News
UPDATE: Resort Foreclosure Hits Home
October 29, 2008, 4:10PM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Horses, cattle, goats and even llama's future in limbo
Horses, cattle, goats and even llama's future in limbo
By Amanda Hitt, SASHA Farm and Tamara Fleck, Best Friends staff
UPDATE: Someone at Thursday's auction made a bid for the entire facility, including all of the animals. Since it was for far less than what is due to the creditors, the bankrupcy court will need to decide if the offer will be accepted or if further negotiations are necessary. For now, the animals will continue to be cared for, will not be separated, and are in no immediate danger. However, the folks at SASHA Farm have offered to accept any of the animals, should the trustees wish it.
For more information, see the SASHA Farm blog.
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Apparently no one, animals included, is safe from the economic crisis these days. A large bankruptcy auction will take place in Rothbury, Michigan on Thursday October 30th. Double JJ Ranch, a “Wild West” themed resort, is being offered at auction, along with its nearly 200 animals, from roosters to cattle. With rising gas and grocery prices, the foreclosure crisis, and high unemployment rates, tourist attractions like the Double JJ Ranch are fighting to survive and sadly, some are losing the battle. These animals could become the next victims of this economic crisis.
Many of the horses, cattle, goats, and petting farm animals have been raised, worked, and played together will now be separated and sold off like merchandise to the highest bidder. In these tough economic times, with feed prices skyrocketing and many animals already being abandoned at shelters and sanctuaries, there is a very real chance that many of these animals – the plain, the old, the shy, the ones who can no longer be ridden or work – will be overlooked by bidders who might provide a good home and instead become one of the many discarded companion animals who end up in the wrong hands.
Enter SASHA Farm, a farm animal sanctuary in southeast Michigan. When they heard the news, they knew that something had to be done. Normally SASHA Farm does not buy animals, but their members and friends are as concerned about the animals’ welfare as they are. After much thought and soul searching, SASHA Farm will be attending the auction tomorrow in hopes of bringing in as many animals as funding and space will allow. Those purchased can then live their lives together, in their existing family groups, at SASHA Farm.
According to their brief descriptions, a little pygmy goat named Thunder is “shy, always by Tony’s side.” Tony is a llama, the only one in the auction, “skittish around people and difficult to catch.” How many people will be on hand to offer a good home to a shy little goat and his “difficult” llama friend? Will they be separated forever? It is very likely, if SAHSA Farm does not step up to help them.
Lilly is a dark brown Longhorn calf whose mother died in childbirth. Since she was born, she has lived with the petting farm animals, the goats and Tony llama, and she “head-butts in a playful manner.” Shouldn’t she continue to live with her friends, the only ones she has known during her short life? They would like to see that happen.
Can you help SASHA Farm give these deserving animals a peaceful and loving life?
Here’s how you can help:
• Donate now!:
Remember that your donations not only help with the costs associated with bringing the animal to SASHA Farm, like the bid price and transport costs, but also help offset the increase in operating expenses they will incur as a result of housing more animals. Additional shelters and fencing will likely be needed, not to mention the increased costs of feed, hay and veterinary expenses.
• Sponsor an animal:
SASHA Farm’s Animal Sponsorship Program is a wonderful way to help animals in need. Sponsorships make great holiday or birthday gifts, too. You will receive a sponsorship certificate with a photo of your animal and will even be invited to visit the sanctuary to meet your sponsored animal. Their Sponsorship Chairperson can work with you to help you select the perfect animal if you do not have one in mind already.
For more information:
• SASHA Farm is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit animal sanctuary. Please visit their website at www.sashafarm.org for more information about their organization and programs. Thank you all so much for your help and compassion.
• More information about the auction, including pictures, can be found at the auction house’s website, here. When you make your donation, feel free to mention a particular animal that tugged at your heartstrings. Due to the nature of the auction, they cannot guarantee that they will be able to bring a particular animal to SASHA Farm, but if that animal is at risk, they will try their very best.
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: not one of the goats in the auction, Scott Bauer/USDA Agricultural Research Service Image Gallery