The one thing I’d like for you all to do today
Mar 29 2010
UPDATE
It’s all over. Tony Meyers (wisely) caved in, started bawling and admitted he was guilty as sin. There will be no trial.
He was sentenced to three years at hard labor, sentence probated (i.e. he’s on probation and they’re not locking him up – BOO, HISS!), may not be around horses for three years in that Parish or anywhere until he completes a psychological examination and whatever else they assign him, plus pays all court costs and a $50 per month probation fee.
I’m not thrilled, to say the least. But I’m not surprised he knew better than to let that trial proceed. At least he is a felon now, and that will follow him the rest of his life.
I’m going to be a broken record on this until after tomorrow. I am asking you please to cross-post this, to e-mail it to your friends, to share it on every horse message board you participate on. If you’ve ever forwarded a chain letter or a joke, well, this is something that is actually really important and I’m just asking you to do the same thing and make a brief phone call or send a short e-mail. You all know the story of Naysa by now, or if you don’t, here is her page and it has a link to her video. The main page pictures are recent and happy, but I would not recommend the video for anyone under 18 or who does not have a strong stomach. It will make you cry. To make a long story short, Naysa was purchased at auction by a scummy horse dealer type named Tony Meyers for $37. When she would not load into a horse trailer (smart mare, probably had a premonition like she was getting into Ted Bundy’s van), Tony attacked her with a level of violence that is almost impossible to comprehend. He beat her in the face, wrapped barbed wire around the halter to try to drag her into the trailer, finally did drag her behind the trailer, backed the trailer over her and then shot her in the head.
WBRZ is the local Baton Rouge ABC Affiliate:Â 225-336-2344
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Just a couple suggestions, but start off telling the reporter/editor that by doing the story, they could change the outcome of the trial. TV news in particular likes to know that their story is “making a difference.” Reporters also like to feel like they have the “scoop,” the story the others are missing, so if this is a big story that others are missing, say so. If you can get them an interesting interview or perspective, say so. TV media wants to know what images they can have — preferably video, not still. Daily papers want to know if this is a story that could go national — get picked up by the AP, so explain how the issue is national in scope, but give it a local angle. Is there a local rescue in your town that deals with cases like this and has a representative that can talk about how important it is to punish this guy so this doesn’t happen in this town? Say so.
orangepony–These are excellent points.
Fugs, are there images around that you -know for certain- we/media can use in any stories? Most outlets won’t consider running a story without decent images… (I am thinking stills for online/print).
Thanks.
Help yourself to the images from Forever Sky and Habitat for Horses, I feel very confident stating that both are happy to share with the media if it helps the case! I can get formal acknowledgments on that if the outlet requires.
I couldn’t bring myself to e-mail Fox news. But I got the other two and my local affiliate. This disgusts me to the core of my being – who could do that to anything?
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve read about Naysa a few times on your blog, but this time went to the other website and even HFH website and read the full story on this beautiful, spirited mare. It brought tears to my eyes and put a lump in my throat.
I have emailed this to cnn and the local stations in LA. I’ve also cross posted on my FB fan page as well.
This should have never happened and I hope to got this guy gets the maximum punishment!
Thank you for bringing this to you blog for all to see. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you!
Ok, first off, this is the email I sent this morning to the news stations:
I am writing to let you know that Canada is watching. We here would like you to check into the story of a terrible man in Louisiana named Tony Meyers who bought a horse for $37 at an auction. When she would not load into his trailer, Tony attacked her with a level of violence that is almost impossible to comprehend. He beat her in the face, wrapped barbed wire around the halter (her poor face!) to try to drag her into the trailer, then finally decided to drag her behind the trailer. He then backed the trailer over her and then shot her in the head.
07-00009229, defendant Tony Meyers. Trial starts Tuesday at the St. Martinsville Courthouse.
Three years have passed, but this horrifically violent act cannot be shrugged off. Please, I beg of you to cover this story. If there is media pressure, this man will NOT walk free with a slap on the wrist.
Sincerely, my name/city/prov.
—————————
AND I wanted to let you know that I found the JUDGES email address:
judge@16thjdc-e.com
Link to his page for proof: http://www.16thjdc-e.com/bio.html
Google works wonders. Fugly, should we email the judge? A nicely worded email? What do you think?
Are you 100% positive on the judge? That’s a different courthouse but they might move around. I am waiting for confirmation of the judge from Jerry before I post.
I got the judge name from: http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/11798/LA/US/
From there, I googled him, found the website with his bio, and the courthouse matches the courthouse I’ve seen several places… I’m pretty sure, as long as pet-abuse.com got that part right…
Oh, and the DA has the same web address!
Thanks!! This is the correct info, just in case someone decides to stop reading at my comment:
littlebigred says:
MARCH 29, 2010 AT 7:09 PM
I spoke to the St. Martin Parish Clerk.
Judge James McClelland
Started Today – Jury Selection
307 Church Street
Saint Martinville, LA 70582-3941
I cannot understand how no bystanders were able to stop this man.
They were apparently scared to intervene – like that case in NYC where the woman got knifed 20-some times with people watching. What was her name? Saldana?
Unfortunately it’s a known fact that the higher the number of witnesses to something, the less likely anyone is to step forward and intervene. There’s some thought on the matter, that everyone is waiting for someone else in the group to do it. It’s a very common phenomenon, unfortunately. If there were only one or two people, you would more likely see an intervention. Weird, huh?
I emailed the media. Changed the wording a little to make it slightly less emotional (added some “allegeds”) mentioned that people who abuse animals are more likely to be capable of abusing humans (to make the story more “mainstream”) and signed my real name.
Hope it helps. I did not include that his sentence should involve being dragged down a gravel road by his barbed-wire-wrapped balls.
Naysa’s site was very moving. The video of what happened to her just made me angry, but the pictures of her looking happy and healthy with her new owner, loving each other, brought tears to my eyes.
Especially the picture of Naysa standing in a trailer, looking all happy and trusting.
I need some help from someone withTWH IPEDS access – I am trying to get information on these two horses:
Mare- Can’t Touch This Lady
Stallion- Spencer’s Last Son (or close to that name)
Specifically I am trying to find out the information on their owners in 2006. I have an unregistered gelding from these two horses and I’m trying to get him registered, and to do so I need the signatures of the owners of the stallion and mare at the time of service/foaling. So, I have to find out who those people are!
Any help is greatly appreciated- I can be reached directly at freedomtreeless@yahoo.com
Melissa
Fugs,
Thought I would help out a bit as well (I do PR so know a bit about queries to the media!). I am an emailer rather than a phoner, so re-purposed your phone script for an email. I sent this to CNN, but people can send to any media outlet, just insert the relevant name in the first sentence. I will also send to the LA Times “Unleashed” Blog, they are pretty good about picking up this kind of stuff.
+ + +
Subject: Trial of Violent Animal Abuser in Louisiana Tomorrow
Body of email/submission:
Hi, I’m emailing –INSERT NAME OF MEDIA OUTLET HERE– to ask if will be covering a Louisiana trial that has caught national attention. Three years ago, a man named Tony Meyers commenced a violent attack upon a horse at a horse auction. The horse nearly died after he dragged her from his trailer with a barbed wire-wrapped halter, ran her over and shot her. She survived but it has taken almost three years for his case to come to trial and it’s going to be heard starting on Tuesday at the St. Martinsville Court. The case number is 07-00009229. Jerry Finch of Habitat for Horses will be there testifying so you can talk to him about the horse’s rehab and her life today. You can learn more about Naysa and her story at: http://www.foreversky.org/fsr_009.htm.
Thanks for your consideration.
Fugly, I got a response from WBRZ. They’re asking “do you know which judge has the case..and what time it is scheduled to begin?”
Do you have this information?
I’m getting it right now. Thanks!
Well, I think they are going to be a little surprised about just how International this is becoming…BTW, mention country of origin in your e-mail…I remember one case I got involved in concerning Minis, we had Princess Alia of Jordan phone the DA!!! and the local Sheriff….it did make a difference, it made them realise that the world was watching and they could not sweep it under the carpet.
That is absolutely my intent here.
I called in to the news affiliate, and they are trying to cover the case, but they can’t get ahold of any additional information…like the judge or the trial time. They also said they’ve been trying to get in contact with Jerry from HFH but haven ‘t been able to. I hope they do soon, because this should certainly be covered!!!
Which one did you call? I can call them with Jerry’s cell number.
I called the Baton Rouge ABC affiliate you had posted. Do you know what time the trial is? Or which room it will be in? I live in MS and am thinking about coming down for the trial if my schedule allows.
I have an email in and am waiting on more info. Jury selection is today and the people there may have their phones off for the courtroom so I should hear soon as it’s almost lunch break there.
This is some B.S.
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/grd/1666561076.html
Thats right $25.oo.Now heres the catch , I want the foal shes carrying. She is about 20 and this probably needs to be her last foal. She is healthy but I had loaned her out and she lost some weight. Also has some rainrot. She is registered, but I dont get the papers till I give the man I got her from either the foal or another $200. Was told she earned over$100,000.00 back in late 80s. She has also produced several money winning foals. She rides great as far as TBs go. She is the herd Matriarc and is dominant at the food bin. Should get back to shape rather quickly. Loads ok I got her in my tiny 2horse without much trouble. Be better if you had a taller trailer or stock type. She is about 16 hands tall and Sorrell colored. Prifeshionally trail broke, Novice 8yr old was last to ride her. Hasnt seen a farrier in over a year, feet need trimmed, but arnt bad or spit. Must be local and willing to give me back the foal when weened.(479)641-7461 price is $400 cash if you wanna keep the foal.
OK, what is going on in the photo? Is that the TB mare? She looks wormy and hungry, and and she’s 16h that man is a giant. What is he doing to her leg?
I will most certainly send that. OT but I was wondering if anyone knew of any websites about horse slaughter that I could use for a high school speech. Info on how the horses are slaughtered would be helpful, and so would stories about rescued horses. I have checked out some googled sites and the links here on fugly but I need some more info. pictures if possible! Thanks so much!!!
Go to http://www.alexbrownracing.com and read everything there. There are links to kaufmanzoning.com (not sure if that’s it exactly) and other graphic, graphic sites.
Good luck.
Nasya inspired me to change my speech topic to stricter punishments for animal abuse…If it was my perfect world, Nasya’s abuser would have gotten the death penalty! Thanks for the help Morgan Horse Queen!!! =)
I’m usually a really timid person but I am so moved by this story that I had to call the media on this. I called WBRZ and a man picked up but he said they looked up the trail and the court number and neither of them exist and that Jerry Finch isn’t responding to their calls on the subject. They need the correct information and they have been getting calls on the subject regularly but is your information correct? Or is the media lying?
Off topic, but my account on auctionhorses.proboards.com was banned, and I am hoping to spread the word. Please, please read this post if are involved in the forum! The mods DO NOT want you reading this! Please voice your opinion on auctionhorses! Fugly has blogged about how this forum harbors horse abusers- SHE WAS RIGHT!!!!
========================================================
I can’t sit back and watch this with an honest conscience. Some of you may be aware of the posts in the restricted area, but I wanted to bring them to the forefront as they have fallen onto deaf ears in the restricted area. This is a situation that EVERY board member needs to be aware of.
One of the board members has very recently (Dec 31, 2008) watched as two horses under her care starved to death. 3 were picked up by SAFE. Their names are Lola, Aiden, and Wishes (RIP). I would encourage you all to check the thread to inform yourselves of their history. When Snohomish County AC came out, they found a mare on the property who was DYING. She was a rack of bones. She had been struggling on the ground for a while, and a vet put her out of her misery:
http://i39.tinypic.com/jt5ekl.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139/4starfarm/n7.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139/4starfarm/n3.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139/4starfarm/n10.jpg
This is what the mare looked less than 6 months BEFORE her death:
http://i39.tinypic.com/33o7czc.jpg
Sno Co AC was disturbed to find that on another visit, they stumbled upon yet another lifeless body in the snow:
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139/4starfarm/n.jpg
This time, a stallion. Even though the girls didn’t have money to feed the existing horses, they were comfortable breeding the ones they had.
Luckily, Aiden and Lola survived. Wishes was eventually put down to DSDL. However, when she was in training, she had many behavioral issues that stemmed from apparent abuse she’s received (see SAFE thread).
Why is this posted here? Well, for the last few months one of the girls that is responsible for the condition of these horses has been on this forum. She was funded by mods AND some board members in the purchase of a horse from the auction. She has offered training, he has offered to foster, and she has offered homes to horses. What is most disturbing is the moderators of this forum have been aware of this individual’s history and HAVE NOT been up front with other members. As a matter of fact, there has been no response in the restricted area, other than one mod hoping the before/after photos were in reversed order.
Since funding and finances are now hidden, we don’t know where the money is going. Apparently, the “Screening process†allows for people that NEGLECT horses. Keep in mind, the mare was laying there DYING. Also, please note that the stallion was found by AC buried in the snow, having died at a previous time.
Who else is hiding back here in this forum? As mentioned on FHOTD, this forum harbors some of the worst abusers the NW has known. If there is one known one, who else is out there? We’ve had TWO other people here that had horses die or AC called out.
I believe that most people here have good-hearted intention. We don’t like to see horses die, or go through pain. We open our hearts and our wallets with full intention of doing good. But how would YOU feel if a horse that you paid for was sent to a person that allowed this to happen? How would YOU feel if the person/group that took your money knew this could happen and didn’t tell you?
http://i39.tinypic.com/jt5ekl.jpg
=========================================================
ON A LIGHTER NOTE!
I came across this on yahoo answers, because somebody wants to buy this horse.
LOL at the pictures!!!!!
http://www.equine.com/horses-for-sale/horse-ad-987234.html
that horse is NOT a jumper, and that guy looks like he has never been on a horse before.
Actually, from some of the later pictures, I dont think he jumps too bad, but I dont really think its worth 2 grand for him. Apparently the owner is moving and wants to sell him really fast.
I was going to say, it looks like the horse has some scope, especially considering the big lug on its’ back and the poor riding ability of said rider! That horse may not be on an Olympic team in its’ lifetime, but would make a nice “1st” horse for someone looking to get into jumping.
My back hurt just looking at those first few pics. WTF are people thinking??? What a trooper.
I have also emailed both news stations and I have also sent an email to CTV news in Canada hoping that we can get some coverage here as well.
I spoke to the St. Martin Parish Clerk.
Judge James McClelland
Started Today – Jury Selection
307 Church Street
Saint Martinville, LA 70582-3941
Fugs, thanks for all the great contact links. I have thought…. I am technically challenged, and don’t know how to do this, but facebook will let you create causes and get members. Would that help those of us that might not be able to contact directly for fear of coming unglued? If there is one already, I need an invite…
Thanks!
I don’t think anyone has made one yet but feel free!
Kinda OT… I totally missed this seizure in Sept 2009, but the Snohomish County animal control is now offering quite a few TB’s of all ages for adoption ( I was looking for info on replacing the title to my truck and somehow ended up there lol) They all have before and after pics, and some of them are super cute! There is even a nice gelding “prospect”, I’m assuming he is the daddy to the little ones they have. They only mention adoption to 5013c rescues, so I’m not sure if they are adopting to the public at this time, but there is an application link there too if you are interested in one of them!
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Auditor/Divisions/Licensing/
Oooh I would LOVE to be in a position to turn Little Biscuit into MY pocket pony
With manners, of course!
Email sent to WAFB (changed a few words from your call script). Keeping my fingers crossed for the best possible outcome!
While we all hope to get this covered at the national/international level, I also want to make sure his “friends” and neighbors know about the trial so I contacted the local newspaper: http://www.iberianet.com/.
Bob Kennon, the assignment editor at WBRZ has replied that he has received the trial information.
Ditto BOO! HISS!
From 3 years at hard labor to counseling and $50/month. Wow, only in the good ol US of A do we see justice melted out like that. Shame on that judge!!!!! May the fleas of a thousands dogs infest his crotch.
Because he’s a convicted felon, there’s so many ways he can violate his probation.
Here’s hoping he does so soon … a few month’s late probation program payments, carry a gun, get drunk in public. Maybe vehicular manslaughter … he’ll screw up, his type always does.
That is my hope!
Vehicular manslaughter, what a hoot! Let’s hope he leaves the bar drunk one night and comes across Dean Solomon waddling her photoshopped ass across the intersection. Wouldn’t that be a win/win?
OMG, seriously??? People go to jail for smoking pot and minding their own business… But torture an animal almost to death, and get barely a slap on the wrist??? Something is really messed up with our legal system.
Yeah, I agree with you. I think it is ridiculous to waste cells on NON-VIOLENT offenders while letting VIOLENT offenders walk free. Stop locking up non-violent drug addicts, tax evaders and white collar criminals. I’d rather walk by Bernie Madoff in a dark alley than this guy – that’s for sure.
Oh, I agree. I mean, how much did it cost to send Martha Stewart to jail when a far more appropriate punishment for her offense would have been many, many hours doing grunt labor to help poor people…I think white collar criminals should pay huge fines, that go to their victims, and do LOTS of community service.
But then, I’m all in favor of punishments that fit the crime. Get caught spraying ugly graffitti? Spend your next few weekends cleaning it up (Implemented in England some years back, and seriously reduced the amount of tagging in some areas…direct demonstration of consequences WORKS on kids).
I will make it a point to shame this case and this person for a long time…
This sucks. He should be in jail. Bottom line.
I hope he screws up soon and gets caught. That way he’ll have to go to jail and finish out his sentence. Buh bye asshat.
Church Point is much closer to Lafayette, Louisiana than it is to Baton Rouge. I believe Meyers lives or lived in Church Point. Lafayette does have local TV stations that are probably more likely than the Baton Rouge stations to pick up on this story. I don’t know their numbers because I live about 35 miles north of Baton Rouge. Lafayette is about an hour’s drive on Interstate 10 west of Baton Rouge (across the Atchafalaya Swamp) and Church Point is a bit further west than Lafayette. That part of the state even has a different area code than mine.
For those who don’t live in Louisiana, many of the local parish jails as well as the state prisons are over-crowded right now. There are people who have nearly beaten other people to death, and people who have actually beaten animals to death who have not recieved jail time– just probation. There are people who have pled guilty to being drunk and killing or gravely injuring someone who are not being locked up — some are being given probation or “weekend jail” instead. I really don’t think people are being locked up for smoking dope here– building meth labs or blowing them up- maybe. Caught smuggling large amounts of drugs — yes, but yor local “midnight tokers” — nope.
It is not unusual to hear from time to time of sheriffs releasing some of the non-violent (check forgers or kiters) or lesser violent inmates (habitual drunk barroom brawlers) early on probation in order to make room for the serial killers, murderers, child molesters and rapists.
At least now that Meyers is officially a felon we will not have to worry too much about him shooting anyone or any more horses– as a felon he cannot legally possess a gun. If he is caught violating his probation (having a gun would be a violation) he will land smack in jail to serve his three years at hard labor. Louisiana judges really, really take a dim view of people not appreciating a break when they get one.
I would bet the sentence had more to do with the over-crowding conditions at the parish jail or the state prisons, than it did with the judge or DA not wanting Meyers to get his due.
OOPS The line in my earlier post that read “There are people who have pled guilty to being drunk and killing or gravely injuring someone who are not being locked up — some are being given probation or “weekend jail†instead.”
SHOULD HAVE READ “There are people who have pled guilty to being drunk while driving (DWI) and killing or gravely injuring someone who are not being locked up — some are being given probation or “weekend jail†instead.” Most people who have killed someone or gravely injured them ARE still getting locked up if found guilty or pleading that way.
I didn’t mean to imply that people who killed or injured others while drunk were just getting probation while the un-drunk or sober where getting jail time. Things are not that bad here yet. (And I can say that because I actually live here.) Louisiana doesn’t recognize the “diminished capacity because I was drunk” defense anyway.
WBRZ in Baton Rouge DID pick up and do brief report at noon today on Tony Meyers’ case. They directed viewers to their website for more info on the case.
Cool! I will go look for it.
I think there are a lot of crazies all over the U.S. that should be locked up. Louisiana seems to have a good share of them. Tony Meyers is a danger to others. Anyone who exhibits the complete lack of self control that he showed when he almost killed that mare is a danger to others. He is a very violent man who should be locked up, not paying a measly $50 a month for what he did.
If he kills someone, maybe then they will take it seriously. It is a complete travesty of justice that he has gotten off with a slap on the wrist.
Perhaps someday people will realize that a person who treats an animal that way is also capable of doing the same to a human. In my mind, they are both punishable by jail or worse.