Expert: Tina Volpe - 5/26/2011

Question
In my area, there are many Amish farmers. Many of them are cruel to their horses. They drive very lame horses, horses with open sores, horses on the point of starvation. I have politely stopped some of them to ask them not to drive their lame horse, etc., but they do not pay attention.

The local police and Humane Society say that they cannot do anything...that it is the way the Amish make a living. But I know that many of the things that happenn would not be tolerated (hopefully) if others did it.I respect people's rights, but freedom of religion cannot mean freedom to mistreat an animal.

Is there anything to be done? We are all concerned but feel helpless.

Answer
Hi Mitzi,

I know that many cruel acts hide behind religion, which infuriates me - however the Amish have started exercising their legal rights against cruelty, http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/Amish_dog_breeder_files_federal_suit_ove...

- which sounds as if an attorney or Animal rights group could as well.  I am not certain who all you have contacted, but I would contact every animal rights group possible - even PETA, because as I read further, a lot of this is going without recognition or prosecution.  

Animal Control should be able to do something - as well as the legal system, police.

When you talk to the police, ask them if murder is above the law in Amish communities - if the Amish cannot go around murdering other humans, there has to be some kind of law against abusing animals - PERIOD - and horses are under the humane cruelty act.  

Here is a blog on the topic of Amish cruelty - might give you some insight or feedback - http://blogs.dogtime.com/topics/amish

I wish I knew more, however this is not my expertise, but this is not right.  You might have a fight on your hands, however, nothing is ever gained by being silent.  

Good luck Mitzi - and thanks for sticking up for them!  They can't speak for themselves.

Tina Volpe