After a bit of catching up, I had to write a third entry this morning. As you know, many of Barbara Hoffman's animals were killed in short order and you'd think from the media that all the great cats will be "saved", sent off to sanctuary somewhere but that may not be so. It appears the "rescuers" are more interested in the young, the healthy; considering the elderly animals too much of a burden. I read Barbara's blog entry and wept. Here I include a few small excerpts:
"Many people thinking of the greatest loss being the cats but there is comfort knowing that 6 have received a good home awaiting them…I can’t help but worry about the four that remain homeles... A vet slaving to care for the animals and the DA taking care of the great cats without skill or knowledge of their needs…and while he is my accusior, I feel so badly for him having taken on such a job…he could never have imagined the degree of work involved. The room where they are being held is not pleasant as the odor accumulates and the guilt that they are confined to their transport cages. He’s undergoing the task of trying to locate homes for the animals that I was so willing to give.
"Does he feel bad about the innocent animals they killed and the slaughtered animals and how they tore animals away from their home, into the cold, stressing them beyond believe?
"They took all the food and supplies and equipment from me to provide for the animals…and now going to be charged exorbitant fees for them to care for them…What’s wrong with this picture? Plenty!"
These great cats who were breathing clean, fresh country air in the care of one who has loved them their entire lives, someone who could handle them and get them out of their travel cages for exercise during the property set up and who would have had a permanent home with more space in the near future are now confined to those travel cages inside a stuffy, stinky building and being cared for by an attorney who likely has NO training and skill in doing so. At least 4 of these great cats at risk of being killed because the rescuers can't be bothered with real rescue and care.
Barbara's heart is big enough to feel for Mr. DA but mine only has room to feel for the cats and to despise Mr. DA, Caroline Wedding, the veterinarian and all the other participants in this GROSS abuse of power in seizing these animals and the audacity to take equipment and supplies (was that in the warrant?, bet it wasn't) and then charge fees for care as well. It is Mr. DA and his little tribe of thugs who should be feeling guilty!
Marion County, you bloody well better provide GOOD care for these great cats and all the remaining animals. You SHOULD return them immediately or at least find competent care for them! I have do doubt that Marion County will do no such thing so, if you have a suitable home for these animals, PLEASE contact Marion County and make an offer to care for the animals.
"And what of Fred’s family? They never knew how he was doing in jail as there was no way supplied for him to make a phone call…finding out through the media and the horrible way our lives and situation was portrayed. There was no way provided for him to call and let anyone know he was alright and not to worry."
My speechlessness is overwhelmed by OUTRAGE on this. In this day and age, with all the possibilities for providing communication? Marion County, YOUR abuse of HUMANS and ANIMALS needs to STOP immediately.
Fred, my fellow Aquarian, HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY and may the next one be much improved over this one.