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Post by Alack and alas on Apr 25, 2008 21:52:30 GMT -8
Who charged Dean, you ask?
Animal control in King County. They would have investigated her due to complaints filed by: people who have been to her place - people who entrusted her with the care of their horses - people who boarded there - maybe people who volunteered with her - maybe even employees. Perhaps also by people who acted as a sort of partner with her (thinking of Sam here).
They would *not* charge her if there wasn't enough evidence to go forward - evidence that would stand up in court, so probably not just hearsay. Undoubtedly, they have been investigating her over a long period of time. I've heard rumors about her and her hoarding for at least 4 years from very credible responsible people. The horse world is small.
I'm surprised no one has FOIA'd the file held by KCAC, actually. That would shed a lot of light on why she is being charged and the sorts of complaints that have been filed.
I also think "forthem" is on to something. Dean is a classic example of a hoarder. I know that "hoarding" isn't exactly laid out in the DSM IV (psychiatric reference) yet, but it sure seems like there is an addictive component to it. Like forthem has stated, there is the "buzz" associated with "saving" a horse. When the buzz dies, (or the accolades stop) it is easy enough to bring in another horse, resulting soon in an out-of-control collection of horses and extremely overcrowded conditions.
Meanwhile, as we all know, *all* the horses need care - the new ones might get it - but the horses acquired in the past are more likely to be neglected. That seems to be the case with Dean/PEC.
She likely thought her care was great, and didn't see how sick/unhealthy the horses were, nor did she see how awful the facilities were getting (and from what I've heard, her house too). Very likely those closest to her became inured to it - they were/are just as sick but in a different way.
Whether or not she is truly afflicted with an aneurysm - well, only she knows (and maybe those close to her?). I doubt it considering that she did something similar a while ago when the heat was on.
I would like to see her get court-mandated psychiatric help and counseling, and an injunction against EVER owning another animal, with jail as a certainty if she violates the terms of her penalty. Otherwise, she is likely to keep doing this. (and those of you who are helping her - great, help the horses she *has* but for GODS-SAKE don't encourage her or give her money to get more! It's like buying an alcoholic a few shots of vodka - BAD bad idea).
Have any of you heard of that woman Miriam S (something) in the Portland area? She was a rabbit hoarder. Same thing. They stopped watching her for a while, and when they checked on her, guess what? MORE rabbits. Despite sentencing.
Poor horses in Dean's hands, and poor Dean. I hope she gets the help she needs!
What amazes me is how Darlene didn't see this? Wasn't she *on* the property? She is the representative of a major horse rescue organization, and seems to me she's certainly failed a basic tenet of rescue.
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Post by watermarkfarm on Apr 26, 2008 7:14:25 GMT -8
Alack and alas, thank you for a well thought out post.
I can personally speak to "the rush" of rescuing. It's a great feeling and very exciting. There are a lot of pats on the back. I can really see where, for a person who is not balanced, things could get out of hand in a hurry (especially if you own a large facility with staff, etc. --- it seems like less if you are not personally doing all the daily care)
I limit myself to one horse at a time now. My all time "low" was three horses at once, and I quickly figured I was in over my head. It took 18 months to place those three horses. Now I just focus on one rescue and do it right. Once I place that horse properly (which can take months!), I can take on the next rescue. It feels sustainable and healthy, and I am not in over my head financially or time-wise.
Katie
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Post by forthem on Apr 26, 2008 7:27:22 GMT -8
great post A.A As for the other post...from what I know.... 1. Lan. was not a Rescue but a re home or adoption, money was paid. 2. As his feedlot adopters where told he was a danger to a new rider and better suited to an experienced rider, safer for the horse and safer for the rider. 3. Many people that had much more horse knowledge gave very good advice and it was taken, to the good outcome we have today. It is sad that when people came to give Dean advice that to the determent of many horses and the large expense of the rescues she was not willing to hear them.....it could have been all so different and such a better outcome...
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Post by Lancelot on Apr 26, 2008 8:22:36 GMT -8
As his feedlot adopters where told he was a danger to a new rider and better suited to an experienced rider, safer for the horse and safer for the rider. You are willing to bash the person who helped you, but not the rescue that caused the problem to begin with? Another example of Dean cleaning up a CBER mess and then getting crap for it.
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Post by Alack and alas on Apr 26, 2008 10:02:59 GMT -8
One more thing - just because she may (probably) be a hoarder in the truest definition of the word, doesn't mean she shouldn't have to face the consequences of her actions. There DEFinitely ought to be accountability here. She certainly knows right from wrong.
I don't mean to diminish the crimes that she committed against the animals in her possession. They are legion. (not to mention the fraud she committed on various people, including Morocco's adopter - verifiable by court records).
I just don't think that calling for her blood is productive or constructive. What is MOST important is for this to NOT happen again. The rate of recidivism for hoarders is very high.
This is why it really is imperative to get the word out to the horse world to NOT send horses to Dean, to NOT sell horses to her knowingly, to NOT support her so-called rescue endeavors, and to NOT help her if she acquires any more horses/animals. You guys who are on her "rescues only" board - PLEASE look long and hard and ask yourselves hard questions: what are *your* motivations for being there and letting Dean control $/horses?? Is your support enabling her to continue to hoard and overcrowd/mistreat horses?
I would suggest that you look into other well-run rescue organizations (and they *are* out there!) and concentrate your efforts on those. All politics aside - look at the *fact* that Patricia Clark/SER took in TWENTY horses from Dean, all of them in bad shape. Properly rehabbing 20 horses in bad shape is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor and I'm certain she could use support (whether by volunteering or $$ or supplies).
I do understand how disappointing it is to find out that someone you respect turns out not to be the person you thought they were. Can you turn that disappointment into something positive?
I urge all of you Dean/PEC supporters, if you care about horses, to reach out to other rescue groups and to let Dean/PEC face the consequences of her actions. That is the only way that reality will get through to her.
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Post by sadsituation on Apr 26, 2008 10:21:55 GMT -8
Alak and Alas you are dead on. I feel for Dean. She is a sick person but she DOES need to be prosecuted to help stop her behavior. It is obvious that there are people around her that are unable to help her stop so now it is time for the courts to intervene before more horses and people are hurt. It really is a sad situation.
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Post by forthem on Apr 26, 2008 12:13:47 GMT -8
Lanc.. 1. Dean didn't aid this person ...she paid for a horse.... 2. It was not the feedlots or the rescues information that advised for this horse to be re homed. 3. By what you have stated you would bash any animal shelter that re homes a dog for not being house broke. 4. Lets stick to the person that is facing a court case.
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Post by forthem on Apr 26, 2008 12:15:56 GMT -8
A -A you are so on it. great post!!
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Post by Hindsight on Apr 26, 2008 14:27:25 GMT -8
A friend of mine became a hoarder she had over 100 dogs in her 900 sq. ft. house, more dogs, cats, birds and goats lived outside. She was prosecuted for animal abuse, received 10 days in jail and court ordered counseling.
There was absolutely no way that she would believe that her animals were abused by living in such cramped quarters that smelled to high heaven. She loved all her animals and could not see the reality of the situation. In her case the animals were all well fed it was living conditions and the sheer numbers that were troubling.
The counseling has helped and she is now on medication that helps control her behavior. She is allowed two dogs, that she must keep licensed and submit to random checks. She is still in denial however and if she ever moves from this county, and is not monitored, I can say with almost certainty that she will hoard again.
The rumors about Dean/PEC have been circulating for quite some time. When the CBER BB had it's meltdown and TS Board came into existence, Dean and Foxy Frosty really went at it. I think that Dean took FF to court over things that were said about her on that forum, in regards to the conditions at PEC.
I am amazed that it has taken this long and the horses had to get to this condition before something was done.
This is a sad sad situation for all involved. I hope Dean gets the help she needs, brain aneurysm or not she is one sick person.
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Post by cp on Apr 26, 2008 14:58:35 GMT -8
The rumors about Dean/PEC have been circulating for quite some time. When the CBER BB had it's meltdown and TS Board came into existence, Dean and Foxy Frosty really went at it. I think that Dean took FF to court over things that were said about her on that forum, in regards to the conditions at PEC. I am amazed that it has taken this long and the horses had to get to this condition before something was done. This is a sad sad situation for all involved. I hope Dean gets the help she needs, brain aneurysm or not she is one sick person. FF was taken to court because of the threats she made against Dean (and she made many other threats against many other people). The way you guys spin history is amazing. With friends like you, who needs enemies? "Forthem" (bejoyful/Joan), at least you don't pretend to be her friend like the others. Good on you.
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Post by Hindsight on Apr 26, 2008 16:37:13 GMT -8
The rumors about Dean/PEC have been circulating for quite some time. When the CBER BB had it's meltdown and TS Board came into existence, Dean and Foxy Frosty really went at it. I think that Dean took FF to court over things that were said about her on that forum, in regards to the conditions at PEC. I am amazed that it has taken this long and the horses had to get to this condition before something was done. This is a sad sad situation for all involved. I hope Dean gets the help she needs, brain aneurysm or not she is one sick person. FF was taken to court because of the threats she made against Dean (and she made many other threats against many other people). The way you guys spin history is amazing. With friends like you, who needs enemies? "Forthem" (bejoyful/Joan), at least you don't pretend to be her friend like the others. Good on you. I have never pretended to be Dean's friend, or asked for any kind of help or assistance form her or anyone else on these boards. Nor am I trying to spin anything. FF and others on these and other boards have been reporting on the horrific conditions at PEC for a while. I don't think they are pretending to Dean's friends either. I quit donating to any group rescues because of all the horses that I saw going to PEC. It made no sense to me how anyone could continue to take in that many horses without something suffering. The condition of the horses rescued from PEC speak for themselves. It is not about trashing anyone, it is about starving and lice infested horses and the person who was suppose to be their steward. If you want to spin it that it is all about Dean then you need to go and visit the 20 horses that were just rescued and see for yourself.
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Post by forthem on Apr 26, 2008 17:47:01 GMT -8
CP welcome. I do hope that Dean is well and gets help, so that she can be happy and no animals will ever suffer. As to being her friend I try to like and respect most folks at first. I think what is so sad is she could have called many great people to help but was or is not able to see whats wrong.....and there for never asked....
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Post by galaxy on Apr 26, 2008 18:27:29 GMT -8
Like I said in the other post- this is about horses that are believed to have been neglected. I do not believe that this is a witch hunt or a bashing party. What difference does it make who is reporting about AC or the charges against a place that is reputed to be a rescue facility. These are facts. Why is it that when facts are brought forth it is viewed as bashing? I know people that have been involved in many seizures, surrenders etc. I have been given first hand accounts of many neglect and/or abuse cases. The sad thing is that it turns into an issue about the people when it should really just be about the horses.
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Post by Zinita on Apr 28, 2008 17:31:26 GMT -8
Well I do have to say if there are charges againist someone there has to be some type of problem. I have been after people in my area for over a year and have gotten no where.
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Post by Admin on Apr 29, 2008 10:19:14 GMT -8
This was posted on the FUGLY blog (www.fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com) today.
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We are having a killer perfect day here in the PNW...I wish I could skip out of work the rest of the day and ride, but alas, the VLC will have to wait til evening...
I just got back from the criminal arraignment of Dean Solomon. You will remember her as the woman who photoshopped her ass. She has now formally been arraigned on four counts of second degree animal cruelty, and additional charges are in the works according to the prosecuting attorney, Lisa Kline. I know the locals are dying to hear the play by play, so here you go.
Despite many reports that she had one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel due to a brain aneurysm, Dean was in court today looking hale and hearty - her long, flowing hair untouched by any surgeon's razor. If she had surgery, it sure as hell wasn't on her brain.
Dean acknowledged that Dean Marie Solomon is her correct name and she understood the nature of the charges against her. She entered a plea of not guilty to all four counts. The prosecutor requested several conditions of release:
1. That all remaining horses be removed from her property (I believe they are only referring to Pacific Equestrian Center in Kent when they say this - where rescuers discovered a critically ill seven month old colt with strangles earlier this week as well as approximately seven other horses).
2. That Solomon be barred from acquiring any more animals during the pendancy of this case.
3. That King County Animal Control and/or the City of Auburn may inspect the property as needed, within reasonable limits.
Dean's attorney objected to conditions #1 and #2, stating that it was the first he had heard of them and the conditions constituted sentencing her before a conviction. He also stated all the horses are currently getting vet care. The prosecutor pointed out that this is not a case about property - that there are horses here who may suffer during the pendancy of the case if not removed. Dean's attorney said that KCAC could visit any time and that Dean has been rescuing for 25 years and is "devoting to saving and helping horses." (You know what, you can do something for 25 years AND STILL SUCK AT IT. You don't get a merit badge for longevity when your horses are full of lice and rainrot and look like ####!) The prosecutor pointed out that KCAC is overburdened and cannot babysit Dean and it makes more sense to remove the horses. (She is correct.)
The Judge said he needed more information before making the decision, but likened it to a child rape case, where it may be necessary to take immediate action to protect an innocent even if that means taking action prior to a conviction. Good logic, sir! He will schedule a hearing later in the week to decide after he has had a chance to review all of the evidence in more depth. The state requested that Dean be fingerprinted and processed, and they took her off to do so.
So then the real fun began. I don't want to ruin Linda Byron of King 5's scoop too much - she'll have all this on the news tonight at 11 - but Dean's attorney is either misinformed or wildly full of ####. He tried to claim Dean has been getting rid of horses and has only "twenty-something." He said she had not acquired additional horses, but then caught himself and said she had not done so to the best of his knowledge. Counselor, allow me to warn you - your knowledge is incomplete. Your client has been up to all of her old tricks and there are plenty of witnesses. She tried to get horses from some lady in Oregon last WEEK. Fortunately the woman was on to her and she did not get any.
Having Dean Solomon loose in a world full of free horses being dumped is like setting me free in a parking lot full of free size 6.5 designer shoes. I am going to go home with as many as I can possibly snatch up, and so is she. Nothing short of a permanent ban on animal ownership is going to fix this situation.
Anyway folks - watch King-5 in Seattle at 11 PM tonight for the full report! It will also be covered on KONG at 10. Linda is doing a stellar, stellar job of bringing the facts to light. Woman deserves a Pulitzer. She also told me the complaint will be posted on their web site soon. Thank you, Linda, for caring about the horses and making sure the public is warned about Dean. When I think about all of the "free to a good home" horses who have wound up in Dean's clutches, it absolutely makes me ill. Don't even get me started on the ex-racehorses
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