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Dear Friends and Fellow animal lovers,

 

    I would like to tell you my story and ask for your help if only in prayers. In April 2001 I was faced with the decision to have my horse Huggie put down. He had gone blind due to a case of EPM. My Father was taking care of him and at the time I was due to have my second child. I was becoming fearful that Huggie unknowingly may spook and injure someone. He still felt good and had lots of energy. I could not make the decision because he was a part of the family. I noticed an ad in the Chillicothe Gazette about a Second Chance Program. I have heard about these programs and horses that are retired or unwanted are placed in (foster homes). I called to get more information and the man I spoke with explained to me that these horses he takes in are taken to homes to live the rest of their days grazing and being very well taken care of. After a few conversations with this man Ross Simboli (he told me his name was Lou-but I found out he has many names) and others who had also given their horses to this program I heard only good things about it.

    I decided this had to be the right thing to do, even though it was one of the hardest. I cried for at least two weeks and couldn't be present when he came. It was just too hard for me. Lou phoned me to let me know Huggie had been placed in a wonderful home with plenty of pasture and goat to be his friend. He said they were getting along beautifully. I was happy now with my decision and was grateful for such kind people.

    Last June I received a very disturbing call. The lady was asking about Huggie and if I had heard the news. Channel 5 news Cleveland) had done a undercover story about the Second Chance Program. They found that theses horses were not being taken to loving homes but to slaughter houses instead. And so the nightmare of not knowing Huggies fate begun.

    The Humane Society of the United States have been  given a grant to investigate and begin legal action against Mr. Simboli. Jeffrey Holland and Marjorie Muirden.  Attorneys are now ready to file suit. I have been in contact with them and in order to also represent me and others, we each must pay are fees to be plaintiffs against Mr. Simboli. At this time I am unable to pay the $500 they are asking for. They do tell me that I will at least be able to find out exactly what happened to Huggie through legal discovery actions. I need this so I don't forever have to wonder. I would also hate for this man to go on and not be punished for what he has done to the people who loved their horses enough to want what was best.

    For those who may be skeptical about donating-Ted Hart for Ch. 5 news can be reached at 1-216-431-5555, the attorneys representing the case 1-888-867-1490(toll free) or e-mail HmLegal1001@aol.com or send on my behalf at 1343 Sharon-Copley Road P.O. Box 345 Sharon Center Ohio 44274 or Shelly Raypole (me) 1-740-634-3578 e-mail shashel@bright.net  P.O. Box 218 Bainbridge Ohio 45612  Please feel free to contact me or them regarding this case. I only hope justice is served and I find Huggie where Lou says he is  (I spoke with him in June and he continues to tell me Huggie is doing fine).

    If anything please pass along this information that may keep someone from making the same mistake I did. I only hope that I can someday forgive myself for falling into this trap. Thank you all so much for reading. Please forward to everyone that loves animals as much as I do.

Sincerely Shelly Raypole