Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 5, 2007 Since You Asked Can you tell me what the legal shelter requirements are for owners of horses and cattle in this valley? I have seen too many miserable animals standing out in the freezing rain with no shelter or even a tree available to help keep them dry. These seem like clear cases of animal neglect. Who should be contacted when we see this kind of irresponsibility? Thank you. -- Darryl E., Eagle Point We've seen them too, Darryl. The wretched, ribby gelding with the muddy overlong hooves and soggy matted mane standing solo and forlorn on the steeply sloped lot. Or the aged, swaybacked mare in a parched brown field, heat blistering down on her bowed and fly-beleaguered head. Shame. Dogs and cats can also suffer from neglect and abuse. But many people believe horse (and cattle) owners cannot be held accountable for neglect because the animals themselves are not subject to the same legal protections we provide our household pets. Advertisement Not so, says Colleen Macuk, program director for the Jackson County Animal Care and Control Center. The rules of care for horses and cattle in Jackson County follow the states' ordinances for offenses against animals, she says. "For any animal, the owner must provide sufficient care to preserve the health and the well-being of the animal," said Macuk. The requirements differ depending on the needs and circumstances of that particular animal, she said. A healthy horse that is in good shape would have different requirements than an aging animal or ill animal. Not every wet horse is a shivering, miserable creature. Not every animal standing in the hot summer sun is in danger of sunstroke. "Each case is individual," said Macuk. "There is no blanket rule." However, if you see an animal that appears to be in distress, call Jackson County Animal Control at 774-6655 and give it an opportunity to respond. "We do enforce state law for care and treatment of animals," said Macuk. [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary