A lady called and asked me to breed her 4 does that are 4-h projects. I wouldn't normally do it because it is usually more trouble than it is worth. The fellow who would normally breed does for about half of the state was killed in a car accident and left lots of people with home milkers with no available bucks. Since this was a 4-H project , I relented and agreed to do it. They arrived after dark last night and we penned them separate from my herd (I quaranteen). As they were leaving the guy says, "One of them has a limp but she's ok." A bit more conversation left me with the impression that he just wasn't real bright and didn't know much about goats and regretting that I had agreed to do this. I went out this morning to look them over in the daylight and just about died on the spot. The doe with the "limp" has a hind leg that has been broken in two places and has HEALED bent double. She basically drags it around and I cannot imagine how much it must have hurt her to get to this point. It is stiff and there is no fixing it unless you re-break it ( Makes my skin crawl...) in both places. Her hips and back are wearing out from the strange way she has to carry herself. Do I give them a the blasting that I would like to or try to take on and education project with this family?

-- Tana McCarter (mcfarm@totelcsi.net), January 15, 2002

Answers

First, are they stupid or just don't care?? If they are stupid then please try to educate them. But if they don't care then call the nearest animal cruelty agent NOW!!

-- Lou Ann in KY (homes_cool@msn.com), January 15, 2002.

How long have they had the goat and was she like that before they got her? It may not be their fault if they got her in that con'd. I had a friend who got a "free baby goat". She was missing one front hoof and parts of her ears due to frostbite. My friend nursed her along & the goat produced nice babies & milk as an adult. Someone just seeing an adult doe standing there with missing ear tips and one crusty stump on the front leg would probably think that my friend had abused her when in fact she had saved her & given her a useful life. Another friend on mine recently got a nice dun QH mare who had nerve damage in her shoulder. She is able to get around OK, but not sound and will be used as a broodmare only. You might ask & see what the situation is then make a choice to educate or refure to breed her, etc.

-- ellie (elnorams@aol.com), January 15, 2002.

You might let them know that the damaged animal is not healthy enough to breed and you are willing to call their Vet (or yours) to ask what can be done for her. I mean, really. I have no money but wouldn't allow a damaged animal to heal in such a way. How sickening. The sheer weight of a pregnancy will damage her in more ways. How awful for you to have someone put you on the spot like this. Would contacting the goat superintendant or leader be of any help? You simply cannot let her be bred. Good luck with your dilemma. I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance.

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), January 15, 2002.

I'd do a little sleuthing. You mention these are 4-H goats. Who is the leader? Call this person and do a little discreet inquiry about the kids, the parents, their level of interest, etc. Might get an earfull and be able to direct you on your way to a logical solution. I was involved in 4H for years and most of us within the area knew who the involved parents and who the deadbeats were. And so often the kids are sincere and can't help the limitations their parents put on them.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

I was the state humane agent for most of northern MN for a while. One of the things we learned in our training was that if animals had been or were abused and there were children in the home there could also be a really good chance of abuse and neglect to them as well. But we also went at things in an educational way first. I agree that you should call the family and ask a few key questions, but do it in a non-accusitory way. Play dumb as it were. Mention that you have this goat of theirs and you are concerned because it looks like the leg had been broken at some point...... anyway, you get the idea. Eitherway, it would be cruel of you to attempt to breed this goat, so don't. Talk with 4-H people and ask questions there too. If you are concerned that these people really did abuse or neglect this goat I would not hesitate to call law enforcement. They can keep things confidential and you may find that they know all about these people.

Good Luck!

-- Susan northern MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), January 15, 2002.