Please sign and share this petition in an effort to speak to the authorities and courts in Woodstock, VT regarding a devastating horse abuse case involving 23 animals. The Owner actually pleads not guilty and has already been arraigned while those treated cruelly and abusively are still suffering. Please help in our efforts to ensure the “owner” is fully held accountable for the neglect and abuse these horses lived with daily.
A recent investigation in Woodstock, VT discovered twenty-three poorly cared for horses at the Skyland Farm by the owner Marjatta Lavin. The horses were kept in total darkness, isolated, neglected and underfed. The barns where the horses were kept were in deplorable conditions, with chewed up stalls and feces and urine everywhere in areas the horses stood. Rescuers were appalled by the overwhelming odor of urine as they entered the facility.
The investigation and subsequent rescue, requiring a search warrant culminated after receiving several tips about the abused horses. They had their own equine veterinarian to examine and treat these Arabian horses. Most were so mal-nourished; their rib and hip bones were clearly visible. Now they are being nursed back to health in the care of the rescuers and humane society in an undisclosed area as they are being rehabilitated for foster homes and new pet owners. They foresee a good future for all the horses as they make a full recovery and begin new, happy, healthy lives.
Help in the efforts to prosecute the owner of this farm who neglected and abused all these beautiful horses that deserve a much better life. Although she faces several charges, Ms. Lavin is still pleading not guilty, despite all the facts of the case and the condition of these animals that relied on her TLC but did not get it. We need to ensure she faces several charges for each and every animal abused and be their voice for justice.
Woodstock, VT Law Officials & Judicial System – Ms. Marjatta Lavin of the Skyland Farm needs to be harshly charged and prosecuted for the harm and abuse inflicted on all of those animals in her care. Do not accept her plea of not guilty because she surely is responsible for what has happened to these animals! She should at least be charged with 23 counts of felony animal cruelty and suffer the consequences for each with fines and jail time. She should also be banned for the rest of her life from owning, caring or even being near other animals. It is quite obvious someone like Ms. Lavin cannot love and care for animals in the manner they deserve. Please be a voice for these horses and gain justice for them by punishing their “caretaker” to the fullest extent of the law.
