.
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April 6, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I have the same question as becky. I will happily do this, but is he going to know who we are talking about in the letter?
It is a great letter, but those of us from out of state would have to revise it a bit, because I think the guy would be a little thrown off as to why someone in VA is writing him about donkeys “down the road from us”.
Thank you for starting this – hopefully it will be brought to his attention and stopped.
And thank you for adopting Patrick. So wonderful
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April 6, 2011 at 1:31 pm
SkippyMom,
Thanks so much for your support.
Because I don’t want to publish a physical address, I included the specifics in my letter, which was sent yesterday. It will be obvious to them that all of these letters are related – plus, what I’m really hoping for here is to eradicate the practice of using donkeys for roping practice… period – not just this one case.
If you look at the bottom of the post, I have linked to Clair’s comment so that you can see how she modified the letter. You can link to her comment here to see the modified letter: https://morningbrayfarm.com/2011/04/05/we-have-to-stop-this/#comment-8290
Does that help?
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April 6, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Absolutely – thank you. Sorry if you had to repeat yourself for me. Thanks again.
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April 7, 2011 at 6:00 am
SkippyMom,
No, no… no worries! I didn’t have to repeat myself… I replied to both at more or less the same time, but didn’t want you to miss the answer. 🙂
Thank you again.
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April 6, 2011 at 2:58 pm
I’m a bit behind the eight ball here in Md. However I just sent an email to Commissioner de la Cruz. Hope all that everyone is doing helps. I know you will keep us posted.
Thanks for all you do.
BTW. When I die I want to come back as a Donkey and live at MBF.
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April 8, 2011 at 5:39 am
Sherry,
Thank you.
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April 7, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Letter sent!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:39 am
Diane,
Thank you!
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April 7, 2011 at 10:26 pm
I’m here via Linda, from Old Baggs ‘n Stuft Shirts, and I’m so glad she pointed me this way. I’ll print the letter Monday and make copies. I’ll try to get some people from school and the places were I volunteer to forward their signed copy as well.
These people are horrible and they need to be stopped!
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April 8, 2011 at 5:40 am
Magaly,
Thank you so much! So kind of you.
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April 10, 2011 at 8:38 am
I become aware of this from my friend Mina (Green Witch With Sprinkles). I’ve copied the letter and will send it off first thing tomorrow.
This just breaks my heart.
Sending you love and light for all you are doing and for the dear little donkeys.
Laurie
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April 10, 2011 at 8:45 am
Laurie,
Thank you so much.
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April 10, 2011 at 8:53 am
Justina,
I see your campaign is going very well. I have sent my letter, and I have been letting people know that they must continue flooding NM with comments that this must no longer be allowed to continue.
Sending love to you, your family and all the little guys you have.
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April 10, 2011 at 8:56 am
Brandi,
Thank you so very, very much! xoxo
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April 12, 2011 at 3:47 am
Came via Linda’s blog, distressful, I am protesting too 😦
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April 13, 2011 at 10:10 pm
woolibeachcombers,
Thank you.
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April 12, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Printed and will be sent. I also sent Linda at 7MSN an email that will come to you shortly regarding this other donkey. You MUST READ his page. Here
http://www.tierrescue.org/Pablo.htm
almost the same sad story. I can’t stand it, it breaks my heart. People are cruel.
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April 13, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Mikey,
Thank you so much.
I read it… I agree… heartbreaking. 😦
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April 14, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I’m sending this right now…found you via Mina at Green Witch With Sprinkles. I hope we can make them stop!
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April 14, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Laurie,
Thank you.
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December 27, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I own a donkey. A very nice, friendly donkey named Leon. He Meets me at his gate so I can take him down to our arena where he he plays with our horses and has turn out time. Leon provides me the opportunity to sharpen my roping skills and more importantly train my roping horse. I use a breakaway rope, so with a slight tug, the rope breaks away with no damage done. Leon is not harmed in any way and enjoys the activity. If I sit on my horse too long without paying attention to Leon, he will come to my horse and entice him to chase him again. Animals should be cared for properly. They should have purpose and should be utilized for said purpose. Not all animals are pets. Many animals are raised for consumption, that is there purpose. Utilizing donkeys for training rope horses serves a just purpose. Utilizing donkeys as pack animals is a just purpose. If you should choose to have a Donkey as a lawn ornament pet, I suppose that is a just purpose as well.
Good day.
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