UPDATE: The Caboodle Ranch – 9:00 am Wake up call (Caboodle Live Journal)
3-5-12 **From the Caboodle Ranch Live Journal**
9am Wake Up Call
Mar. 5th, 2012 at 11:22 AM
ASPCA
ASPCA and law enforcement raided Caboodle Ranch just after 9 in the morning when Craig was just beginning his chores for the day. This is when the ASPCA videos were taken. If you have even two cats in your household, you know the damage they can do overnight. Times that by the number of Caboodle cats and you can imagine what it would look like in the morning.
Litterboxes were not just scooped, but emptied completely and continually refilled every morning. Craig was holding a bag of Purina when he was arrested. He was in the process of topping off the food bins. Wet food was given every day around 4pm. Water was constantly being refreshed throughout the day. Floors and counters were scrubbed daily. All these chores were just beginning when he was arrested, but that doesn’t matter because it made for perfect video just the way it was.
They trapped cats into the night. How long before any of those cats ate?
Craig tried his hardest, with the help and advice of a veterinarian, to treat every cat that was sick. But ask the ASPCA how many of those sick cats they have already euthanized because they weren’t worth the trouble.
PETA
PETA knows how to be dramatic with their filming. Ask them why it took them 5 months to get the footage they have. If a place is deplorable, it shouldn’t take longer than a day to get the film evidence you need. But they know the conditions had to be just right… they’ve done this stuff before.
Some of the footage of Caboodle Ranch was taken after a massive downpour of rain swept through the county… the perfect conditons to film cats huddled inside buildings with dirty floors. And as a “volunteer”, part of her job was cleaning… But better to film it instead.
Caboodle cats were not confined to these buildings. They had acres of land in which to roam freely. The property was filled with little cat houses, including a cat sized church, a school, a little courthouse… These weren’t for Craig to play in.
This PETA investigator chased a 3-legged cat to film it falling and sliding across the floor. For what purpose? They want people to believe Craig cut its leg off? This cat came to him that way. As do so many other unwanted cats.
She filmed a refrigerator she knew wasn’t in use, and filmed the inside of a decrepit building that was boarded and closed off to cats. This building is still there on the property for anyone to tour and see for themselves.
But it all made for dramatic footage. Ask how many donations they received after posting it. Ask them how much more support they got for stopping the Animal Rescue Act they’re trying to oppose.
Craig is up against a huge organization known for its bullying and deceitfulness. Please help him to defend himself by making a donation for his legal fees. The Paypal link can be found on Caboodle Ranch’s website.
He sacrificed years of his life to help abused, homeless and unwanted cats, and he gave them all a happy home. He didn’t have to do it. Please don’t let it all be in vain… don’t let him stand alone.
**Click on the link below**
http://caboodleranch.livejournal.com/43479.html
*Click below to sign the petition*
Free Craig Grant and Open Caboodle Ranch: Free Craig Grant and Open Caboodle Ranch
Evolution may be given a sharp right hand turn-
http://www.politicolnews.com/fukushima-wave-of-radiation-heading-for-the-usa-west-coast/
Reports on Polar Bear radiation sickness is being reported-
That is why I believe life- all life- hanging on the thread of existance has inalienable rights.
The cats at caboodle were alive-
BTW the URI this year is especially virulent. It seems to be able to spread further than thirty feet- and live in an outside enviroment. Most are getting over it after two to three weeks- it is making its rounds so someone is always sneezing. So far it does not seem to reinfect.
And we have no new vaccines for whatever this strain is-
Good food sunshine and time has shown to be what is needed.
Catatonic, All three of your posts below are right-on. You may be right that the subjugators will enjoy their brownshirt roles for a short time. I didn’t think of that, but you’re right. It’s in their nature. I’m sure you understand our posts might be undecipherable to the other group. There is currently a fair amount of MRI and positron emission scan evidence that there are two sub-groups of humans. One group has a diminishing volume of gray matter in the pre-frontal cortex. Violent prisoners, killers (and some esteemed “professional” groups too) have a clearly different brain structure than the other group. Some have virtually no pre-frontal cortex (they call that the “reptilian brain”). Some researchers go so far as to say, Homo Sapiens are “branching” into two entirely separate species. Of course the Creation/Evolution argument still exists. but it seems both are necessary to explain things. Yes, of course there is Creation. The most brilliant scientists can’t make a single living thing and never will. They will never hunch over their microscopes and actually make something that walks, flies, or crawls away. They can’t even make a fly’s eye or any eye or any organ for that matter. But, this brain study work and other works certainly suggests EVOLUTION plays into the equation as well. So, I wouldn’t expect two separate species of human to really understand one another, although dogs and cats and other species sure do seem to understand humans. Nevertheless, one reason I am so strongly opposed to killing cats is WE CAN’T MAKE A SINGLE ONE OF THEM! We can’t even come close … and we never will. If you can’t make it, don’t break it. Each one is God’s work and irreplaceable.
This is the best reading I have come across to describe all the insufferable losers-
False self-esteem leads to narcissistic self-intoxication. The intent of promoting positive self-concept was to create self-esteem in American youth, and the result was the creation of self-indulgence. Many American adolescents are suffering from cases of “narcissism.” Self-esteem cannot be manufactured externally; it must develop from within. To possess self-esteem, one must possess self-worth. To he worthy, one must be good at something or at least try to be (Wolfrum, 1994).
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3673/is_n4_v115/ai_n28660251/pg_3/?tag=content;col1
I can go to all other utube videos, but when I link to yours a box appears stating:
“U Tube Not Available”
May those who suppress all but their insane voices soon know the tyranny genie they have let lose- for it will come after them all too soon- oh probably not immediately as they will become the forces of “brown shirts” so full of their own self import as to kill the innocents on their masters orders.
Dr. Friedman- thank you for the update on the video.
I couldn’t agree with you more in philosophy . I have been physically and verbally threatened by college students incensed that they didn’t meet adoption standards living in a dorm. Because their daughter, girlfriend wanted this animal. Period. And what she wants she has always gotten. She is screaming and crying so give it to her. Period.
They and their Nazi parents are in for the awakening of their miserable lives of all flash and no substance.
Education in America? The UN is already supporting the removal of math in schools as a waste of time. So they should be easy pickings when all the computers and calculators, cash registers go off line. They literally cannot make change. One well placed thermo nuclear bomb will render their survival Nil.
But stupid fits into the vision of the future- much easier to control and be at the mercy of the govt for survival. Just basic survival.
We will have to meet someday.
Catatonic, this is the only version now available in the public domain:
http://youtu.be/6-2xxy6sCNI
… or else you can Google “At Caboodle Ranch They Had A Chance”. It’s the third or fourth entry down.
The full length final edition documentary will be shown at documentary venues, where free speech and expression are revered rather than disdained.
The threats, intimidations, ridicule, lies, false accusations, and phony reports of abuse have banished the more complete versions from the public domain. It makes me ashamed I spent years in the service to preserve life, liberty, and The First Amendment. This is a generational thing. These are children who don’t know any better. These are children who never had to put their lives on the line to preserve our Constitution. These are children who use Facebook and You Tube to dish it out; then use Facebook and You Tube to censor reply. The schools teach self-esteem and nothing else. Admittedly, other than teaching radiology to the first few generations of veterinary radiologists at U.C. Davis (in the early1970s), I have no specific veterinary training. But I am very skilled and trained in math, science, and critical thinking. This generation is devoid of that training and those skills. Fact: Harvard sophomores match third graders in India and China in math and science achievement and fourth graders in syllogistic logic. Nevertheless, the know-it-all, self-esteemers will carry America from hereon.
I look forward to their duly earned and justly deserved future in the America they’ve made. They will live in the tyranny they’ve invited. They will live in the poverty that invariably accompanies tyranny. They will have no medical care whatsoever. Lifespan will reduce to the forties, which is the average Soviet lifespan. Children will be snatched from homes. This is going to be along the lines of a Clint Eastwood movie, where people get their due. Now please children, don’t claim that as a “threat”. The phrases, “like a Clint Eastwood movie” and “where people get their due” are both parts of a declarative sentence. They are not threats. Get it? I doubt it. Perhaps you will get it when universal conscription is reinstated and you boys and girls are actually put in harm’s way for a purpose. Then, too, you might learn of the sanctity of life … and the Godlessness that allows humans to pick and choose who dies.
I am not a fool. I know that true pet “hoarders” do exist and should be stopped. I also know the label “hoarder” should not be bandied about by businesses that profit by doing so. Also, it is reprehensible to post photos of sick animals. That betrays their dignity and privacy as it would any patient.
Catatonic, the Caboodle Raid exemplifies the trend these children have promulgated. You may wish to Google, “Natural Food Raids,” and “Farm Raids” to see what’s going on across this land. Those who work in harmony with jack-booted thugs and those who aggressively stifle dissent will justify this rot. So be it.
Dr Friedman-
The video has been removed from UTube????
This very short video contrasts the “mission” of PETA/ASPCA with that of Caboodle
http://youtu.be/eUevMmYAWnY
“In response to your reply about Mr. Grant’s cats not being S/N because Mr. Grant did not know they were not fixed because they were dumped is still not an excuse. When ever a cat was dumped at the Ranch Mr. Grant at the least should have taken the kitty to the vet for shots, especially rabies, and check to see if it had already been fixed or not, and if not, fix them”
Exactly, took the words right out of my mouth…
@knotty: TNR stands for (humanely) “trap-neuter-release.” It is a feral cat management routine that allows feral cats (cats who are wild because they or their ancestors have been dumped by irresponsible humans) to remain in their chosen habitat until the end of their natural lives or until they become so ill that they are in need of human assistance to end their misery. The principle behind it is that cats are territorial animals and that removal of a cat colony from the environment just invites other feral/abandoned cats to occupy the same territory or hunting grounds. It is a naturally sound program employed by organizations that care for ferals like Alley Cat Allies (google them). Ordinarily, those who manage the colonies see that the cats are supplemented with food and water and, once a year, the cats are rounded up for their yearly vaccinations. Other than that, they live their wild lives.
It has been my own experience that Madison Co. animal control is virulently against such humane management (and influential with the county commission), instead adopting the stance that feral cats should be rounded up and euthanized even if they are in good health. They have been known to threaten with legal action those in Madison County who try to manage such colonies, even if the colony management is undertaken on their own private property. The threats of which I speak have had no connection with the condition of the cats or with the level of care they receive.
Elise, know that if you lived in Madison County, you could be arrested, charged, and fined or put in jail for what you seem to be doing for ferals in Jacksonville, even if you were doing it on your very own property.
This is one of the reasons for my feelings about what has happened to Craig and for my reservations about the truthfulness of the things that are being said about him and his efforts: there were enemies of cats, of no-kill, and of humane management in Madison well before Craig even bought his property.
LN – you are 100% on the mark.
In addition to taking staff’s personal animals WHY in Gods name did they destroy the little village of houses that had been. Hilt and shred the papers and medical records??
This was an EVIL thing that the SO allowed to be done and I would like those responsible charged with a felony of destruction of personal property.
Dr. Friedman- a gauntlet was laid down by Elise- that if I answer her question she would answer yours.
Obviously my answer didn’t fit her narrow expectation- but she still should answer yours as she stated she would.
Or did she take her toys and go home??
For all you “crusaders” here is another cogg in the wheel.
A quote from the Florida Dept. of Health who i am sure got this handed to them by the ABC-who in conjunction with the Audobon -which has stated that “people who live in rural communities are the biggest threat to the enviroment and they will not rest until our land is taken from us and we are forced to live in cities taking mass transportation”
The Florida Department of Health’s position states: “The concept of managing free-roaming, feral domestic cats is not tenable on public health grounds because of the persistent threat posed to communities from injury and disease. While the risk for disease transmission from cats to people is generally low when these animals are maintained indoors and routinely cared for, free-roaming cats pose a continuous concern to communities.”
Why can’t we just let living things be????
Why can we just get along with other life forms?? Whether it be raccoons, squirrels, cats, wolves, birds and peacocks. While we humans continue on our divisive rants and destruction that the world has to fit OUR definitions. And these so called experts placed in positions of power, sucking off the taxpayer dole continue to put out edicts that have been regurgated by the special interest power brokers.
Man continues to make bad decisions one after another and those that hate a particular life form grab into this “crap” like it was the Hily Grail” so they can destroy an animal they don’t like. When the reality is its not about the enviroment – it is a massive land, money, and power over us all.
Dear Elise-
Thank you for showing you true self in your last post. You are VERY authoritive in your mind set and I will bet that kind of attitude – telling someone what they “should do” is what could have set Craig off on most of the DO gooders that visited the Ranch.
And since you are SO sure of yourself why don’t you find out how many cats were killed at 10th Life. We were going back for another 6 FeLV when they shut down allowing rescues to help. Hundreds were killed.
And yes knottypine rural communities do operate under a different set of rules than urban areas. May I suggest that you read the voxfelina blog for more info. We have a guy here that moved down from A city up north- has about two acres in a community setting who daily goes out and shoots all the squirles that have the temerity to come in his yard and get in his bird feeders. Like the squirles should know that his feeders are off limits- they are just doing what squirles do. He’s nuts and I feel for the wildlife that crosses his path.
Catonic:
I do not know who you are, but you are such a negative person with a negative attitude that I have no desire to respond to your comments anymore because you always have a lame excuse for everything. I have made my opinion clear and have nothing more to say on the Caboolde Ranch matter. Its obvious no matter what I say, Catonic will just always have the half-glass empty mentality. So Catonic, you are right, I am wasting my time posting on this site which also translates into you wasting your time posting on the site as well. Oops, get caught in your own web of accusations again which you are guilty of yourself? What comes around goes around. I am discontinuing all posts from here on out. It has nothing to do with anything your bullying tactics to get me to stop posting because I stand up to bullys. I just had a more important issue and crusade cross my path today which is more important than wasting my time trading comments with a person who does not even have the guts to reveal her name. So you guys can waste your time bashing me all you want on this site and your Facebook discussions. Yes, I know all about your facebook discussions regarding me and trying to figure out who I am. Good Luck with that. However, when the time is right, I will reveal exactly who I am, and then all the puzzle pieces will fall into place for you. Until then, have a great spring.
Elise & others , I have a difficult time trying to figure out these acronyms you folks use . What is this feral freedom program ? Elise , I do not know where you live but it is obviously not in a rural area like Madison . If feral freedom means letting cats roam free to eat their way through the songbird population you will find little support here with the general populace or politicians . Away from town most all have a rifle or shotgun & handle the problem themselves . Folks that feed the birds are not interested in setting up a smorgasbord for cats , feral or otherwise .
Doc, people who have and care for something beyond singletons frequently do some of their own “doctoring.” I have given fluids and sub-q injections many times. I could probably do IM injections at this point except that I would rather have my wonderful vet do that. I am afraid that I don’t have a good enough understanding of animal anatomy. And of course I don’t do anything without my vet’s having taught me how to do it and given me the dosage and all. I know people who innoculate their own pets under veterinary supervision. I am sure that Craig did all this with as many cats as he could.
Elise, I continue to believe that Craig’s “failings,” if they are, are as a result of allowing himself to become overwhelmed with his own principles. If I were trying for a no kill environment, I wouldn’t take help either from an organization or individual who didn’t also believe in no kill. His “ethics” with regard to the huge number of cats seems similar to me to those that pertain on the battlefield. If one cannot be helped, you must devote your time to one that can be helped. If one can wait, you treat the one that can’t. It would also explain the treatment priorities he seems to have had. It is true that if you have numerous charges, some of them are going to be sick all the time. The higher the number of charges, the more that are going to be sick. I know for a fact that he was working, at least, with our local vet here in Madison because I saw his truck at the clinic numerous times. As nearly as I can tell, he is telling the truth when he said he was trying.
Most of all, however, I resent the abduction of his personal pet Tommy and Nannette’s cats, all of whom were being well cared for. This is the reason that I have severed my contribution ties with ASPCA. I am willing to wait and let come out what will come out about the rescues, but in my opinion taking their family members is far, far worse that just “too bad.” It is unnecessary, vindictive, unjustifiable, and cruel.
Catonic:
Why do you keep saying that all of the Caboodle cats will be killed? That is so far from the truth. I am sick and tired of you trying to convince everyone that is what is going to happen to them. ITS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. You are just spewing made up propaganda for your cause. The cats were not rescued and thousands of dollars spent to get them healthy and then turn around and kill them. Remember, they are In Jacksonville and they will NOT be killed because we have the resources to adopt them out. I also understand that ones that cannot be adopted out here in Jacksonville, they will be distributed to no-kill shelter to be adopted out to find homes. Also the ASPCA hotline is full of people who want their cats back, and animal lovers inquiring about adopting the cats from all over the country. There will probably be more people offering to adopt the Caboodle Kitties than the total number of kitties so I am not worried about their future fate. If I thought for one second that all the Caboodle Kitties were rescued just to be killed, then I would be on a crusade to make sure that will not happen. But since that IS NOT TRUE, I do not have to fight that fight. Just refer to the Haven Acres case where about 600 cats were seized for proof. They did a huge adopt-a-thon when the owners relinquished custody of the cats in exchange for some criminal charges to be dropped. It was a success and all the cats found new responsible owners and homes. That is what will happen to the Caboodle Kitties. AND THEY WILL NOT BE KILLED.
To Catonic:
If you want to change the way animal control works in your community, like we did, you have to work with them and the local politicians to pass the Feral Freedom program. You can ask for donations from organizations who will help fund those projects. In addition, there have been studies done that killing a feral colony does not decrease feral population because new feral cats move into the territory. The way to sell it to the politicians is to remind them that it saves tax payers dollars to TNR instead of killing them. If you want, go to First Coast No More Homeless Pets http://www.fcnmhp.org and check out the data about the Feral Freedom program. So its a win-win for the politician. Animal lovers will vote for him and since it saves tax dollars, who would not vote for a politician who can PROVE they actually saved tax payer dollars with one of their programs. If you need help, just contact that Organization or even Best Friends Society for guidance and tell them you want to implement that type of program in your small rural community, and see if they can help. Since FCNMHP is making such great progress with their TNR and less shelter surrenders, they now have the resources to help the smaller counties next to Duval County to implement TNR and Feral Freedom with Animal Control. So Ms. Catonic, please I would strongly recommend you contact your local council man and start from there. They are usually the best starting place for these kinds of things because the councilman can meet with the Mayor. If you need documentation, data, etc., I can provide it to you if you cannot find it on FCNMHP web site. I find its best to resolve problems rahter than complain about them and let them continue. Thus you do not like the way ferals are treated in your community, then you should educate those in charge about the huge benefits of the Feral Freedom program and how it not only saves cats’ lives but tax payer dollars as well. FCNMHP has estimated that the City of Jacksonville saved almost $7 million dollars in the 10 years with TNR and Feral Freedom.
In response to your reply about Mr. Grant’s cats not being S/N because Mr. Grant did not know they were not fixed because they were dumped is still not an excuse. When ever a cat was dumped at the Ranch Mr. Grant at the least should have taken the kitty to the vet for shots, especially rabies, and check to see if it had already been fixed or not, and if not, fix them. From what I have learned and experienced in the rescue business and I am sure you will agree, that when someone dumps a cat, its very rare that it has been taken to the vet and been fixed. That is usually why they dump them. They are no longer kittens and do not want to deal with the adult cats. They are usually males that are spraying from not being fixed which is a horrible odor, or the female gets pregnant and don’t want to deal with the babies. Since Mr. Grant was in the animal rescue business he should have taken every dumped cat to the vet when he discovered them to ensure the kitty was fixed, tested for deadly contagious diseases and had its shots as he promised on his web site and to everyone who surrendered a cat or cats to him. If Mr. Grant had done that with the dumped cats, then there would have been many less kittens born on the Ranch and less spreading of diseasses or basic URIs, ear mites, etc. I hope you follow through with trying to implement Feral Freedom in your small community. Usually Animal Control when they see the studies and since it makes their job easier, they will support it if the politicians do, such as the mayor and city councilmen. That is the one who could sign into city law the Feral Freedom program. Good Luck.
Dr. Friedman-
I have been doing this for a long, long time and I have been down this road before.
It’s always the same story- the ONLY success for the animals was with the Pets Alive sanctuary in NY that Best Friends went in and got on track. Which should be the model in situations like this and others.
But usually it’s just the “experts” going in telling someone what they should be doing without offering to be part of the solution-just putting what we already know needs to be done on their plate with an in your face authoritative attitude- sure – not offering man hours or $$$-
Sure bud- will get right on it when I clone myself.
The threats to our voiceless ones have never been greater but the evil is rising and the darkness will eventually touch us all- even the Caboodle haters on this blog will not be immune-
The ABC has their sites on JAX- and have laid in motion the purchase of their Govt.
Then they will know the heartbreak and devestation they have rendered on Caboodle.
Elise- perhaps if you had spent more time volunteering at Caboodle taking care of the cats and not trying to run things by your standards the cats lives and Caboodle would still be.
Just look at the time you spent building your case against Caboodle and Craig! You let your ego get in the way and you were “gonna get him”.
How many hours/days did you steal from the lives of the cats at caboodle? Putting together your case.
Just the amount of time you spent to posting everywhere and anywhere would have been welcomed to an overwhelmed sanctuary.
Even Best Friends at the beginning had some rough spots like caboodle.
Well you succeeded – and a wonderful place for cats that could have used your help is now gone.
Cat Lover JAX-
How many hours/days did you volunteer at Caboodle over their 6 year existance?
Concerned-
How many hours/days did you volunteer at Caboodle over their 6 year existance?
Catatonic, very valuable post. I need to stay more optimistic about Caboodle but I know what you say is true. The justice system stopped working about 30 years ago. Now it’s going high-speed in reverse. The bad guys do the suing. If you study other Communist nations, this is exactly how tyranny is preserved. It’s through the courts, not with guns. It’s also why the rich get richer. They steal at will and then can afford to pay lawyers to delay, deny, or obstruct justice eternally.
Caboodle will never Reopen again- all the sanctuaries these orgs have shut down sue the owner for any assets they have to cover their costs of the imposed rescue efforts. They usually sue for three to four times the value of any assets to force the hand of the people – its go to prison-or give us your loot.
Either way the animals die and we in rescue lose another resource.
Dr. Friedman-
I totally support the study proposed-
I will bet that over 60% are dead in a year-
Even if the ASPCA does the so called adoptions- those in on this will find some reason the cats they took had to be killed.
There are not enough places to put ferals. I can tell you JAX would scream their heads off if I relocated my at risk colonies to their neighborhoods.
And as previously stated no sanctuary can meet the arbitrary standards that can be set by the deep pockets that either don’t have shelters or if they do they kill.
Elise-
I am not defending Craig- I am defending the cats!!
You live in a community where Ferals have protection from Animal Control trapping and killing. Most of us that do TNR do not. We spend thousands going to areas where people are dumping cats-and litters of kittens and TNR. We also fear for their lives daily as Animal Control traps the TNR cats and have the authority to kill them on the spot. We also have the environmental groups who contract for AC to trap and kill TNRd colonies. In a very rural area there are also a host of predators which we can do nothing about except pray they are kept safe but know that feral cats in a rural enviroment are part of the food chain- which means the weak are culled out by nature- I have seen small cats and dogs taken by hawks, eagles, and owls – ones at my feet- so fast you didn’t know what happened other than the horrible screams as they were taken 40 ft into a pine tree. We have to accept that as we don’t have anyplace even as close to safe as Caboodle.
Yes we test those for adoption also- we also test a few in a colony to see if there may be FeLV present.
As far as those who were not S/N- at Caboodle. I would guess he was a constant dumping ground and that people lied about their cats being fixed when he took them. If there is ANY crime I see a lack of help and volunteers which would have helped get the cats trapped and fixed. In rescue, we all get overwhelmed- especially this time of year-
Most so called No Kill shelters here call Animal Control to take and kill the boxes of kittens and dogs left tied to their fence. I don’t! And I assume Craig didn’t either. But the sick ones he was treating and the feeding and cleaning took presedence in a over extended situation.
I do twice the S/N in one year you have done in total- and while we appear to move along similar lines- in how we TNR/Rescue- your reality and mine are far apart. And we part ways with what would have been best for the cats and those of us who so desperately need sanctuaries for at risk cats. Yet the arbitrary standards by the ivory tower power brokers leave every life vulnerable as sanctuary after sanctuary is shut down. The cats always pay with their lives. And anyone who feel its my way or the highway has no welcome here. Caboodle deserved those who truly wanted to help- not the Nazis that came.
Elise, you are the only one who makes any sense on this board.
Dr. Friedman, you are so misinformed it’s sad. 700 cats were not healthy. Vet reports will tell you that and you can obtain them online. It’s obvious that you love animals and I wish more people in this world cared as much as you do, but please do a little research. This place was not a great place for cats to be.,.
Dr. Friedman,
I also forgot to mention that I am heartbroken because the Ranch in my opinion will more than likely never be re-open again as a result of Mr. Grant’s history for not caring for the cats and now a place that could have been a true sanctuary is no more and never will be. I know that people have different standards for care for animals and Mr. Grant’s standard of care for his cats did not stand up to the care that is required for a sanctuary the size of his ranch and the number of cats in his care in my opinion. That in no way implies the fact that Mr. Grant did not love his cats, because he did very much and still does which is why he could never say NO to taking in a cat. But as you know as a doctor and seeing patients, each patient has a different standard of care for themselves. Some will comply with all your medical orders and recomendations, some will only follow the ones they want to, some do not follow doctor’s orders at all and they never return. Then there are some that never go to the doctor at all. Yet, all people in those categories will tell you they take proper care of themselves. I am sure you know what I am talking about. Mr. Grant fell in the category IN MY OPINION ONLY when caring for his cats that he would only follow the recomendations of the vets or rescue organizations that he agreed with and wanted to, and that is the true reason why the Ranch is now closed, and the cats will probably never be returned to Mr. Grant. But the good side is that the ASPCA is going to adopt ALL the cats that are not claimed by owners once they are no longer evidence in the criminal case against Mr. Grant and Jacksonville is a great place to start if he is found guilty. From what I understand that MAY have been part of the agreement with the City of Jacksonvile, Jax Animal Control, and the two large rescue organizations in our City in order to let them lease the old animal control building for only $1.00 for 6 months. That the cats must be adopted out and not put down except for medically necessity like an end stage illness of HIV or something like I explained in a previous posting.
Dr. Friedman,
I do not hate Craig, I am very upset and dissapointed in him that he did not properly care for the cats in his care and as a result cats and kittens died needlessly in my opinion as a result of his lack of medical care for and protecting cats from wildlife. I am broken hearted that many of the cats suffered from very treatable conditions such as ear mites, ring work, URIs, and wounds that needed medical treatment, etc., that were not treated and the poor kitties suffered as a result, and some died. I am heart broken that Mr. Grant did not spay and nueter all the cats on the Ranch in order to protect them from spreading diseases and keeping down the popluation which only contributed to the problems at the Ranch. I am very sad about this whole situation and wish it never happened. I wish Mr. Grant had only done what he told me he was planning for the Ranch and I would be an extremely happy person and support him. But what you see is not always what you get. And in this case it is a perfect example of that. But as I stated before, I have seen the evidence and its heart wrenching too see the medical neglect of these cats which was unnecessary. Please know that once the evidence is disclosed to the public, you will understand why my heart is broken for the cats and it takes all my stregnth not to cry everyday. Finally, in all honestly, if I am wrong about Mr. Grant, it would make me so happy. But due to the evidence I have seen, there is a very slim chance I am wrong, but you never know. But if I am worng, I will apologize to Mr. Grant and support him and the Ranch. I hope I honestly answered your question to your satisfaction as requested.
Elise, It really does sound like you do some wonderful things for kitties. I love the NON-KILL. That qualifies you as a real cat lover and comrade. But, if you will and can, please tell me exactly why you hate Craig. Be honest, please. One way or the other, he LOVES cats and cats LOVE him, much as you LOVE cats and cats LOVE you.
To Dr. Friedman:
Copy to Catonic:
I will answer all your questions you posted, when Catonic answers my questions about why she is defending a man who goes against her own principal of spaying and neutering cats to reduce population, spread of deadly diseases and reducing cat fights?. I previously responded to Catonic’s inquiries about me and where I obtain my information in a previous post to her on this issue as follows:
I forgot to tell you I do not work for PETA or the ASPCA. I do not care for PETA and think they go over the top. This is the first time I have ever seen them doing something worth while. I obtained all the legal documents through public records requests which anyone can do from Animal Control, and from the civil lawsuit Grant filed against 3 people for libel and slander, and from the IRS. Animal Control has had a complaint file on Grant since 2009 and remained open until the day Sheriff Stewart arrested him. As for working with rescue groups I only work with 2 local groups and all of them are NO KILL shelters. I use them to fix the cats, test them, get them shots then have them adopted out if they are thrown into a feral colony and are adoptable. If they are feral, then I trap-nueter-and release them, I have been doing it for years, and the shelter surrender of animals has dropped over 50% in Jacksonville. In two years we hope to be a NO KILL Community. I guess that is why the ASPCA chose Jacksonville to bring the cats to because the shelters here will work with them when it comes time to have the cats adopted out that are not claimed by thier original owners.
O.K. Enough talk. Enough opinion. It’s time for science. It’s called a “prospective study”.
I am tired of hearing of the ASPCA “rescue”. We need a carefully audited prospective study from hereon. Independent auditors must follow the lives of each and every cat. If this prospective 5-10 year study shows 700 cats placed in happy homes with Cadillac medical care and fathomless love, well great; only then do we call this a “rescue”. If the prospective study shows anything less, this raid was plain and simply an egregious example of animal cruelty and slaughter. If 75%-98% of these cats are slaughtered, ASPCA should disappear from this earth and the individual perpetrators should have hundreds of counts of animal cruelty to deal with. From now on, the ASPCA must be watched like a hawk and they must hire an outside university veterinary team to immediately design the parameters of the “prospective 10-year study” They can babble about “hoarding,” “poor medical care,” and yada, yada, yada, all they want. Talk is cheap and propaganda is cheaper. What happens to the cats from hereon is the proof in the pudding. Nothing less should be accepted. Opinions are meaningless. A rigidly adhered to “10 year study” will reveal the truth and the world must receive weekly reports from the inception of this mandatory prospective study.
Elise, Up until now, you have avoided answering direct questions. Now that you are practicing veterinary medicine, it is imperative that you answer the following:
1) What are your credentials and degrees?
2) How many Masters or Doctorate credits do you have in:
a) Biochemistry
b) Physiology
c) Microbiology
d) Cell physiology
e) Feline immunology
f) Animal husbandry
g) Infectious diseases
3) Estimate the number of Caboodle cats that will be adopted.
4) Will an independent auditor account for each and every cat over the next 2 years?
5) What will you do with cats that aren’t adopted ?
6) Will they go back to Caboodle Ranch?
7) Are YOU practicing veterinarian medicine without a license?
8) Does PETA have the 98% kill rate reported?
9) Exactly what is the Jacksonville ASPCA kill rate and who independently audits them?
10) Is it true that most cats would rather be dead than at Caboodle?
You might want to go a step further and post your educational transcripts on this board and all of the other boards you populate. That would give us more confidence that you’re right about everything.
These are simple questions that you should answer. We want to trust in you but we can’t until you answer all of the above.
To Catonic:
Obviously you do not understand what my position is regarding “putting down a cat” or you are twisting my words to make me look like as you say “a murderer”. You are so far from the mark. Not all cats tested positive for HIV or FELV have to be put down, and cats that have a deadly contagious disease can live for a long time with proper medical treatment. But like all life, it comes to an end stage to the point that with these deadly diseases,and the end stage is horrific. I do not “nilly willy” kill cats if I can find some excuse to put them down. You are completely wrong. I have healthy cats that I have rescued test positive for HIV but shows no symptoms and there was NO REASON to put them down, and I adopted them out to persons who knew they were adopting a cat with an illness that could cost them a lot of money, and they were fine with it and their vet reference confirmed that they provide all medical care required for a pet from their past ownership of pets in their vet record. Before I adopt out a cat, I require a vet reference. If they do not have one, they do not get a cat from me. If the vet Oks the adoption, then they get the cat. I am only advocating that when a cat is suffering from all the symptoms as a result of the deadly illness and there is no chance for recovery such as they have reached the END STAGE of their illness such as when they lose their appetite, no longer drink water, suffer from severe diareha, are losing weight and can no longer even get up or move. This is suffering as defined by the animal cruelty laws. It is when they reach that END STAGE OF THE ILLNESS that I would only put them down. Why? Because I do not believe in putting down healthy cats or cats that still have a quality of life. But once their quality of life is NOTHING but PAIN and SUFFERING then I end the misery and have them humanely put down. Which is what the law requires. That is the reason the law is in place in EVERY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES because there are individuals who refuse to end the suffering of animals when they are dying and at the end stage of a deadly illness with ZERO quality of life because they do not want to be bothered to do the right thing or spend the money to have them put down, so they just let them die a SLOW horrible painful and suffering death. I hope you will be able to now understand my position regarding euthanasia and am only for it when there is no other option to medically treat the cat to stop the suffering and there is NO CHANCE OF RECOVERY. In my more than 10 years of cat rescue I have only had to put down about 17 cats from feral colonies due to HIV infection, and ALL of them showed symptoms and were in distress. That is an EXTREMELY low number for someone who has TNR over 400 – 500 cats in Jacksonville. So I am FAR FROM A CAT MURDERER.
I know there is no vaccine for FIV, but there is a vacine for Feline Luekemia (FELV) and feline distemper (FVRCP) for lack of a better word. And yes the vaccine wears off which is why you HAVE TO TAKE THEM TO THE VET YEARLY to keep up their shots to keep them immune from contacting the disease. But to say its useless because it MAY NOT be effective is nothing more than an excuse not to give them the vaccine. So there is no harm in giving the vaccine especially if you are a cat lover and want to do everything to protect your cats. I would rather spend the money for the cat to have a 50% chance of catching the disease if they come in contact with it as oppossed to having no vaccination and a 100% chance of catching the disease when the cat comes in contact with it.
Also the ONLY cats I test for HIV/FELV are the ones that I adopt out after I rescue them and RESPONSIBLE pet owners want to know the health of the cat. I give them thier first round of shots, mircrochipped and get them fixed before I adopt them out. I do not test cats that I TNR because you are right, there is no need for it. However, if the animal is in the colony and is suffering from some type of medical condition that could be HIV and they are showing symptoms and are at the end stage, then I will test the TNR cat, and if it is positive, I put them down as oppossed to the horrible death they would face in the colony because once a cat become so sick in a colony and can no longer defend himself from attacks from other cats, they will “gang” up on the sick cat and kill it, and the disease is spread again. So I do that not only to end the suffering of the feral cat showing symptoms of end stage HIV and to ensure they are not inhumanely killed by the other cats, but also to protect the other colony cats will not contact the disease and the entire colony get it and is wiped out. But 95% of the time the test comes back negative and we treat the cat for whatever illness or ailment it has, and when recovered, return it back to its colony/home. I just TNR a cat with a severe URI and loss of appetite, and weight loss. I was so upset because I thought he might have HIV and I would have to put him down and I HATE DOING THAT. But he came back negative, and he was not eating due to the URI which we gave him a shot for, and we discovered that he had an undecended testicle which is very painful for a cat and the reason he seemed to be suffering. So I spent the money to get him health, and the woman that feeds the colony says she cannot belive how happy he is now and he struts around the neighborhood with his tail held high and wagging.
But if you are adopting out an animal to a forever home, its standard operating procedure in the rescue community to test the cats for FeLV/HIV, give them their shots, and have them fixed and microchipped. You can call any shelter that does adoptions and they will tell you this is their standard procedure before they adopt out a cat. Its the responsible thing to do if you are rescuing and finding homes for cats.
I agree with you that Spay/Neuter helps reduce fighting among cats and spreading of diseases so I do not understand your point on that issue since I agree with you. But I would like to ask you this question since you beleive in S/N and understand the importance of doing it. Then why are you not upset with Mr. Grant for not S/N all his cats that he was caring for especially in light of the fact that you poinited out so clearly that is reduces cat fights and spreading of diseases?
So why are you defending a man who disagrees with you about the importance and absolute need to spay and neuter cats, especially if the man is caring for 692 cats that are all living together and roaming free on the Ranch? Please explain, because I would truly like to understand it. It seems you are contradicting yourself. Please do not respond that all of Mr. Grant’s cats were S/N because they were not and that is a fact that is NOT in dispute in this case. I look forward to your reply.
Dr Friedman- you are so eloquent- I hope some day we get to meet. Your love and compassion for these innocents is honest and true.
Elise- you are so wrong about your so called standards- I can’t even begin or better yet why try with an ivory towered “rescue”?? You don’t rescue!
But to steer you on what hopefully will be a life saving course for the poor cats that walk into your deadly clutches- please go to the Best Friends web site and see what they have to say about FIV cats.
You are murdering them unnecessarily.
You can also look at the protocol for Operation Catnip- they Do not test for FIV/FeLV. It was a waste of money because FIV cats can life a nice long life and any cat released back are always at risk for FeLV. S/N is a big deterrant to cats contracting the disease as fighting and mating are minimalists.
There is no vaccine for FIV that does not render the cat positive and the FeLV vaccine has questionable duration even if administered yearly.
As far as panluk it is tricky and many times we lose the littleones- but many times we can save them too.
What I hear you saying is if they aren’t perfect then kill them. Well life ain’t perfect!
And a life is better than NO life.
Who made you judge jury and exocutioner?
Must see this. Just out this week in the Huffington Post. Famed author, Douglass Anthony Cooper does a excellent piece on PETA. The PETA members here might want to review it and send nasty-grams to the Huffington post. Get on it kids.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/douglas-anthony-cooper/peta-kill_b_1387030.html
We can nitpick this code, that code, this rule, that rule. We can throw around words like “hoarder,” “abuser,” etc. etc. Bottom line is 700 very happy and healthy (less than 5% sickness rate and all being treated or in hospice care) cats have had the rug pulled out from under them. They’ve had their lives destroyed. They’ve been snatched from their “forever” home. The “true believer” kill “rescue” groups will kill 75-98% of these formerly happy kitties who were living in a unique feline habitat. We fragile humans can bicker and banter about this ’til the day we die. Fact is, back in the day, every community had a kid who’d snatch up kitties, put them in a burlap sack, and toss them into the lake to drown. Back in those days, that kid was a despised miscreant and everyone assumed he’d grow up to be a monster sociopath; and they were usually correct. Back then, a loving man and woman would feed, hug, and nurture cats and the community would love and admire those kitty caretakers. Now the righteous crusaders kill cats in bulk and the loving kitty caretakers are demonized and imprisoned. Call me old fashioned, out-of-touch, and crazy but what’s going on now is repulsive. I’m older, so perhaps it’s just a generation gap thing. Incidentally, you kill “rescuers” call your hobby, “euthanasia.” You kill cats and dispose of them in the dumpster. That’s wasteful. It’s not environmentally sound. Why don’t you eat the cats you kill. That’s what they do in some countries so certainly it’s not unheard of. Good day and happy neutering.
howard friedman m.d. – Are you seriously calling that ridiculous, home-made video a documentary? Elementary school children make better videos than that. Ha!
Final cut – Caboodle Movie
http://howieandsheila.com/video_caboodle.html
The below articles (cited by Elise and Chris) are from Ms. Slater at WCTV Jacksonville. Her long string of anti-Caboodle articles serve PETA and ASPCA very well but they also divulge the truth regarding “tabling” the Animal Rescue Act which would have required the kill “rescues” to give all animals to the non-kill rescues instead of euthanizing them. PETA had late night emergency meetings with the sponsoring legislators IMMEDIATELY after the Caboodle raid and they used the “horrors” at Caboodle to convince the legislators to table the bill. This was done at the eleventh hour. Incidentally, the kill shelters had been lobbying against the Animal Rescue Act for a long time before. Now we are going to see Craig Grant portrayed as the second coming of Bernie Madoff, though Bernie Madoff didn’t live in a 150 square foot shack and he didn’t drive a vehicle with over 400,000 miles on it. Meanwhile, 700 formerly free and loved and happy cats are in cages in a warehouse. Disgrace. I guarantee you, if cats were able to make donations, PETA and the ASPCA wouldn’t get a cent. What the h-ll has happened to this country?
Here is an article about Caboodle Ranch and the IRS problems that Mr. Grant will now be facing.
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Caboodle_Ranch_Cat_Sanctuary_Operator_Faces_Cruelty_Charges_140581263.html
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Caboodle_Ranch_Cat_Sanctuary_Operator_Faces_Cruelty_Charges_140581263.html
Records from Caboodle Ranch, located in Lee, Fla., indicate that Grant embezzled and misappropriated donations intended to cover care of the cats for his own personal use. Numerous financial transactions recorded on Caboodle Ranch’s 501(c)3 non-profit account show such items as airline flights, trips to Las Vegas, tickets to Disney on Ice and Daytona 500, purchases at Toys R Us, hotels, online clothing orders, online magazine orders, and gifts. Grant also admitted in court records that he did not routinely record cash donations.
In addition to using donations for personal activities, financial records show that Grant also used donations to pay for his personal assets. All of Caboodle Ranch’s land, vehicles, and buildings are owned by Grant. The organization itself has no physical assets. Grant has stated in interviews that he as founder of Caboodle Ranch he got $1000 a month in salary. Any personal expenses he had were legally required to come from his salary, not ranch funds.
Elise, so I can assume you have 30+ acres of beautiful habitat dotted with beautiful little houses, ponds, and trees and you are prepared to populate your paradise with 700 unwanted cats and you will do everything right for them and you will do nothing wrong and you will send all sick cats to the Stanford Childrens’ Hospital and money is no object. Am I right? If so, please get on with it and ALL of us will join the St. Elise Perkins Sanctuary Fan Club. Wow! Now I’m really getting excited!
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-03-31/story/caboodle-ranch-owners-permit-request-delays-decision-confiscated-ca
Here is the web site from the Florida Times Union about an update on the cats and their condition. If this link does not work, go to http://www.jacksonville.com
Thank you.
To Dale:
FYI: All the 30 acres of land in that is used for Caboodle Ranch is NOT titled in the name of Caboodle Ranch, but is made up of several parcels, all of which are titled in the individual name of Craig Grant. Two of the parcels are titled in joint name: One with his son Robert Grant, and another with a former donor and volonteer at the Ranch Carol Houpt. There is NO LAND titled in the name of Caboodle Ranch. You can obtain this information from the Madison County Property Appraisor web site under search records.
To Catonic and Dr. Friedman:
Attached is the web site of the article of the Florida Times Union. I am not spewing any crap I am telling the truth (not for Dr. Friedman). I am sorry if you cannot see it yet, but when you see the evidence that I have you will change your mind about the operators of Caboodle Ranch and thier action or lack there of for the cats left in their care. For example: The article states that Rob Grant reported in 2011 that Caboodle Ranch spent $30,400 in vet bills for 691 cats which equals $45.00 per cat per year. Logic dictates that: How does $45.00 per cat cover yearly shots, vaccines,medical care, fixing cats dropped off, and sick cats with deadly diseases requiring daily medication. To me this speaks the truth about how much money WAS NOT SPENT to take care of the medical needs of the cats and that the PETA video was not doctored and the ASPCA reports are legitimate. Also the article gives a clue about the condition of the cats when they were “kidnapped” and the fact that 5 weeks later cats with upper respiratory infections have not cleared up yet proves they were not being treated for a very very long time. I have had to foster cats with long standing neglected upper respiratory infection and it can take up to 8 – 10 weeks to recover and some never do and end up with permanent upper respiratory conditons.
As for taking you up on your offer to go see places you TNR. I have no interest since the correct thing is being done and the cats are being fixed, given rabies, shots and basic FIV shot. So I have no problem where they are living. Because the owners of the cats understand the importance of TNR for their beloved cats and are doing the right thing. So I can then assume they are well fed and have shelter from the elements, and since they are returned after the TNR, the cats are in good health or else they would not be allowed to be re-released.
Also, FYI: when I had to put down my sick or dying cats, they died in my arms as well at the vets office. Some diseases or conditions do not require to put a cat down if they are not suffering which it sounds like your cat did not meet the criteria to be put down by law, but cats with panaluekemia, FIV or HIV die a horrible death and Mr. Grant had numerous cats die with these diseases without euthanasia which is a horrible way for a cat, especially kittens, to die if you have ever seen it. I have and the end stage for some of those deadly diseases at the Ranch was a slow horrific death and why the law requires you to put them down. I know this because I have trapped them in colonies after month(s) of trying because they could not smell due to breathing issues. It was so hard to watch, but when they finally went in the trap and tested positive for the deadly disease, I was releived to see thier suffering stop.
Finally, the article confirms that the quote “that the cats were all fat and healthy , and that there are only 20 – 30 sick cats” is a quote NOT from an independent vet report as stated by some, but a quote by Rob Grant as evidenced by the article.
We’ve made a 23 minute documentary. Please take the time to review it and make recommendations for change.
http://howieandsheila.com/video_caboodle.html
Also, feel free to send the link anywhere you think it may do some good. The Madison County lynching of Caboodle Ranch has been unbearable to watch. This movie, though painful to produce, puts things into perspective.
Thanks.
howard
Howard, the vet does not want to be identified now. Political reasons, I suppose. And actually, while we would like to know the condition of the cats, I think the only thing we need to know, for the case, is what was the condition when they were kidnapped. Also, I wonder why the property, which was bought for a sanctuary and had that noted in the deed, wasn’t grandfathered. And I wonder why the Sheriff told me in December that he thought the Caboodle situation would be resolved when the Board met on the EAH application. I took that to mean the decision was made in Dec. before the application had been submitted and any presentation was made to the board by Animal Control and the vet. it seems that something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I was told that the Sheriff’s office has gotten thousands of calls from Japan and China about the condition of the Caboodle cats. Madison County was given a gift with the ranch. Something that tourists could visit, school kids could use for education workshops, and more. There are probably many Madison County residents who would support the ranch. I hope you all speak up. FREE THE CABOODLE CATS.
Elise -sorry about my previous post- but someone is using your name to post about Caboodle on the Rush Limbaugh site.
And I still will offer you to see people’s “homes” where I help them with TNR – which makes caboodle looks like the taj mahal!! Even on a bad day.
And as far as euthanising animals at their end stage from terminal illness- interesting I just had to go thru that with my own. After long discussions with my vet about pain or other discomfort to my baby I decided to let him pass without assistance. I was told by my vet that cats for lack of a better term essentially go into a coma and his brain would shut down his pain center. He died in my arms as I carried him 24/7 when he went into his coma as I- yes I wanted to be with him when he took his last breath. Very similar to Terry Schivo when they disconnected the life machine.
My friend just told me that the ASPCA is suing Mr. Grant for hundreds of thousands to cover their expenses. This would essentially wipe out the trust fund for Caboodle but also force the sale of the property.
Can anyone confirm? ASPCA won’t let me post this question on their web site.
Also of interest is the stupid law that I hope will be overturned on property rights issues alone is being considered in other FL counties and is being supported by HSocieties wanting to shut down small rescues so they can be the only ones getting donations- obviously saving animals is not a high point in this- I mean 30 cats or dogs on 30 acres is a joke!!!
Dr Friedman God bless you!! And keep on posting.
Elise you are still spewing your crap and haven’t taken me up on my offer on another post on this site!!
I just read on Jacksonville.com that the City Council voted to lease to the ASPCA an old City Animal Rescue shelter for six months and the results of this vote was posted March 28th at 7:30 a.m. which means the vote was yesterday. The hearing for Mr. Grant and Mrs. Entricken was canceled yesterday and the City of Jacksonville voted to lease the shelter to the ASPCA for 6 months. It sounds like that my deduction regarding the “truthiness” of the abstract of the vet report may be true. If the report was true, then Mr. Grant and Mrs. Entricken would have subpoened it for the hearing and they would have their cats back. Thus I bet its the current condition of the cats after a month of treatment and not when they were raided. Or the cats would be on their way back to Caboodle Ranch.
They gave me an incorrect e-mail address (though somehow the e-mail did go through). The correct e-mail address is dan.scanlan@jacksonville.com
Please encourage them to report on the veterinarian’s review of the captured Caboodles’ health status.
LN, Oops, you’re right. They’ve taken over everything. And no, it’s not just Florida. It’s everywhere.
Well, doctor, you may be in another state. In Florida, schools are, unfortunately, run by politicians. :/
URGENT: Is is most important to e-mail this address to urge the Jacksonville newspaper to release the vets report on the health of the captured Caboodle cats. dan.scanian@jacksonville.com
The vet remains un-named but his glowing report has been cited on Facebook and presumably the newspaper article (which we hope will follow) will let us know the name of the vet and the precise details of the report.
howard
Thank you Dale Swisher. I have gone to the Caboodle Ranch Fan Page. It is exquisite! I’ve posted a bit there. The news that an independent Jacksonville vet has examined all of the cats and they are “all fat and healthy” is wonderful news that must be spread around. It is also great to know that the infirmary caboodles were all up-to-date on their proper treatment and that treatment will continue. Dale, please give the e-mail address of the Jacksonville newspaper to all of us here so we can encourage them to publish the vet’s health report. Thanks again.
howard
Dr Friedman, I am a Caboodle volunteer from NJ, and was there twice last year, the last time for five days. My return visit was supposed to be two weeks ago–right after the raid. When I visited last, the place was clean, the cats happy, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to live with the Caboodles. So, as you can imagine, I am up to my neck in blogging, talking to lawyers, writing letters to newspapers, etc. I will be coming down soon either to help clean up the ranch, or testify at a hearing. I can only speak to what I saw, and that was terrific. I helped distill the new Excess Animal Ordinance into a punch list, to make it easier to determine improvements. i know AC and the vet were pleased with the progress. I also know the ordinance is not written well, and may have challenges to it. The Sheriff told me in December that he thought the new ordinance would take care of things. I took that to mean he knew Caboodle would either not get the permit or get the permit and only be allowed the number of animals the board decided on. As it stands now, 30 are allowed on their acreage, and in the ordinance, the board has the power to determine the total # animals. if the permit is granted–they may decide 31 is the most you can have. And, I don’t believe there is an appeal process allowed. Nevertheless, Dr Friedman, I invite you to the Caboodle Ranch Fan Page on FaceBook. You will get an idea of how hard we are working to get the cats back and to help Craig and his family. What a tragedy this raid was. I live in Soprano land, and didn’t expect to find such a similar environment here. If you haven’t already done so, please check in to our site. Our motto is FREE THE CABOODLE CATS and the response has been amazing.
To TM:
You sound like the perfect cat parent. Your advice regarding medicating cats is spot-on. As you say, just one Tylenol can kill your baby, and as you say, there are many other human drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) that can be fatal to cats. The list is too long to enumerate, but includes acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), ibuprofen (Advil and others), Aleve, Motrin, Ambien, Xanax, Prozac, all beta-blockers (for BP and heart), cholesterol lowering drugs, birth control pills, thyroid meds, anti-diabetic drugs, etc, etc, etc. The overwhelming majority of cat poisonings each year are due to ingestion of human meds. Most are not even administered to the cat. They just DROP ON THE FLOOR. Reasons these drugs kill cats: 1) Dosage (proper for human but way high, indeed lethal, for cats.) 2) Humans and cats, though so similar in so many ways, have very different kidney and liver metabolic mechanism and pace.
Also, as you said, certain medications (many antibiotics incl. eyedrops) are the same for humans and cats, but certainly the antibiotics are administered in different doses.
Though the above information is vital, as you stressed, we are drifting a bit parallel to the issue at hand – KEEPING CATS ALIVE AND HEALTHY WITH EUTHANASIA FOR ONE REASON ONLY: END-OF-LIFE HOSPICE CARE.
To Kathy and TM:
Of course cats need VET CARE, not medical doctor care. That goes without saying. But veterinarians and physicians are adjuncts to cat and human care, respectively. A no-kill cat rescue operation should be run by a cat lover; a passionate caretaker; a cat parent – someone who telepathically knows what their baby is thinking and feeling. Our schools are not run by doctors though kids get sick and they are in “herds” in classrooms ie. sickness spreads. But (as should be the case) schools are run by educators. They are not run by doctors. If kids get sick they go to doctors. Yes, vets must be available to cat-rescues for shots, advice, hands-on treatment, and coordination of end-of-life care but the primary caretaker must be the cat parent.
To savealifecatrescue: Thank you very much. You and I and many here are like-minded and like-motivated. Cats are our kinship.
To everyone: Once again, Mr. Grant and Caboodle would approach perfection in regards to cat and human health and happiness if Mr. Grant and the powers-that-be could agree on the issues we’ve discussed for weeks and everyone would just think CATS, CATS, CATS, not me,me,me. In a perfect world, Mr. Grant and all his babies would go back home, vet-care guidelines would be re-stated with some oversight (firm but not heavy-handed) and the storied tale of Caboodle Ranch and Madison County will continue to be told around the World.
Howard
it is so sad what dey did to dis man n his ranch why we have sum haters in dis world wee lives in. peples why we being dis way?
John, the disposition hearing regarding the return of the cats to Mr. Grant and Ms. Entricken was cancelled. Do you know why? Are you able to find oyut if there was some sort of plea agreement made or if it is just continued and will be re-set to another date. Thanks.
Actually, Kathy, I would very much appreciate to see what you have to say about your credentials as long as you find the doctor’s without value. Are you a vet? Are you a no-kill sanctuary operator? Do you even TNR and feed feral cats? Perhaps you have a cat or cats which you have taken to a vet?
?????????
I have actually learned quite a bit about human medicine by going through what I have been through with my kitties. I have had cats with leukemia (not the virus), cancer, kidney disease and other ailments that humans also get. I have seen and know how to interpret human bloodwork because I know how to interpret animal bloodwork. I *certainly* do not know enough to *treat* an animal or a human on my own (although I can follow a vet’s or doctor’s directions pretty well), nor do I really think that animals are similar enough to be used in medical studies that benefit humans (although, historically, they have been used in that way), but I have learned enough from 30 years of experience with cats to realize that there are some similarities and get a pretty good idea of how kitties think. I also am aware from experience that it is not an uncommon practice for vets to be able to use medications for animals that are also for humans for the same types of ailments: antibiotics, for instance.
For cat lovers, in light of that last statement: do not EVER give a cat tylenol or any other human medication without consulting your vet!!! Some human drugs will kill kitties!
Mr. Friedman, it appears you are a medical doctor and not a veterinarian, therefore, I would hardly say that you’re an expert in animal medicine and as such your evaluations of Caboodle Ranch aren’t of much value. It’s also been pointed out to me that you are a feral colony feeder. Feeding feral colonies and operating an animal rescue/sanctuary is like comparing apples to oranges. Just because you have an M.D. after your name does not make you an expert in how to properly run a shelter/sanctuary.
Dr. Friedman, I haven’t had the chance to read through all the posts. Perhaps you’ve already answered this question. What personal experience do you have with Caboodle Ranch? Are you an expert in animal hoarding?
I can only speak from personal experience, Dr. There are many good things about Madison, but I do not believe from that experience that Madison’s animal control entity is one of them. Thank God for our wonderful veterinarians and for the lovely (but almost always full) no-kill Animal Shelter out by Lee. At least we are able to save some of them!
Very well said Howard Friedman MD !!
I Couldnt have said it better myself !!
And yes we better ALL hide our cats! LOL
Howard, you have done an excellent job in defending Caboodle Ranch and Craig, you have covered all the bases and you KNOW the truth !! And you say it like it IS
My final post here and my final conclusion: In two days, this debacle will end. As they say, “just follow the money”. It’s all about “grants” and “contributions”. Cats are no match for human greed and self-service. The Rulers have spoken. Their bureaucrats scamper for salary and benefits and padding the pension. We The People are allowed to speak out with message boards, petitions, etc. That should placate us; the remnants of free-speech. Blah, blah, blah. But the results have been pre-ordained. “You can’t fight City Hall”. And, of course, “it’s-all-for-(your)-own-good”. Well, the Caboodle cats did have a few good years before the slaughter. We should be thankful for that. And our martyr, Craig Grant, lived life in heaven for seven years. None of us will ever live that beautiful dream. He was the last. Now, I think we should all just take care of our own; maybe hide our cats in the attic. Burn your empty bags of cat food and flush your litter down the toilet so your garbage pails don’t reveal there’s a cat in your house. Always play some music to mask the occasional meow. Someone might be listening. Tread safely … and Farewell.
Howard
L.N. , Do you think Madison County is so hostile to animals (esp. cats) that it is unreasonable to think that Caboodle could ever return? If so, …. sad, sad, sad. And why? What’s wrong with that County? Do they allow horses on farms? Do they allow cows on farms? Why on earth would anyone buy land there? A year ago, when I first learned about Caboodle, I thought that County was terrific. I went through all of the real estate listings on Realtor.com and was seriously thinking of buying a place there. So glad I didn’t.
Howard
Elise, I appreciate your reply and acceptance of my apology. But still, I think Mr. Grant
should be “in the loop” of cat-care. You acknowledge his pure love for his cats and we all loved the wonderland of Caboodle. It is a dreamscape to those of us who know the exquisite value of each and every cat on Earth. You say, there “are no winners” here.
Why can’t the cats be winners? Perhaps the scale of Caboodle became too large. Why can’t it be reduced and why can’t the grants be shared with Caboodle. Perhaps “no-kill” is actually an illusion in a city environment. Rural environments are worlds apart. Cat’s roam. Farmers grow attached to their little “mousers”. Kids love to see these little wonders climbing trees and hiding in the brush. They watch the mothers teaching their kitties to hunt, and yes, sometimes one of these “wild” cats will cautiously approach a child and then closer and closer and then in her arms. It’s wonderful. Our rural cat population was never overbearing. FIV is so lowly contagious and most FIV infected cats have, essentially normal life spans. Of course you’d occasionally see cats killed by coyotes or from sky predators, or the occasional cat shot by some vicious idiot, but those wild cats are such a joy, as are the birds, the deer, and the mountain lion.
Why couldn’t Caboodle be reinstated with maybe 100-200 cats (all shots and neutered)? Why couldn’t it have help from PETA, humane society, etc.? The purpose isn’t to punish Mr. Grant. The purpose is to reward the cats. Things might not be perfect but it would be an environment that blends regulatory and legal edict with a natural rural cat habitat. Certainly, that’s better than killing even a single healthy cat.
Don’t you agree? Yes, a compromise situation with the cats interests #1 and we humans tempering our unfortunate propensities for politics, power, pettiness, and revenge. So I think everyone down there in Florida should work at keeping the Caboodle Cat Project alive and thriving.
Howard
I would seriously like to know, Ms. Perkins, how you know so much about this situation. I would also ask you, since you seem to know so much, if the cat that Mr. Grant did take great care with, his Tommy, has been returned to him and if the confiscated pets of Ms. Entricken have been returned to her.
$350,000 from Best Friends? If I thought that kind of thing would ever happen in this county, I would buy land and do all that was necessary to make it happen that you say Mr. Grant did not.
However, it has been my experience that animal control in Madison is hostile to TNR, no-kill and even animal rescue, especially, it seems, when it comes to cats, and I know of nothing in this whole operation that would seem to contradict that experience. Be thankful, if you live in Jacksonville, that it is a friendlier environment for such kindness.
I would also point out that there is no law stating that sick pets must be killed. Making such a determination is a matter for the individual pet owner, if there is one, in consultation with a veterinarian, not for some government entity, county or otherwise. I have had to euthanize several cats over the years and lost several of natural causes or accident, lest you think that I do not know the difference between euthanasia of an animal that is suffering and just killing one because it is inconvenient or has a chronic illness, but that decision is a totally personal one.
Dr., however you “felt” when you wrote your messages, your understanding of cats is accurate and appreciated. You are right: they do not stay with people who mistreat them.
Howard,
Thank you for your apology. It is greatly appreciated. I knew that you were writing based on emotions which I have done in e-mails myself before and the reason I did not repond. And you had the maturity and integrity to apologize, and I greatly admire you for that. Apology accepted. I too wish Mr. Grant would have taken the advice of numerous rescue organizations, and if he had just done what he posted on his web site, that all cats were fixed, updated on shots and kept safe from coyotes, it would have been a wonderful place, and he could have gotten donations from larger organizations, like Best Friends Society (who just gave Jacksonville a $350,000 grant so our community can become a no-kill community in two years) and that would have helped him to hire permanent employees to help him, pay for the vet bills for those who dropped of their cats at the gate w/o the donation fee, and the Ranch would not be in the situation it is in now. But Mr. Grant did not, and now sadly I doubt there is no way the Ranch will be re-opened with his 3 year history of the same problems occuring. The 3 year history is that he did not fix all the cats, take them to the vet when sick and put down cats dying when there was no chance of recovery. Even the local Animal Control requested that he stop taking in cats until he was able to get a handle on the cats he already had, but he continued to take in every cat because he did not have the heart to say No. When the Ranch was raided, Mr. Grant’s cats were not all fixed, did not have medical records so not all cats had their shots, and refused to practice euthanasia. I know that Ms. Nannette has said they were brought to the Ranch that way, but Mr. Grant and Mrs. Entricken had a duty to take those cats to the vet when dropped off by unknown persons, get them fixed, shots and tested for deadly contagious diseses. Why? Because their web site said they did that and that is why people donated money to Caboodle Ranch and relinquished their cats to him. Believe me there are NO winners in this situation.
Elise, I just re-read my last posts and some parts sounded mean-spirited. Please forgive me. I do know that you are a truly caring and informed person. Also, so much of what you say is right. I guess, I come from a different angle. All of our experiences are somewhat different. I, too, have euthanized pets. It is awful beyond awful, but their sufffering becomes unbearable and it must be done. The shame here is we ALL love cats and because euthanasia is so painful to us, we take different sides of the issue … even in our own minds. Bottom line is, I sounded mean and that’s wrong; particularly toward another cat-lover and good, caring person. I do wish SOMETHING could be done to keep Caboodle alive and well and I do wish Mr. Grant would accept some “tweaks” here and there to get the perfect scene going. I hope you agree.
Sincerely, Howard
Alise: A few more things.
1) The ASPCA posting of Tommy as their donations poster-boy is fraudulent, vicious, and repulsive. Wow, talk about adding insult to injury!
2) Perhaps it is another Elise Perkins in Jacksonville, Fl (as you chortled to Mr. Catatonic in an earlier posting) and if so, I stand corrected. But I have read where Elise Perkins is grateful to Rent-A-Nanny for saving her from financial ruin. If you are the same Elise Perkins who babysits children for pay, I would hope you don’t report the parents to child services and recommend euthanasia for sniffles, disabilities, leukemia, etc.
3) As a physician and former rancher, I can assure you many humans and animals are killed by over-doctoring. Perhaps Mr. Grant had an excellent feel for the proper balance of interventional care vs. conventional home-care. Have you considered that?
4) Your political alliances are clear. Cats are magical and wonderful creations of God and their happiness and existence should not be mandated by political serendipity. Cats do not need spokespeople who recommend they die nor do they need heavy-handed human governments to decide what’s best for them. Cats are highly intelligent and all of the cats at Caboodle made the decision to stay there. Any or all of them could have easily left the ranch and the man they loved.
5) The situation in Sanford Florida, where an Hispanic male shot a black male, is absolutely unrelated to the Madison County massacre. Once again, your personal politics get in the way. The issue here is CATS, CATS, CATS. …. not your politics, my politics, or anyone’s politics.
6) I request you show respect to Mr. Grant by calling him, “Mr. Grant” rather than “Grant” in all of your communications here and across the country. Also, stop with your nonsensical “hoarder” label for Mr. Grant. Rather, call him “caring” and “loving” and start making demands on your Government to return all of his cats, re-build Caboodle better than ever, and make reparations to Mr. Grant in the sum of $10,000,000 so those cats and Mr. Grant can live happily ever after. Indeed, he deserves more, much more. Mr. Grant is a Cats’ Angel and can never be made whole in the aftermath of this holocaust. $10,000,000 reparations would be a mere pittance for what he and 700 cats have been put through; psychologically, physically, and financially.
Thank you.
Howard
P.S. to Mr. Catatonic. Please keep posting here and elsewhere. Your posts are insightful, educational, pertinent, and poignant.
Elise: My education has enabled me to think with independence. My medical experience has taught me compassion. You keep citing the “rules and regulation”. When I say “so what?” in regard to some court order, be assured I am not a scofflaw in any sense. Rather you should be aware of how laws are made nowadays in America. They are NOT made in regard to right and wrong. Rather they are bought and sold. That’s what a lobbyist does; he/she pays for laws and the highest bidder gets the laws they choose. Enforcement, sadly (and unconstitutionally) is selective nowadays. Have you not noticed the lack of prosecutions of the white collar criminals (ie. the mortgage schemes) who have brought this country to its knees and have you not stayed abreast of the law changes (ie repeal Glass-Stegall, etc) that our legislators made to enable and encourage the cascade of those white-collar crimes? Also, please note that slavery was the law of our land at one time. Do you think that was good? In Germany, confiscation of Jewish properties and killing Jews was the law of the land. Do you think that was good? Would you blindly obey those laws and cite codes to justify your obedience? If, as in certain countries now, you were obligated by law to kill your newborn daughter, would you? Just asking.
That’s my point Elise. PETA and ASPCA are powerful lobby groups. Mr. Grant is an individual citizen. What chance does he have here in America? Again, I contend he is a great man doing great deeds with love and compassion. He afforded 700 cats wonderful lives and they, in return, afforded Mr. Grant a wonderful life. Yes, I am one of those who place a cat’s right-to-life as high as I place a human’s right-to-life. So take your Sanford situation and multiply it by 701. Yes, that’s the magnitude of the Madison County slaughter. Elise, I would suggest you see Mr. Grant’s “babies” in the same way you’d see your own “babies”. That’s called, “empathy”. There are no rules, regulations, codes, or laws that pertain to “empathy” and THAT is what is sad. God help us all.
Howard
Dr. Friedman: It is very sad to read that a man with your education does not care if there is a court order that Grant was required to follow, and your response is “So What”. Its a sad day when people believe court orders do not have to be followed just because someone does not agree with it. Court orders require individuals to follow the law, and if not, they will suffer the consequences. That is why Grant was arrested, plain and simple. Grant was legally arrested and the justice system will determine with the evidence presented whether he is guilty or not. No one is above the law, no matter what, even people who rescue cats. I would rather have Sheriff Ben Stewart doing his job and enforcing the laws of his county, as oppossed to the police department in Sanford Florida for neglecting to do their job when a murder takes place and no one is arrested.
First to clarify to all those who believe PETA will be killing all of Grant’s cats, you are wrong because PETA is not in legal control of the cats anymore. The ASPCA has clegal ustody and control of the animals and if Grant is not allowed to have them back, the cats will be adopted out and not killed like everyone is claiming. I know this because the cats were brought to Jacksonville probably because we have such extensive programs for adopting out cats and in two years our County hopes to be a no kill community. So if Grant is not allowed to have his cats back, they will be returned to their original owners or adopted out. They were not rescued for the sole intent to kill them. That is just illogical as Spock would say. The ones with the deadly diseases will be cared for by Jacksonville facilities that specialize in that and when the cats reach the end-stage of their illness, they will be humanely put down as required by law and not suffer a cruel death.
Second, according to Florida Statute 828.12, it requires by LAW that “a person who intentionllay commits an act to any animal that results in the cruel death or excessive or repeated infliction of unneccessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony”. Grant knew about this law because the Judge’s Order in May 2009 told him that when his cats got sick at the end-stage of a deadly illness, he was required by law to end their suffering and have them euthanized. Grant took in cats with HIV and feline luekemia and once those cats reached the end-stage of their condition, he was required to do the humane thing, take the cat to the vet and put them down. Which he refused to do no matter how badly a cat was suffering. If anyone has seen a cat with these diseases and see them at their end stage, they would agree that allowing them to “die naturally” as Grant did is a very cruel and inhumane thing which is why its the law. The cats lose their appetite, turn into skin and bones, and throw up and have diarrhea. Its a very painful ordeal for a cat to go through, let alone watch, which is why the law requires they be put down. I have had to put down sick cats with those diseases, and its a very hard thing to do, but its the humane thing to do and its the law. And Grant knew that and ignored it and the cats suffered as a result and were removed from his care. Grant is not above the law just because he is a nice guy with great intentions, which Grant is. But his hoarding issue blinded him to the suffering of the animals he loved so much and that is a sad thing both for Grant and the cats.
The bottom line is PETA murders 98% of its “rescued” cats. The Sheriff, the Judge, Animal Control, etc are “just doing (their) jobs”. That’s what all of the captured Nazis said at the Nuremberg trials. Jack Kevorkian went to prison for euthanizing dying patients. Mr. Grant is in jail for refusing to euthanize patients. Cats always run away from abusive environments. These cats chose to stay. Mr. Grant is not a “hoarder”. These were feral cats happily wandering the acreage. Cats get sick. Is that a surprise? “Outdoor-cats” live an average of 4 years. These cats were happy and loved. Now, 700 cats will be murdered. Let’s assume Mr. Grant was not compliant with Court orders, etc. So what? The fact is, again, the heavy-handed government and private kill squads (ie PETA) have won. 700 happy cats are off to slaughter. Mr. Grant put Madison County on the map. Now, Madison County has disgraced itself. Mr. Grant is a noble man. Of course he is eccentric. That’s what it takes to do the spectacular work he has done. Howard
Compton- want to know what will happen to all the cats?
Google NY QUICK KILl BILL- written and sponsored into the NY Legislature by ASPCA
The quicker they are killed- the more money ASPCA can keep from their ONE shelter operation and their fabulous TV adds.
So if your dog gets loose in NY State don’t bother looking for him -he will be dead in 24 hours.
Guess that will teach you irresponsible pet owners! Course that is PeTAs stance that there should not be pets and they are better off dead.
The disposition hearing to determine the custody of the cats is scheduled on March 28.
@L.N.
It would be funny if they actually had the time to monitor the internet for people saying mean things about their department on the internet. Wonder how that google search would look? “Mirror, mirror, on the wall…….”
I seriously doubt that the Sheriff”s Department would put a statement like that on any of their correspondence. Really, I do. It must have been inserted by the poster. Who in the sheriff’s department could be that STUPID and IGNORANT of civil rights and free speech? What Sheriff in their right mind would dedicate resources to monitoring the statements of local citizens in search of “defamation”. (Especially when there are seizures that need to be done down at the interstate.) I don’t think that we have anyone that DUMB on the payroll, do we? Statements like that would just beg for a negative response.
And there is that election “thingy” coming up………
Wow, I think Harry Truman had some pretty good advice for elected public officials who “can’t stand the heat.” I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure it was not, “Threaten your constituents with legal action.” :/
I am shocked.
@elected officials:
per this quote:
“PLEASE NOTE: The sheriff’s department is monitoriting defamatory comments on the internet against their department. Please be informed that if you make a false statement about the sheriff’s department, you could find yourself defending a defamation lawsuit.”
Okay. I changed my mind. I’ll vote for you, now.
I feel most sorry for these cats. Seizing them and removing them from this property is likely NOT going to result in a happier ending for them. How likely is the ASPCA going to be to care for and adopt out feral cats? How likely are they to find shelters to take hundreds of cats when the shelters they associate with are probably already killing 50% or more of the cats they take in? These cats would likely have been far better served by the ASPCA sending folks in to help on site.
On another note- PeTAs MO is usually to have a boy toy in the wings in some authority. I knew one that even had a baby with him to get her Agenda done- course she was a paid operative for three years in Puerto Rico shutting down no kill orgs- guess she had lapse in judgement.
Wonder who was Loren’s Boy Toy? Jamie sounds like a nice innocent easily influenced kind of name.
Well a little bit gets peeled away- Sheriff said only their office and ASPCA had access to the ranch-
So who destroyed the place- all the little cat houses and the ranches papers?
Now we find out Mosquito Control guys were there- now that’s some expert animal handlers!!
http://www.madisoncountyfl.com/meetings.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=19988
“County Animal/Mosquito Control Coordinator Jamie Willoughby reported the role of his department in the operation was in animal capture with help from other animal control agencies in the State. He stated that he and his assistant care for the cats in the Jacksonville shelter each Friday on their day off on a rotating basis. He also reported the County may be in line for grants from ASPCA for prevention of cruelty to animals in the future.”
What did they do? Back their spray trucks up and let those pesky cats get a taste of their posion??
Now we find out ASPCA has promised Madison Grant Money too!!!
Bet ASPCA will get Grants property and the $250k seized in the Ranch’ s bank account. Won’t be the first time these orgs have confiscated assets.
At 10th Life they welcomed the help and advice offered by HSUS and the Univ of FL-
Result they came in -took over operations- threatened the owner with prison uess he relinquished control- and then killed more than 70% of the cats.
You decide – what Grant was to do knowing how this always plays out.
Let’s hear it for power to the powerful and let’s kill all the cats- that’s the bottom line.
Just kill the cats- they have no value except as a PR bonanza.
For the person who made the statements about child and protective services – would you feel different if you knew 70% of the kids taken away from abuse would be killed? Do you know that as recently as the 1960s kids in SWitzerland were taken from their parents because of arbitrary guidelines on what constitutes a good home- single parenting was not a good home- and placed in slave labor on farms?
Let’s just kill all the cats and be done with the charade.
Caboodle Ranch: Save the kitties
Monday
>>>SHERIFF’S RESPONSE TO CAT KILLING CLAIM<<<
Dana Strunk received the follow email response (3/12/2012) from Sheriff Ben Stewart about the rumors that cats are being killed by neighbors:
"[...] No one is shooting cats at the Caboodle Ranch. If we do catch someone doing that then they will be put in jail. I am getting emails and calls from Japan, Germany, Australia, and several others accusing… me and my department of all sorts of crimes against Mr. Grant. None of the information they have been given by the pro-Caboodle people is true. Where we are at this time is as follows: Mr. Grant can solicit for attorney fees, but not for the Caboodle Ranch. [...] The cats are being cared for and have been seen by vets, seven teams of them, and will be available for adoption at some point. The ASPCA will handle that , thank goodness. By the way, PETA, was not allowed back on the property once the search warrant started. Only the ASPCA was allowed along with Sheriff’s Office employees. I can’t say enough about how well the ASPCA handled this case for us. The next steps will involve court proceedings regarding the ownership of the cats and then criminal court will follow. Thanks in advance, Ben Stewart."
PLEASE NOTE: The sheriff's department is monitoriting defamatory comments on the internet against their department. Please be informed that if you make a false statement about the sheriff's department, you could find yourself defending a defamation lawsuit. To be guilty of defamation, you don't necessarily have to be the person who started the rumor. You can be found accountable for simply re-posting. Using the wording, "I heard" or "I was told" is not a defense.
https://www2.myfloridacounty.com/ccm/do/docket?county=40&data=44662f1716d5deafee0796b4af8d57c2
Caboodle Ranch: Save the kitties
Monday
Just got off the phone with lead investigator of the Caboodle Ranch case, Tina Demotsis. She stated that the rumors about the neighbors shooting any remaining cats and the sheriff's department allowing it are false.
http://madisonfloridavoice.net/?p=26225
Sheriff:
First, according to your video, your office requested that the ASPCA investigate allegations of abuse at Caboodle Ranch because your office did not have the expertise to do it.You stated that the ASPCA the only ones involved with the investigation.
Second, Ms. Demotsis has been named as an investigator on the Madison County Clerk of Courts site, even though she is not affiliated with ASPCA and is involved with a non-profit organization called "Crime Stoppers of Madison County, Inc.". So who is she and why is she involved?
Third, why is your office or Ms. Demotsis discussing an active investigation with a third party?
Fourth, as you are probably aware, Caboodle Ranch tried to sue individuals for comments made on the Internet. The case was dismissed. Regulation and laws concerning what folks post on the Web are not clearly defined. To suggest that your office would choose to file lawsuits against individuals questioning and commenting about what's happened and is happening at Caboodle is a violation of the First Amendment and boarders on intimidation.
They very well might go back to Grant if the courts decide he is fit to keep them. Innocent until proven guilty remember. At least the sick cats are getting the treatment they needed. If the courts decide Grant shouldn’t get them back I am sure the cats will be sent to shelters\rescues all over the country.
700 cats! How many of these 700 cats were happy and healthy at Caboodles? I’m sure many of them were and they were purrfectly fine there. How on earth is that place in Jax going to find 700 homes for 700 cats. My heart breaks for all these wonderful creatures and for Grant, misguided though he was. I know a lot of those cats want to go back home to Caboodles. The local officials did what they should, but still I wish this situation had turned out better for the cats.
Caboodle Ranch was applying for an EAH permit and were under the impression their petition would be approved in January. Addressing the permit was moved to February, then to March.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff of Madison County seems to have been contracting with ASPCA and, through them, other organizations to raid Caboodle Ranch and seize the animals living there.
This gives the appearance that the Board of County Commissioners had met and made an agreement on actions to be taken against Craig Grant and Caboodle Ranch.
Isn’t this in direct violation to the State of Florida’s Sunshine Law? (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0286/SEC011.HTM&Title=->2008->Ch0286->Section%20011#0286.011)
If an investigation of a suspected violation of this Law by the Sheriff/BCOC followed the same course of action the Sheriff took, then all members of the Board of County Commissioners and the Sheriff should be arrested and gunpoint and then a third party arranged to actually investigate the charges.
The ASPCA didn’t arrest him. Law enforcement did. The ASPCA was called in by PETA to help with the sick cats. They were not part of the undercover investigation, PETA was. All they are doing is helping the cats that need medical attention.
If he wouldn’t accept help or volunteers, then how did the undercover PETA operative get a job as a volunteer? And if PETA knew about the seriousness of the situation over a year ago, then why wasn’t something done at that time? If they knew about suffering cats and did nothing about it (no raid?), then doesn’t that make them guilty of the same thing they are accusing Craig of? And why couldn’t the ASPCA force help and assistance on him the same way they forced their officers on him when they arrested him?
I have sent via e-mail the following documents to the Voice with the request to post them on his web site or facebook page for all you to see the truth. The documents prove that Grant has not been taking care of his cats and continued to refuse the advice of experts and local animal control, and the court order. The documents sent are as follows:
May 2009 Order signed by county Judge ordering Grant to better care for his cats and follow the vet of his choice regarding vet care recomendations. The Order shows he refuses to follow the advice of his own vet when he brings in cats for care and treatment.
April 24, 2009 inspection report by the Humane Society of the United States that the Judge used to enter his Order to provide care for the animals.
May 14, 2009 inspection report by Dr. Levy of University of Florida’s College of Medicine regarding the condition of the cats, with pictures of their condition, and recommendations that Grant should implement for his Ranch to provide proper care as required under Florida State Animal Cruelty Laws. Some of the pictures show cats with untreated upper respiratory infections and if left untreated, cat can die a slow death, pictures of underweight cats, cats with hair loss which is a sign of medical neglect , emanciated cats so sick they are unable to get up, and finally pics of cats with abscesses and wouunds.
May 15, 2009 report from local Vet regarding the conditions at the Ranch and his opinion on how to resolve them and how the vet could help.
Things got somewhat better at the Ranch, then again they went downhill as evidenced by Animal Control’s report dated September 27, 2010 that Grant was again in violation of the Court Order and needed to brought into compliance.
At some time after Grant received the letter, a scheduled inspection of the Ranch which was cancelled on December 6, 2010. She sent the letter to Grant and the Sheriff.
The reason this matters in 2012 is because it establishes a pattern of neglecting the cats and that it has been occuring since the raid on his Ranch last month. This evidence will be produced in court against Grant to show that he has a 3 year history of not taking care of his cats in accordance with the court order, felony animal cruelty laws, and basic vet care. It shows the Ranch has had an ongoing problem since 2009. That is why it is relavent. If Grant was in compliance with the laws, then the Sheriff would not have asked for the warrant and conducted the raid with the help of the ASPCA. Grant had 3 years of knowing what he had to do to comply with the law, and he refused. The end result was the sheriff’sdepartment had no other choice but to remove the cats and arrest Grant due to his refusal to comply with the law.
I’m not sure what you hope to accomplish by posting these orders but if you think it matters in 2012, scan them to your computer and send them to me.
For the person who wants me to send the Order, Animal Control Letters and animal rescue group organizations to the Voice, I would love to, but there is no fax number listed nor a physical address. I only have hard copies of the documents, and I will mail them to Voice if John will provide me a post office box or address to send them to, I would be more than happy to do so. Also, you are right that I contradict myself about the volunteer issue. The reason is because the last I was informed in February 2011, he was not going to use volunteers because he could not trust them. Why? Because they went to the media about the condition of the ranch and the lack of care for the cats. A post dated February 3, 2011 on his web site blog, which I have printed, states they can no longer acccept volunteers, and now only use paid employees. So I was completely surprised when I read that PETA was there as a volunteer and not an employee. If Grant has removed this posting from his site, I can provide a copy. So thus the reason for my contridiction. I would love to provide the documents to the Voice so he can post them on his web site.
Ms. Perkins:
So if he was refusing volunteers, how did this PETA person get access? “She” is supposed to have been a “volunteer,” right? But you say he was turning volunteers away.
Wasn’t there someone who moved onto the property to “help?” If he was refusing to accept… Well, perhaps you see why I question all that you say.
It was not my personal experience several years ago that “animal control” in Madison wanted to help. What they wanted was to euthanize, so I wonder if that was the kind of “help” that Craig refused.
Hm. I think PETA may be blocking critical posts.
After having posted a message condemning their actions and the partial story it seems they are presenting, every time I try to post there, I get a “bad request” message, that is unless I go to their “donate” page.
I am ready to accept that this is just an internet glitch, but I decided to post this to see if anyone else had encountered a similar problem.
Elise,
The reason most people do not want government involvement is becaus the government will take over and push the people to the back. If they wanted to help buy the things needed and give them to him and let him to the work. This was a form of therapy for him and if too many people get involved he would have been pushed out the operation. Mr. Grant sounds like an independent person, and the approach made by the those who says they were there for the benenfit of the cats, may have been projected in the wrong way. You do not go into this situation and try to tell the person how it should be done but ease into getting the person to do what is needed. A lesson to be learned is never go into a situation like an expert but go into the situation showing concern for what you are trying to project. If he had gotten the indication that he was still in charge of the ranch, he would have accept the help.
If he was refusing volunteers access to Caboodle then where did the PETA ‘investigator’ get the video submitted to the Sheriff as ‘evidence of abuse’?
If volunteers weren’t allowed, then the video wasn’t taken at Caboodle Ranch; if the video was taken at Caboodle Ranch, then volunteers were allowed.
You can’t have it both ways.
And, you do know about the Excessive Animal Habitat permit the Ranch was working on, right?
You can check your own Board of County Commissioner’s web site to read the Minutes and Agendas of the meetings where the permit was being discussed.
There are also videos on YouTube of those meetings.
Ms. Perkins,
I just left the courthouse trying to find the May 2009 order in which you reference. I could not find it nor could I find anyone with knowledge of it. If you could, please forward a copy to The Voice. I’m sure that everyone would really be interested in reviewing it.
http://blogs.catster.com/the-cats-meow-a-cat-and-kitten-blog/caboodle-ranch-the-other-side-of-the-story/2012/03/05/
This is a well written article/blog about the situation
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
Well said Elise… I spoke to my vet and she said he has been refusing help for a long time. Volunteers and neighbors not associated with Peta have also filed complaints. He even says in his own statement that he feels his heart is what heals the cats. Cats are more self sufficient that other pets, but they still need medical care. I believe his intentions were good, but he needs professional help.
He stopped using volunteers because they would go into the infirmary where Craig took care of sick animals and look for the worst possible picture, post it on the internet and say the whole ranch looked that way. Or maybe they would take a picture of a refrigerator in a building that was closed off from cats, no electricity and wasn’t being used so they could make it appear he was. Maybe if PETA didn’t keep sending in “plants” that were just trying to make him look bad so they could keep their donations coming in, none of this would have happened. Food for thought huh?
Before you sign the Petition you should know some facts before you make an informed decision to sign the peition. Did you know that Grant was ordered in MAY 2009 to take better care of his cats, fix them, get them shots and take then to the vet? He was also informed in September 2010 by Animal Contol that he again was in violation of the Court’s Order. Thus when the evidence was brought to Sheriff Stewart in December showing Grant was still in violation of the Court order, he did his job and went out and obtained an arrest warrant and arrested him. The cats would not have been removed if they were being properly cared for as required by the Order which Grant had almost 3 years to comply with and HE NEVER DID which is why he was arrested. This will all come out in his court trial.
In addition, for all those complaining that Grant should have received help instead of being arrested. You are right, but the problem is Grant REFUSED help. He had offers since 2009 by numerous volunteers, vets, by animal rescue agencies, animal control, and the police to assist him in his operation and he refused all help because he did not want to follow their advice to properly take care of the cats. Thus he stopped using volunterers and refused help from rescue agencies. The County tried for 3 years to get him help, but he refused. The local officialsknew this and had to choice but to step in and do their job. Grant started out with great intentions that spiraled out of control due to HIS REFUSAL to accept help, and follow the advice of experts, his own vet and the local JUDGE, to at least fix all his cats and get them vaccinations, he refused for 3 years. Grant is a good person with good intentions, but if you are a hoarder, you cannot see the harm you inflict on the animals you care for, and you do not want to get them fixed so you can add to your “family” which is why he had no adoption program. Its a sad situation for all involved. Please do not decry the local public officials who did all they could to get Grant help, but refused. Thus theywere left with no choice but to do the job they were hired or elected to do.