As many of you know, a Clinton farm, Fair Play Farm, is under investigation by the State of Maine Animal Welfare Program (AWP) for possible neglect and/or abuse of horses.

On Tuesday, March 10th, 2010, a small group of concerned individuals met with the top three prosecutors in the District Attorney’s Office for Kennebec and Somerset Counties. District Attorney Evert Fowle, Deputy District Attorney Alan Kelly, and Assistant District Attorney Paul Rucha. All three expressed genuine concern with the situation in Clinton and said they would welcome hearing from anyone who is willing to provide relevant information or evidence about the matter.

In an effort to centralize the information and serve as a "filter", Maddy at NickerNews has already compiled a significant amount of relevant information, it was agreed upon that she continue to be that central point for the collection of information. D.A. Fowle made clear that his office would evaluate the information submitted by the AWP and by private citizens. When appropriate, his office will make a determination whether charges will be filed.

PLEASE, anyone with first hand information about the conditions on that farm, about the conditions of horses there or about horse sold to or bought from Fair Play Farm, write your statement in a professional, factual manner, and sent it to Maddy Gray at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Maddy will then submit all reports in a collective manner. Timelines are great, photos are excellent, accounts of specific horses are very valuable, veterinarian reports are crucial. Of particular interest would be factual reports of animals that were sold to Fair Play Farm in decent condition, photos or statements detailing what the animals looked like after being at Fair Play Farm or cared for by its owners. Again, timelines will be crucial to making this evidence really useful. Please include your name and contact information, so that you can be reached for further information, if needed by AWP or the DA’s office.

Of course, as private citizens, any of us are free to communicate directly with AWP and the District Attorney about the matter. This is an effort to collect and summarize information to be given to AWP & DA to aid in its objective investigation of the matter.
 
Many concerned Mainers appear dissatisfied with the way equine welfare complaints have been handled over the years; however, everyone is urged to please understand that this process IS EVOLVING, and to recognize the opportunity that seems to be at hand, to help the horses. This will still be a slow process. Patience is a virtue!

Marilyn Goodreau of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, Meris J. Bickford, Esq., also of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, and Christina B. Perkins, Esq.,  of Peace Ridge Farm Sanctuary and current chair of the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, believe progress is being made and THE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE EQUINE COMMUNITY ARE RECEIVING UNPRECEDENTED ATTENTION.

Everyone who knows factual information about the situation is urged to provide it. We are all (cautiously) encouraged with this progress and the horses need the continued assistance of caring members of the horse community and the community at large.
 
Thank you.
For examples of media coverage, please visit:

http://www.wabi.tv/news/10063/horse-care-in-clinton-questioned

http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/10997/Default.aspx