Norcrest - Locked threads

[BridledObsession]

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. It's actually very therapeutic to see everyone's outrage and be able to talk about what has happened. Believe it or not, even though I've been in contact multiple times with the police, reporters and the SPCA, this is always the first place I hear any news. It's very helpful.

I remain very sad and very disgusted. I'm very happy for the horses who survived and their owners. I wish ours was one of them. When I think about how much she must have suffered day after day after day -- I cannot find any sympathy for Gerry, nor am I even remotely offended by anything anyone has said in previous threads. This is one instance where name-calling does not seem petty -- it seems downright accurate.

Just my two cents. She let someone I loved and cared about die a slow painful death. She had options -- one would have been to stop lying to me every time I asked how she was doing. I will never understand why she did what she did.

[Sylvie Hebert]

may be a better alternative to name calling would be to start policing and checking the way horses are treated at the tracks and or farms...how about offering a little more financial or time support to some rescues...and before we go to bed at night ask ourselves where are the horses that i bred/trained/owned now...every journey begins with the first step...lets hold hands and take it together.

[Roguelet]

I am very sorry for those who have lost horses in this or any situation, and have absolutely no problem with people discussing this, posting information, etc.

There have been several other highly emotional situations in past years that have overflowed onto this forum, and highly emotional situations will continue to occur. One highly emotional situation caused the shut-down of this forum many years ago, and there have been several since that have caused some members to leave and others to be banned.

Please let me make myself VERY clear. My issue is NOT with any poster's emotions or reaction toward this or any other situation. My issue is with posters who refuse to abide by the rules of this forum, especially those who do so over and over and over again despite multiple warnings.

The rules of this forum were put in place for a reason, and they apply all the time... they are not meant to be applicable only in situations where a poster feels they should be, and ignored in all others.

I understand that some people have explosive reactions to certain situations. I support those people's right, and often their NEED, to share that reaction. However, my stipulation has been and will continue to be that IF THAT REACTION IS POSTED PUBLICLY ON THIS FORUM, IT MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THIS BOARD'S RULES. If that is not possible, then that reaction/post/opinion/statement needs to be expressed privately amongst yourselves. That is ALL I'm saying.

I do not want to lock threads. I hate locking threads. However, I will not waste my time continuously editing posts just so people can post the same type of thing 10 minutes later. That behavior is completely disrespectful of the forum rules, the moderators, and every single member here.

There is a way to express concern, disdain, whatever you wish, within the rules of this forum. Most posters have been able to successfully do so. As long as that is the case, I will have no reason to edit posts and lock threads. Please, let's keep the rules in mind and let's enable this thread to continue on as long as it continues naturally, because in that scenario it really does have the potential to serve an important purpose to many posters here.

*off soapbox

[Roger]

I wish you would edit my post, then i would not look so dumb. This is a great place and you deserve a big pat on the back.

[madelyn]

Roger, I think Rogue was editing for explosive or inflammatory content, rather than grammar

Your posts should stay just the way they are. It lightens the mood.

[Roger]

Dang it

[Indychase]

I'm heartsick about Duns and the other horses. I can only hope that with the power of the Internet to spread information quickly, that if she ever moves someplace else and tries to take up horses again, that someone, somewhere, will hear of this case and makes sure she never has another animal as long as she lives, even for one night.

[foothillsequine]

I'm heartsick about Duns and the other horses. I can only hope that with the power of the Internet to spread information quickly, that if she ever moves someplace else and tries to take up horses again, that someone, somewhere, will hear of this case and makes sure she never has another animal as long as she lives, even for one night.

Yes, hear, hear....

[aardvark]

bridled,

I would contact the DA's Office to find out what kind of restitution the article indicates will be paid; just the animal care costs of the living or if they are going to assign a value to your mare. I would certainly want to plant that idea even if they tell you that is a civil case.

I would also be asking for my mare to be shipped back to your location at Gerry's expense and buried on your farm or in a local pet cemetary. It doesnt seem right that the only costs the courts are demanding be paid are for the live horses.

Try to get as much additional monies added to Gerry's bill. I suspect the mare had a halter etc. or anything else you paid Gerry for like supplements etc. and ask the DA to include these things. Gerry does not appear to be heading to prison so try and make Gerry's cost as high as you can.

[Linda_d]

bridled,

I would contact the DA's Office to find out what kind of restitution the article indicates will be paid; just the animal care costs of the living or if they are going to assign a value to your mare. I would certainly want to plant that idea even if they tell you that is a civil case.

I would also be asking for my mare to be shipped back to your location at Gerry's expense and buried on your farm or in a local pet cemetary. It doesnt seem right that the only costs the courts are demanding be paid are for the live horses.

Try to get as much additional monies added to Gerry's bill. I suspect the mare had a halter etc. or anything else you paid Gerry for like supplements etc. and ask the DA to include these things. Gerry does not appear to be heading to prison so try and make Gerry's cost as high as you can.

I think recovering the cost of the lost mare will probably have to be a civil case. It might not be a bad idea if the owners of the boarded horses, those that had to be put down and those that are rescued, got together and considered a joint civil suit against Gerry and her mother. That Gerry pled guilty makes a win in a civil suit pretty certain, and a big enough judgement might make it impossible for this woman to ever get enough money together to buy another horse again.

[Pawtucket]

Three things:

First, BridledObsession, it's so good to see you posting. Thanks for starting this thread. I hope the healing process continues for you.

Second, has anyone brought up the subject of a pre-sentencing letter to the judge from you? And, indeed, from anyone else who owned or had connections with any of the horses who died or were seized?

Third, a few new articles came out overnight. I think it's good that the press is keeping this sad story in the public awareness. By doing so, it is reminding folks that the FL SPCA's need for donations continues. Also continuing is the ID process, and anyone who can help needs to contact the FL SPCA.

Here are links to the two articles and brief quotes:

The Courier at
http://www.steubencourier.com/news/2008 ... e/001.html

".... Jimenez Friday said Trupia may be suffering from a "pathological" condition that led her to acquire more horses than she could possibly have cared for.

"Quite frankly, this is the kind of case where I'm not sure jail is going to resolve the issue on a long term basis," he said. "Generally speaking, people who over-acquire animals have a rate of recidivism when they are incarcerated."

.... When seized by the SPCA, the horses showed marked signs of malnutrition and what Mazzo called "substandard care." While they have been gaining weight since then, one local horse owner who is caring for 16 of the animals estimated they weigh only 600 to 800 pounds.

The SPCA currently is working to reunite the horses with legal owners. It also is seeking donations to defray the huge cost of caring for the animals, which Mazzo estimated could run $20,000 a month.

For additional information on how to assist the agency, call 607-776-3039."

and The Horse at
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12836

".... Trupia has also relinquished interest in the horses belonging to her," Mosgrove said. "And if ordered, she would pay the SPCA restitution for the horses care.

.... Trupia declined comment until her case is officially closed.

"It's not over," she said. "But I will comment when I can."

.... Owners whose horses were among those seized from Norcrest Farm should contact the SPCA at 607/776-3039. Proof of legal ownership is required to claim a horse."

[aardvark]

I am at a loss on how there is still a need for donations when it was reported (reported and actual arent always the same) that Gerry was to be responsible for these expenses. Maybe that changed since her first appearance plea of not guilty.

[jennywho]

She may be responsible for the expenses, but if she doesn't have the money than she can't pay it. My guess is since her mom owns the farm, she will be filing bankruptcy shortly and POOF all of her problems will go away.

[Pawtucket]

She may be responsible for the expenses, but if she doesn't have the money than she can't pay it. My guess is since her mom owns the farm, she will be filing bankruptcy shortly and POOF all of her problems will go away.

That raises an interesting hypothetical: can a person file for bankruptcy twice?

[aardvark]

there have been recent changes to the bankruptcy laws, so I may be incorrect, but in the past there was a time limit (7 years I think) before a person could file a second time.

I am in agreement that Gerry will not be able to pay which is why I would be looking at the enabler.....her mother if I were bridled.