Stolen Horse International, Inc. 
PO Box 1341
Shelby, NC 28151
(704) 484-2165
stolenhorse@netposse.com  

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Thanks to everyone who made it possible for Skye to get her new horse for Christmas.  There were many offers for a horse for Skye.  To all that did a special thank you.  
Lady, was given to Skye by a wonderful person. More wonderful people transported Lady to NY.  I hope to have Skye's story on the site soon.  Thank you all.  NetPosse members you continue to touch my heart with your kindness.  I never underestimate the power of one...especially here.

The horse (Lady) arrived safe and sound Tuesday evening. Dale and Brandi were going to keep it a surprise but just decided to give her to Sky right away. Sky was THRILLED and from what I understand really loves her new horse.

Thanks again for everything that you have done to help. The Happiest of Holidays to you and your family.
Alix or Paul Dench-Layton
12/24/04

(Lady is the grey horse to the right.  She is 8 years old.)

As I sit here unable to sleep tonight because of all the thoughts running through my brain I am pondering what could have prevented this tragedy. Because of the thief's lies and setting us on 'wild goose chases' we were unable to save Cimarron. Everything moved so fast that it was already too late when we finally realized what had happened. I truly believe that one thing could have prevented this. I KNOW Cimarron did not have a current coggins (because I was the last one that had it done) and went through the sale and up to Canada without one. Does anyone know (or how to find out) if there are 'special' circumstances for horses slated for slaughter? 

I know (at least in my experience) that it is not possible to get a coggins quicker than three business days. So how could a horse sold through auction Friday night have a coggins to be shipped in to Canada Tuesday morning? Since there is no way to prove ownership of EVERY horse through (Backyard horses that have never left the farm, etc) registration papers, tattoos, microchips (no uniformity- at least at this time) or brands (how many horses in the East have them?) I feel a REQUIRED current coggins on each and EVERY horse sold through public auction would go a long way in helping to stop the theft of horses. The best part is that every coggins has a description including markings, owner info, etc that could be checked as a horse is consigned. That way if there is an alert the person checking the horses in would have a lot better chance catching it if he could 'see' every horse coming in. If a horse was 'suspicious', it could be checked out. What thief is going to steal a horse, call the vet to do a coggins and then present the animal at auction when by that time there is probably an alert out. If the horses were also checked at the border for a current coggins and proper paperwork it would close up another 'hole'. 

I would like to propose some sort of bill (the Cimarron Bill) that would require every sale barn, auction and dealers (that buy for slaughter) to only accept sales horses with a current coggins in the owners name with the consignor providing identification or some sort of document providing them with the authority (to be photocopied and kept as record) to sell the animal in question. A random check by personnel to ensure that horses match their coggins as well. I just don't see a thief finding it as lucrative a prospect if there are so many checks in place.

Now maybe I am barking up the wrong tree because I am upset at what happened but I would like to hear some feedback, suggestions and other's thoughts on what I have suggested. I realize that the option of 'selling for slaughter' is a motivator for these people but at the rate of speed which this particular incident moved I can't see that stopping what happened, especially as the slaughterhouse is in Canada not on US soil. We need to stop these situations at their beginning- sales barns, auctions, dealers etc. And devise a penalty for the underhanded sales barns, auctions and dealers who do not conform. I also realize that crooks will always find a way but I think we need to make it a lot harder than it is!

Also, if there is an exception for 'kill horses' as far as a coggins it needs to be changed. Think of it this way- many of you have bought horses at auction (myself included) how would you feel if somewhere down the road your new horse comes up positive for EIA and NOW you have to go through the heartache and expense associated because some horse headed for the 'kill pen' didn't 'need' a coggins because he was a 'dead horse walking' (as some jerk I spoke to this week put it)? 

I apologize for my very long email but I just can not let Cimarron's death be in vain........................

Alix Dench-Layton

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