ComplaintsforRiversong Ranch Rescue

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We fostered a horse from a state funded horse rescue. In our contract we are required to return the animal if we are unable to care for it anymore. We contacted the rescue whos contract states we cannot sell or give away the horse we are required to return her to the rescue. Now they are refusing to take her back while also refusing to void our contract so we can give her to a home that can take better care of her.

  Business response

  02/14/2022

  We are going to be as professional as possible despite the emotions behind this situation. 
  
  Let's take the accusations one at a time.
  
  First, we are not a state funded. Second, we did not decline to accept the horse back into our program.  We are a small, privately funded rescue with limited space and funds.  As the foster was told at the time they took on the obligation of becoming a foster, there is often a brief wait period in the event of a return due to our space issues and so many horses seeking help. Unfortunately, when the foster contacted us, we were full at the time and asked them to wait until we had an opening.  During our discussions, they told us very limited information about the health status of the horse. Due to some concerning phrases used by the foster, we suggested that the foster seek medical care before forcing the poor animal to endure a 4 hour trailer ride in that condition. At no time was financial instability mentioned or an inability to properly feed the animal.
  
  Despite our efforts to negotiate with the foster, two weeks ago (about a week into this incident), we decided it was in the best interest of the mare to accept her back under emergency conditions (due to foster refusing medical care).  Upon arrival, we learned that she was so emaciated and ill cared for by the foster that the mare had to be put down within hours of her arrival to the rescue. (They had refused to send any photos of her unblanketed despite being asked to do so. To say I was disappointed and grief filled by her condition upon arrival would be an understatement) They had only fostered her for 5 months, they completely failed to uphold their contractual obligations and care for the horse.  This did not happen overnight or in a week… the horse was starved for months.
  
  The last video I saw of the mare was in late November, so I was satisfied with the care at the time.  However, obviously something went awry between then and now.  My only regret is fostering to them at all… they should be ashamed of their conduct and the complete lack of empathy and care that they showed this poor mare.
  
  We do have photo evidence of the horse’s condition upon arrival to the rescue (the photos are upsetting)
  
  In conclusion, the foster is the type of person that should be reported, not this rescue.
  
  Corrections to false accusations.
  We are not a state funded rescue
  We did not refuse to take back the horse
  
  The simple truth… what we did do.
  Gave the foster genuine advice, which they chose to ignore.
  Took the horse back
  Gave the horse much needed medical care

  Business response

  02/14/2022

  We are going to be as professional as possible despite the emotions behind this situation. 
  
  Let's take the accusations one at a time.
  
  First, we are not a state funded. Second, we did not decline to accept the horse back into our program.  We are a small, privately funded rescue with limited space and funds.  As the foster was told at the time they took on the obligation of becoming a foster, there is often a brief wait period in the event of a return due to our space issues and so many horses seeking help. Unfortunately, when the foster contacted us, we were full at the time and asked them to wait until we had an opening.  During our discussions, they told us very limited information about the health status of the horse. Due to some concerning phrases used by the foster, we suggested that the foster seek medical care before forcing the poor animal to endure a 4 hour trailer ride in that condition. At no time was financial instability mentioned or an inability to properly feed the animal.
  
  Despite our efforts to negotiate with the foster, two weeks ago (about a week into this incident), we decided it was in the best interest of the mare to accept her back under emergency conditions (due to foster refusing medical care).  Upon arrival, we learned that she was so emaciated and ill cared for by the foster that the mare had to be put down within hours of her arrival to the rescue. (They had refused to send any photos of her unblanketed despite being asked to do so. To say I was disappointed and grief filled by her condition upon arrival would be an understatement) They had only fostered her for 5 months, they completely failed to uphold their contractual obligations and care for the horse.  This did not happen overnight or in a week… the horse was starved for months.
  
  The last video I saw of the mare was in late November, so I was satisfied with the care at the time.  However, obviously something went awry between then and now.  My only regret is fostering to them at all… they should be ashamed of their conduct and the complete lack of empathy and care that they showed this poor mare.
  
  We do have photo evidence of the horse’s condition upon arrival to the rescue (the photos are upsetting)
  
  In conclusion, the foster is the type of person that should be reported, not this rescue.
  
  Corrections to false accusations.
  We are not a state funded rescue
  We did not refuse to take back the horse
  
  The simple truth… what we did do.
  Gave the foster genuine advice, which they chose to ignore.
  Took the horse back
  Gave the horse much needed medical care

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