I think we probably need to make a clear and separate post that can be found by all who are concerned re Jess’ outcome. Before I go on.. Jess is receiving 5 star care and love at one of the best Equine Hospitals in Victoria. She is currently well-dosed on pain relief and is on lovely soft bedding. According to her Vet this evening, she is “..walking around very comfortably” under these conditions. She is amongst other horses for the first time in 13 years, (mostly broodmares), and she has had her putrid halter removed that has been a permanent fixture on her head for years. Firstly, it is very heartening that Jess’ plight has sparked so much dismay and compassion. Thank you to all who have shared their thoughts. We do read every single comment. If you are going to take the time to make one, we will take the time to read it. Quest is very lucky have a lovely group of Facebook friends who communicate with each other respectfully and intelligently, even under conditions which mean many of us are feeling very emotional/distressed. We really appreciate this, and it means that we never have to waste time upon ‘moderating’ our page. Thank you all :) We have to say that we, (and the RSPCA), see horses in similar states of neglect as Jess’ all the time. In no way are we minimising the degree of Jess’ long-term suffering, but it has to said, for the benefit of those who are not aware, that Jess’ case is one of many. These horses are tucked away everywhere. It is interesting that Jess in particular seems to have struck a chord with the community. We’re not sure why this is so, but we should all be equally as outraged and prepared to assist in every single case of horse neglect. Those equines who have been lucky enough to be relinquished into appropriate care before it is too late to turn their lives around deserve our support also. We don’t always experience this unfortunately. We will share Jess’ Vet Report as soon as that comes to hand. Suffice to say that 10 odd years of consistent laminitis/founder has caused such trauma and damage to Jess’ hooves/pedal bones that there is no possibility of her ever being entirely pain-free. Jess is 30 years old. We could spend the next 2 – 3 years providing Jess intensive care and veterinary treatment, while all the while she continues to suffer. However, with the best case scenario given as ‘reduced’ suffering, that cannot be an option. When we are responsible for any animal’s life and are faced with these difficult and overwhelming decisions, we have to ask ourselves.. 1. Who is it that we would be prolonging the life for… ourselves or the animal? 2. What will be the quality of that life? Quest is not about trying to save as many lives as possible, at any cost. Quest is about welfare. Welfare is about doing all you can to eliminate suffering.. being available to those horses who suffer in silence.. sometimes in secret, sometimes tucked away in people’s back paddocks, and sometimes in plain view of many. Jess will be laid to rest peacefully and respectfully. It breaks our hearts that we cannot give this precious girl some ‘good time’ before she passes, however, for the sake of others like her, we must channel that pain and frustration into continuing to battle this insidious issue of horse neglect. We hope that you will too. We are often asked “But what can I do?” Tonight I will put together some information re what you CAN actually do, as an individual, and I will post it as soon as I am able. We really hope that you will check back for this, and ‘maintain the rage’ as your motivation to get serious about equine welfare.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 10:58:18 +0000
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