Amersham Letters

AmyMay

AmyMay

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These are my 'Amersham' letters. Feel free to use them.

I don't believe they are fluffy - but do ammend as you feel necessary.


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KAINTH LETTER

Deputy District Judge Sandeep Kainth
Speedwell Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1RZ


Dear Mr Kainth,

It was with some shock and considerable concern that I read today of the order to return 11 donkeys and 18 Shetland ponies to their owner Jamie Gray, Spindles Farm, Amersham.

How can due processes have been followed considering that there is a pre-trail review scheduled for 28th April 2008 on charges of causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the needs of a total of 125 equines? Further, I would question what documentary and expert evidence do you have to support your claim that there is no evidence to show they are in any danger?

To not allow the RSPCA and the other charities involved the opportunity of overseeing the re-homing of the remaining 80 odd equines is astounding. Many of these animals were received by Redwings, the ILPH and the Horse Trust showing considerable signs of neglect. Found in deplorable conditions these animals deserve every chance of being re-homed by caring individuals, to lead a life safe from harm and further abuse.

As there is no mechanism to appeal this decision under the Animal Welfare Act, I firmly believe that you may have put our animal welfare laws in severe jeopardy by your decision. You are clearly signalling to the public that the courts will tolerate such actions as abuse and neglect of animals and have set a precedent in your decision for future cases.

I sincerely hope that you will re-consider your decision.

Yours sincerely,


*****************************************************

ROOKER LETTER

RT Hon. The Lord Rooker MP,
Minister of State,
DEFRA
Nobel House,
17 Smith Square,
London. SW1P 3JR


Dear Lord Rooker,

The Amersham Horses

I am writing to you today to ask you to look in to the case of the horses rescued from Spindles Farm, Amersham in January this year.

As I am sure you are aware Deputy District Judge Sandeep Kainth of Oxford Magistrates court has ordered that 29 donkeys and Shetland ponies should be returned to their owner Mr Jamie Gray, and the remaining animals sent next month to public auction. Proceeds of the sale are to be given to Mr Gray, minus legal costs.

This decision seems very pre-emptive of the outcome of Mr Gray’s impending trial for animal neglect. How can it be reasonable to return these animals to Mr Gray, prior to the trial? There was clear evidence of neglect and abuse of a number of animals – so it is safe to assume that the donkeys and Shetlands are at risk of the same. Despite Mr Kainth’s view of otherwise.

What prompted a decision to send the remaining animals to auction – again prior to the outcome of the trial? In particular the blind mare should not be subjected to such a process – and I would argue strongly that none of them should. I fully support the charities involved requests that they should be responsible for the re-homing of these animals, to ensure a life of security, health and happiness. They have been rescued once – please help them to not need rescuing a second time.

Many, many people have been very deeply moved and affected by the plight of these animals, and I implore you to look in to this further on behalf of these horses, ponies and donkeys.
 
Brilliant, well done AmyMay. I have written something similar to Judgie and have e-mailed local MP, if nothing else at least it brings the case back into their minds and we know we tried.
 

If an animal/horse was in care at an animal rescue centre after being rescued....

If this animal/horse was old and blind & was being cared for at this centre.....but was then ordered by law to be sent to a horse sale/auction.....wouldnt this be classed as cruelty to the animal?
 
and if these are indeed the property of JG then can he produce passports for every single one of the shetlands and donkeys (apart obviously from those born since they were rescued)

additionally can he produce passports for the 80 horses that are to be sold at auction

If not - irrespective of his care or not of the equines then he should be prosecuted under the passport legislation

without the passports how can he claim to be the LEGAL owner of ANY of these horses, ponies and donkeys
 
I personally assume none have passports, have heard nothing to the contrary, how can they be sold without passports?
 
Sorry Amymay it was not ment directly at you but just something I thought when reading through your letters.

I was meaning.....

One of the horses ordered to be sent to auction/sale is old and blind....

Isnt this classed in law as an act of cruelty in itself was what I was trying to put across.
 
well - the passport issue could delay the return/sale to after 28th April

try to match up 110 passports to the various animals - correct age, sex, size, type, markings......and diagram filled in by a vet as now required

could cause a massive massive delay with horses spread over the country in 3 locations at least .......

£5000 fine for each horse/pony/donkey without a valid passport plus that would show the horse/pony/donkey wasn't legally JGs and so could not be required to be sold or returned to him under this ruling
 
AmyMay, Brilliant letters and I've sent one to Lord Rooker, having sent one to Judge Kainth yesterday. I believe these should be one-pagers, and will write to him again on the passport question, which is an excellent point to make.
Lord Rooker is Deputy Leader of the House of Lords which unfortunately is on recess until 21st April. Let us pray that that does not make a difference.
 
Great letters.

Here are another two who could perhaps do with receiving some letters. The more people on the receiving end of public feeling the better.

Jonathan Shaw - Minister for the Horse Industry
Tony Williamson - Who heads The Horse Industry team

DEFRA
17 Smith Square
Nobel House
London
SW1P 3JR

I asked the RSPCA about the passport situation here is the response.

"Hi Emma - just checked re passports, and unfortunately we can't say anymore than what's in the statement - we're still very limited in what we can say because of the forthcoming prosecution. Sorry! I hope you understand."

They may not be able to say but they are aware......
 
Royal Mail are soon going to think they are having a christmas rush!!!!
grin.gif


And I bet the Judge concerned will never have received so much correspondence before!
cool.gif
 
I have today written to Judge Kainth suggesting the horses be valued by the market auctioneer in their present homes and be first offered at market value to the charities concerned, then the general public.
This I feel would suit the majority of parties. JG gets market value (Oh I know that galls but that's probably his legal right). the horses stay where they are and then eventually end up in decent ownership.
Judge K gets an escape from the barrage of letters we're all sending him.
It may not be legally possible but would solve the present crisis.
I'll let you know if he replies.
 
I am talking to the ILPH and Redwings on this subject. Information updates will be posted on my site but I will keep you posted.

I have just spoken to Redwings this morning and put their latest info on the site. If you want to read it please follow the link on the home page.
Thanks
Emma
 
Have already written, but have just sent an email as well. I think that the passport issue must be a critical one, mustn't it? How were the horses proved to be the property of J. Gray if he didn't possess passports for them? (Assuming that he might not have done ...) And if any/all of them do not have passports, then it is illegal to move them, and any attempt on his part to do so should be reported instantly to the police, I would have thought?
 
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