UPDATE: Dancing Star whistleblower shown the gate
February 25, 2009 9:38 pm
Dancing Star maintenance supervisor Jason Hamaker was fired for discussing killing practices at the facility.
By KAREN VELIE
Dancing Star Foundation has fired a fulltime employee considered a whistleblower by supporters because of his actions in bringing to light the killing of healthy animals at the Cayucos animal sanctuary.
Earlier today, sanctuary foreman Jerry Smith ordered maintenance supervisor Jason Hamaker to vacate the ranch home he occupies within 24 hours, and fired the outspoken employee.
“[Smith] blocked the gate so I couldn’t leave… parked his truck in front of the gate,” Hamaker said of the contentious confrontation. “I am represented by [San Luis Obispo attorney] Jeff Stulberg. He said they can’t kick me out with just 24 hours notice.”
Whistleblowers are protected under the California False Claims Act. According to Section 12653, “an employer may not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, deny promotion to, or in any other manner discriminate against, an employee in the terms and conditions of employment because he or she has disclosed information to the government.”
Hamaker went public after witnessing dozens of the animals he was hired to care for meet the veterinarian’s needle. He has questioned whether the non-profit foundation’s officials are following the wishes of Sue Stiles, benefactress and founder of the foundation. Stiles endowed the foundation with more than $60 million before she died in 2002.
“These people think they are above the law,” Hamaker added. “They tell new employees they have $40 million and there is nothing you can do about it. You fall in love with the animals, and you stay.”
Click on the following link to watch a video, shot by a current sanctuary employee, of a day of killing at Dancing Star animal sanctuary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omgF2NqgXsw
Member Opinions:
By: Elvis on 5/16/09
So what is the latest on Dancing Star?
By: stellablue72 on 4/17/09
That is a good picture of Jason. I see there has been no comment for quite some time. I just wanted to comment that I AM still thinking about the grim situation at Dancing Star- and I am still crying over Petunia.
The cutest little burro you could ever imagine.
I'm happy that I gave her lots of kisses and hugs while I was there.
By: KARMA on 3/6/09
John Wayne, hmmmm. Know what we do with old cowboys that misbehave?! Wonder if there's a tree at the Dancin' Star Sanctuary with a nice big branch!
By: R_Cubed on 3/5/09
"Well, I don't favor talkin' to vermin, but I'll talk to you just this once"~John Wayne
By: KARMA on 3/4/09
sierrablu – emailed Cal Coast News yesterday for them to give you my email.
By: sierrablu on 3/4/09
Thankyou Cyndi for your comments, it inspires me to continue getting the word out. I know it will work out. You are very wise. Please contact us if you want to help.
We are working on a site we can all go to.
Thankyou Cindy for all your comments. Looking forward to hearing from you.
By: Cindy on 3/3/09
KARMA & Sierrablu,
You can contact each other by going to the Editors and giving them your e-mail address while giving permission to release your address to each other. Mulegirl has left me her e-mail address and I contacted her. I'll get Sierrablu's address from her. Please note that there is now a Cyndi here not to be confused with Cindy (me).
By: sunnyhaven on 3/3/09
oh yeah, if I was the manager of a sanctuary or a BOD member, that came under attack by current & past employees, and I thought that they were lying, I would damn sure come out of hiding & go on KVEC & KSBY and give interviews & clear my good name, because I would have nothing to hide. That's a huge telling factor in credibility.
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By: sunnyhaven on 3/3/09
R_Cubed has a serious credibility problem here. Out of all the news, blogs, stories & interviews, and then hearing again what happened to Jason after he told his story, verified many times by many employees, then reading the BOD & their spokesperson's statements, leads one to the opinion that all of these employees are being truthful & R_Cubed is either Jerry Smith, a friend or relative or someone with a stake in DSF. Funny how the people go on the offensive when they are the ones that are wrong. Most of the employees here stated what happened, they didn't attack other people, and I have yet to hear from an "honest employee" that has come forward in person, using their name, and not hiding behind a screen name,
dispute any of this entire story. We can tell by your personal attacks on these employees, R_Cubed that you are the one being dishonest & just wanted you to know that your posts are not believed by anyone.
Your "facts" are the one true fantasy here.
By: Cyndi on 3/3/09
Wow, sounds like someone on here is very hostile and likes belittling others and airing laundry he/she seems to know quite alot about…must really like themself. I would consider myself very educated working for a global corporation.
Oh yes, I also have a hobby….I HUNT. Which leads me to have to respond to the "cow incident" alleged with a chain saw. I hunt because animal populations have to be controlled.( I am certainly not hunting in an animal sanctuary, where they are to be PROTECTED) When I harvest an animal for the meat for my family, I do bring home the antlers. Well I get those off the head by using a saw. By golly, I get blood on me too. So what that Jason cut off the horns with a chainsaw, thats what you do with an animal that large. If the animal were deceased what else do you do?
One of you is missing the whole point here. This particular farm "Dancing Star" was set up to be a SANCTUARY, please look up that word.
We arent talking about the animal control services ( which was not a privatley set up foundation), nor cats in Los Osos, or other places that may or may not need help. We're talking about one foundation "Dancing Star". Maybe if this makes you so angry, where you have to air dirty laundry to make yourself feel better is something you should think about. I don't want to be negative about anyone here, thats not my intention. How do you know these personal details unless you were involved in the corruption too, wether it's by working there or having a personal relationship/friendship with one who did.
Why do you think all of this came out? Because God himself wanted it to be heard Sue is up there with HIM….hmmmmm…. Otherwise it would have been kept a big secret. Someones heart was crying out, maybe Jason's heart was touched. Maybe he was mis-guided by another on the ranch or in his past. Maybe he wants to see this stop and didn't know how? So maybe he acted wrongly in the past. It's NEVER too late for someone to care and make changes,( our world would certainly be a better place, and I think we ALL can agree on that) it's up to all of us "the people" to make change happen.
This is all about the wrong choices that were made against a deceased womans wishes(God rest her soul) People leave trusts for them to be carried out as they would if they were still here. It's very clear, this is not being done. All of us horse folks out here have one thing in common, and that's to see that this stops and sanctuary care can be provided in the future. It's OK for us to try and do something about it. I can asure you, if I left my millions with instructions and my wishes werent being followed, I would be turning in my grave.
As far as Dancing Star goes, it will be fantastic for Dancing Star to survive, so far I havn't seen anyone say they want it not to. I personally would like to see the MANAGEMENT practices adhere to sanctuary/trust guidelines thats all. Some people, just take power to their head, and forget that someone else had kindness and a peaceful resting place in mind.
My animals have been good to me, packing, hunting, balancing me over tough terrain, and most of all giving me a smile when we accomplished a task. They DESERVE to live out their lives in a sanctuary. I have this opinion of all my animlas.
So for the one or two people on here that are just very angry and have negative things to talk about, maybe your hearts need a little adjusting and you'd understand the rest of us.( a bible's a great start) Everyone God Bless, keep up prayer and this will all work itself out.
By: sierrablu on 3/3/09
Karma-Welcome back. Wish I knew how to contact you. Would love to discuss the BOD new accommodations.
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By: KARMA on 3/3/09
Just thought I'd check back in and review the current posts. I'm sorry to see the activity is dwindling. The interest and concern is still swarming like flies out here in the real world though it is not showing here on this site.
Perhaps you local residents by the Sanctuary need to start WORKING TOGETHER and MAKE THINGS RIGHT. DSF board is probably having a good laugh at some of these posts – they read too! You need to continue showing them their destined path – Since they are such so called environmentalists, they'll soon enjoy earth's finest living between cement walls. And since they like living high on the hog, the good ol' DSF board will just love their new striped fashion statement which eagerly awaits them.
The over priced media dodger the BOD hired is not helping them. All he is doing is sucking up Sue's money for himself, just like the rest of the BOD. Yes, since they are so called environmentalists, they will soon be finding themselves swimming with the fishes – Piranhas, which will eat them alive! The silent attack which the DSF BOD will NEVER see coming, will be be the truest vindication for both Sue and the DSF animals.
By: mulegirl on 3/2/09
Cyndi, I agree with sierrablu. Since we wanted to connect earlier, and I couldn't get your e-mail addy, I'm going to ask you to e-mail me, please, at mulerider2 at yahoo dot com. OK? Thanks! I'll put you in touch with sierrablu, too, after we get in touch.
By: sierrablu on 3/2/09
Cyndi-You Rock!
By: George on 3/2/09
save the cows! stop feeding the troll.
(some troll food commentary removed)
By: R_Cubed on 3/2/09
Well I am going to give you all some information about 'cutting off cows heads'….I can say for a 100% fact I know Jason (mister high and mighty) took it upon himself one day while Jerry Smith was off the ranch to cut the head off a cow. I use the term cow because most of you probably wouldn't know this animals technical breed name, so for the uneducated, we can keep using 'cow' when referring to the cattle livestock. Anyway when Jason was finished cutting the heads off he was covered in blood as if he bathed in the blood…why you might wonder was there SO much blood? Oh, I forgot to mention he used a chainsaw and he did it for the beautiful horns on this particular animal. I swear by this statement.
Next, let's introduce Jen who was the 'Cattle Manager'. Jen had begun her own agenda. By this I mean she began her own 'Hit List' for some of the cattle. I am only going to give one example but trust me when I say there are "many, many" of the same cases she ordered death upon. One day Jen picked out a large red 'cow' to be euthanized because she was "AFRAID" of it. Yes community bloggers and followers, she was afraid of it.
One last thing I will touch on. The person who's post described Jerry Smith in a negative manner was when a man came to work with a inappropriate t-shirt on. This t-shirt had a middle finger only, extended and the back of the shirt read "Fuck Dancing Star". Real professional…and why was he scooping poop for $6 an hour?
I will say people have come up with interesting opinions but facts are facts and Dancing Star will survive…
PS: Maybe some of you who want to really fight for animal rights should visit your local Animal Shelter where they euthanize dogs, puppies, cats and kittens daily and weekly…who's fighting for them?
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By: Cyndi on 3/2/09
Reading what a couple of you write is mind boggling. I don't personally know any of the employees, however heres the point…wether they were parolees, drunks, druggies, they were all Gods' children who deserve to treated with dignity, and be happy. Have the couple of you ever thought maybe these animals rehab these folks? Animals are great for bringing out the positivity in people, giving them something to actually care for. Have the couple of you " stepped back" and realized no matter what the employees personal stories and habits are, they all had one thing in common. They loved the animals as Ms. Stiles did and liked caring for them. I was in the position many years ago working for our lovely state, where major corruption/diversion of large funds was going on. I wasnt OK with this and I wanted to do my job I was instructed thru orientation to do. Superiors had other things in mind. When I talked to someone about it, I was told " I don't think your judgement can be trusted". Now this was at age 20, I am now 40, and the meaning of that is " if you can't keep a lid on the corruption, you better keep your mouth shut or else". My superiors made my job very uneasy after that, always looking for something wrong. I ultimatley resigned, as the rehab of people(criminals) was not the best interest of the state apparently. This is why I wanted to work there, to help get these men back out into society with knowledge and care for others! Not just throw under the rug the very funding that was there to help them. It was all about where the money was truly going. Money is truly the root of all evil. You can see it going on with Dancing Star. So back to why these people came out with what they witnessed when they did I'm sure was for their true care for these animals. No-one wants to go to their superior and complain, for fear of losing their jobs. It's hard to find a job these days. It doesn't mean these employees liked what was going on, but when you have lossed your job, what holds you back?… NOTHING……I am thankful that JASON and the others cared for these animals and finally did something about it. As far as the person who wants his job, and the comments he's made, I'm sure his 2 years of no work will be alot longer now, shame on you. A couple of the people clearly don't have an understanding of what "Sancutuary" means, maybe you should look it up. I also believe we are talking about one place, not places all over the county and state. I am a horse woman, and have had two very old horses, I medicated them, and cared for them until THEY couldnt walk anymore which I then had them put down. This was not the case with any of these animals. This was purely a reduction in costs from the organization and it was absolutley wrong. The point here is there was money left to take care of these animals until they died naturally, which means until they take their last breath on THEIR OWN, just as many humans do and it's not pretty, but thats the way it is. For those couple of you who clearly are just angry or the who's defending Mr. Smith, I'm sure your a few friends and family, as he is NOT A NICE MAN. Those who care are trying to prevent this from happening further, whats wrong with that? MISMANAGEMENT went down here, and killings that shouldn't have taken place. I won't mention any names but, as far as one seeing a horse carcas in a pasture, gosh thats the greatest way for all animals to go….NATURALLY.(some different people out here) I don't think someone who can't put shoes on their kids/ or feed their family should have a horse? Hmmmm makes one wonder. I just hope all of you understand… those of us who werent there don't KNOW really what has taken place. However, videos don't lie, and those horses shouldn't have been put down. I would like to do what I can to see that this doesnt happen any further. I agree that the trustees of Ms. Stiles trust are just all about the money not the animals and I don't feel this was the intention of Ms. Stiles SANCTUARY for farm animals. Of course Mr Smith is angry, he's just been found out, and I'm sure worried about his salary! Word travels fast in this area….
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By: sierrablu on 3/2/09
Newsome I will pass on your concerns. I agree we need a place to go to continue the cause. Please check back let me see what I can do.
By: Joe on 3/2/09
On a ride Saturday. I went out 58. Going up into the hills on the East side of the valley, just about a half mile down from that ranch house was a horse carcass. The bones still have tissue on them, the joints are still intact, no bones have fallen, there is still some hide on the ground and allot vultures. No one protesting the driveway there tho. Guess that horse didn't count.
By: Newsome on 3/2/09
At your suggestion, I went to savedancingstar.com.
My initial observation is that there are no human bodies connected to it.
It appears to be anonymously run. Which is all well and good, but it seems a little unsavory to fire charges at institutions and individuals from the safety of anonymity. (Sort of as I am doing here.)
I would think people who click to the site would take it more seriously if they knew there were humans behind it, or there was a clearly stated reason for the anonymousness.
By: sierrablu on 3/2/09
Please help us get the word out. If we rest for one minute Dancing Star management will think the coast is clear to start killing again. Tell everyone and if anyone out there has any ideas please comment on savedancingstar.com We need someone influencial to back us up, Oprah, Ellen, Dateline, 20/20 are you out there. How about Whoopi on the view she has a beautiful ranch in Vermont and loves her equine friends. It sounds kindof silly but we are up against the likes of gillottecommunications.com and years of corruption and mismanagement of Sue Stiles money. We need big name help. We will fight the good fight but we need to stay united. Save Dancing Star in memory of our departed friend Sue Stiles. God Bless.
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By: mulegirl on 3/1/09
I will be checking savedancingstar.com every day. I am SO SO relieved to hear there's investigation(s) continuing. PLEASE keep us posted, and be sure to let those of us not in California know what we can do to help. If ANYTHING moves in lawsuits or investigations, we need to make sure more press gets involved. The two newest posts on savedancingstar.com are right on target. Let's make this happen!
By: Cindy on 2/28/09
This story is now winding down on CCN. I encourage everyone who is interested to go over to savedancingstar.com
By: coasty on 2/27/09
The harry that I am referring to is the donkey that Karma brought up as "proof" of Dr. Evans "checkered past".
By: cowgirl on 2/27/09
The facts about Harry are sad. His horns were mounted on on a practice dummy for ropers to practice roping. He was aggressive in fear but willing for a little A&M. Just so everyone knows the press might be slowing down but were not we've got one possible two investigations going and we're not stopping there. for more info or to keep update go to savedancingstar.com
By: mulegirl on 2/27/09
Good job Michelle. I hope people can do a demonstation in front of their home.
And thanks for the website addy, 4 horses.
By: coasty on 2/27/09
I guess there weren't any facts about Harry?
By: KARMA on 2/27/09
coasty – Phd in Comparative Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis
My postings are completed. The best to you all.
By: Michelle on 2/27/09
Michael Tobias and Jane Gray Morrison
319 SUMAC LN
SANTA MONICA, CA 90402
By: coasty on 2/27/09
Karma,
1. Still hedging on details (You don't even tell the story, let alone any facts) regarding Dr. Evans. Forgive my ignorance but what is an "after-life caretaker"?
2. I never asked about the xylazine (No offense to Dr. Weltner, right or wrong I don't know her well enough)
3. How does not being a veterinarian make you qualified to answer veterinary questions?
Really I'm not trying to be offensive to anyone, but please stop saying "facts are the facts" if you are not willing to tell the "whole" story and back it up. If you don't it is just baseless attacks or "stirring the pot" that make you look bad.
By: Joe on 2/27/09
Where is Sister George?
The personal attacks are getting pretty thick, to the point that if they aren't cleaned up, it is showing a bias…
By: warhorse on 2/27/09
Hey Karen ,that was a great article you are a true pro.You are my hero. If it was not for you this might not have gotten this far this fast and we may have lost more than we already had. And even though i am recently unemployed and soon to be homeless i hope you will consider me one of your biggest fans. Thank you so much.
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By: KARMA on 2/27/09
"Personal justification lies within the eye of the beholder. One has to live with themself, given their 'own' actions."
R Cubed, whether the euthanasia video was taped from a camcorder or cell phone, I stated we as veterinary professionals reviewing this video "strongly question" the decision for the DSF animals to be euthanized.
Perhaps some posters may want to change their post name to "TwistAndShout" as they seem to twist comments from other posters and then shout about it.
Coasty, I am a professional within the veterinary profession. Many of my colleagues are veterinarians. I have "been there" and "am there" when horses have and are euthanized due to catastrophic injuries. I have had to be there when other animal species have been euthanized (not many, praise God, because it is emotionally devastating).
Coasty your question to me on Harry (donkey) – you may wish to visit with Harry's after-life caretakers at Salisbury Vineyards to help fill you in on details.
Coasty, the unethical fiasco at Creston Farms involving Dr. Weltner – perhaps you need to do a little more digging and you will find your answers. As I said, facts are facts. If Dr. Weltner, bless her heart, would get her personal house in order, I genuinely believe she would have not euthanized any of the DSF animals. When all the legal matters are completed on the DSF case, and if Dr. Weltner comes out on the short end, she can always go back to her former professional career. She is a smart individual. She just has not been focused lately. Yes, I know her.
Coasty, about Dr. Evans. You may want to visit with local, staunch animal activists on past issues.
As I stated, I am not a veterinarian. I am a professional in the veterinary profession, and I am qualified to voice my opinion on various veterinary matters, including veterinary pharmaceuticals. Coasty, you asked about the drug "xylazine" administered at DSF. I suggest you read my post about this drug.
Props for the idea of picketing the BOD's homes. Anyone have their addresses?
Cindy, thank you for your compassionate perspective regarding if the DSF animals were the vet's personal pets and their then decision to put these animals down. I think they would be still alive!
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
4Horses…..Thank You.
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By: 4horses on 2/26/09
I admire Jason for standing up for what he believes in. Hopefully his actions will bring about an investigation to get the truth regarding the events at Dancing Star.
In order to try to keep all the mountains of information on Dancing Star together, several people have put together a website. If you're interested see http://www.savedancingstar.com
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
Heh heh heh…This is fun.BUT !!!…This must not fade away.Alot of dancing stars non-Existant money is being spent to do just that.The employees have not hired this crisis control team of Roger Gilott.Tobias and his crew have hired them because thier reputations are at risk(not to mention the jail time they face).But I digress.Just keep up the good fight and remember how sexy I am.
By: alphalibertyfoxtrot on 2/26/09
My wife worked for Dancing Star . She is a CalPoly Grad who has never spent a minuet in jail .She loved her cows with all of her heart .She didn't need the paycheck. And she never missed a day of work while she was there .It was JERRY SMITH's HARASSMENT that ruined her time there . Tell me R Cubed ,does Jerry walk on all fours when he is home ? I would think it would be much more comfortable for him to take on his natural stance.
By: cowgirl on 2/26/09
R-PUBED: THANKS for all your insite. It sounds like your pretty good at letting you jaws flap. Let's talk about your past…… from what I hear it was a little shady too. But to get back to the subject at hand it's the animals that are our concern here.
PRICESS1- u sexy longhaired angel you crack me up
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
One last word about r cubed….He accuses us of assuming.Yet in one of his earlier posts he wrote this>"maybe they didn't make very sound decisions in their life: drugs, drinking, jail, prison, homeless, probation, parolees…it might also be fun to look at these 'employees' attendance records."….Thats the pot calling the kettle black isnt it ?
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
The L.A. Times did a piece on the story today.Im not sure if its the whole story,but check it out.Its gonna be a little harder for Tobias and roger to sweep this under the rug now.Heres the link.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-animal-sa...
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
ok….im done with trolls.On the payroll or not…Lets kick tobias ass !
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
r cubed….you know nothing.Except what you hear from biased sources.Im there everyday.You are not.
And coasty…you sound smart.Do you not think it would be a wise choice on the part of roger gillott to either come in here himself,or to send someone else ? I would.
By: coasty on 2/26/09
Definitely not a lawyer! :) Marginalize is about the biggest word I know :P All I wanted to get across was that, yes R cube sounds like he has an agenda however I hope that people are willing to listen and think about comments that they might not completely agree with rather then being too quick to dismiss them as a plot.
By: R_Cubed on 2/26/09
Once again you are all so good at assuming and spreading rumors…I am right and I know the facts. I like that I was assumed to be on payroll and a man. If I am on payroll all of you who were the honorable employees and Jason too should be able to detect exactly who I am…maybe I am Jason who realizes I should have made better choices. PS: I like how when some of you feel threatened, you must resort to name calling and claiming how much you know when in actuality, you know squat ;)
Keep the really 'great' posts coming because when I am bored I get a good laugh. Your posts have become the 'Us Weekly' of bulls*it…LOL
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By: mulegirl on 2/26/09
I do agree with Bluemule and Cindy to just ignore. But I have to make one point so people won't be afraid to post what they find out about who posters may or may not be. That is absolutely NOT slander in any way shape or form. I've not seen anything here thus far that is.
There's an update of sorts. The Farm Sanctuary says they've secured a signed agreement from Dancing Stars BOD to cease these killings. While that is no small victory, it's not the whole battle. There's still the matter of the misuse of Sue Stiles' legacy and her wishes as to how the place should be run. And there's still far too much secrecy there. Note that Tobias and Morrison (other than one comment) have not come forward at all. For people that are quick to speak out about fairy shrimp (said on purpose, for those that have heard the Dave Congalton show) or any other pet project, they sure seem shy all of a sudden. I, for one, really do not want to let this thing rest until they are removed from control of the Foundation.
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
I dont believe for a minute that old roger gillot would not come in here himself,or send in a hired gun or two.Be leary.I see several possible snakes in the grass.
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
Gee….Thanks coasty…I think….Anyways,he sounds more like a lawyer to me.I still think hes on the payroll of gillot.please don't marginalize moderate comments off hand as an evil plot .What the hell does that mean ? That sounds like a lawyer also.
By: bluemule on 2/26/09
The guy's lame tactic is called "trolling," and it's pretty common on the net. A "troll" makes posts with the intent of irritating and pissing off the other people in the discussion and eliciting a heated response, thereby hijacking the thread and changing the subject. I guess it makes small people feel important. The best course of action for kook trolls like this one is to completely ignore them. Don't respond at all. If you do, you're just playing into their game. There's too much important discussion to be had in this situation to waste any time at all with trolls.
By: Cindy on 2/26/09
Princess1 is correct about r-cubed. He is here to cause discord with untruths. This site has had problems before with a blogger seeking
to disrupt certain threads. The person I refer to used to slime every political thread to the extent that everyone was on the defensive replying to his egregious statements and constantly lead off topic. The way we all finally dealt with it was to completely ignore all his posts. I recommend that no one comment on or reply to anything r-cubed posts. It worked in the past. Thats just my opinion.
By: coasty on 2/26/09
Karma, if what you are implying is true…that you are a veterinarian…does that mean that you did a physical exam on those horses??? Or the cows??? As a veterinarian have you put a horse down? I have unfortunately had the "displeasure" of watching a few euthanasias (I hope that people understand that euthanasias (as beach goat stated) are a necessary evil at times) and even in the hands of the best veterinarians under ideal circumstances things can go wrong and horses can "flop". I'm not defending any particular one of the euthanasias as I certainly was not there while that video was being filmed and DO NOT PRETEND TO SECOND JUDGE PEOPLE THAT WERE THERE AND ARE PROFESSIONALS.
I do have to agree that Jerry Smith is a pompous ass and that this entire situation is the creation of his and the boards creation. Jerry has fired some very wonderful people including but not limited to Jason, Jenny and Sheldon.
P.S. You still have not provided evidence regarding Harry, I'm sure that you could do some hasty research/interviews to find the evidence of a Checkered Past that you imply. :)
P.P.S. Princess: R cubed is obviously an ass as well, likely associated with Jerry (I find it more likely based on the obvious "intelligence" of his statements(smirk) then someone that tobias has hired). However, please don't marginalize moderate comments off hand as an evil plot (feel free to marginalize r cubed at will).
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By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
The crisis clean-up crew that was hired by tobias and dancing star are not newcomers to this kind of situation.Standard procedure would dictate to send bogus people into a blog site to disrupt any progress that is being made.Divide and conquer.Get us off track.It is obvious that r cubed is on the payroll.Possibly joe to.The best thing to do for the sake of the animals….and it will be very dificult,is to ignore EVERYTHING that they post.No matter what it is.We can win this,even with professional liars and con men against us.Dont let their stratigy work.Peace…Good job Jason,Sheldon,Jen,Amber,and all of you.Except for turd brain r pubed.
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
and I dont like r cubed….I bet his own mother dosent like him.
By: Princess1 on 2/26/09
Id like to give joe a break.
By: R_Cubed on 2/26/09
My, my people…your posts are filled with hearsay, rumors and gossip.
Cowgirl if you personally didn't see Jerry "cut the heads off of sanctuary cows" then you are spreading rumors…and rumors is all it is. Nobody was cutting heads off anything cows. I can say for a fact.
Cindy, I can assure you 100% I have no association in anyway with "http://www.gillottcommunications.com/" as you have matter-of-factually stated. But maybe they will know what you have posted and others too about them equaling 'slander'.
Big_Smiles, if you are judging individuals by "Just read all the press and TV coverage. Watch the video of the killings. Its clear that these Employees are telling the truth" as your post stated, you have nothing but your opinion on a cell phone video taken by Jason. My point is, you know nothing.
Big_Smiles, you posted "These animals were put down by the numbers that the BOD wanted to decrease the herd by. It wasn't for medical reasons." Why would a non-profit who needs these herds to continue to work and fulfill Ms. Stile's wishes want to decrease the herd? They wouldn't, your post is bogus.
Karma, your judgment comes from a CELL PHONE VIDEO-LOL. Knowledge is everything so are the facts and facts you do not have my friend.
Maybe all these bitter employees (or ex-employees) should line up and give us a little history lesson about their life and it would explain their character…
Jerry was kind enough to give people a chance at working for a good organization. If these employees are so truthful and honest why are they shoveling poop for a very low hourly wage? These employees are taking good starter jobs from teenagers. Must have been the only place to hire them…maybe they didn't make very sound decisions in their life: drugs, drinking, jail, prison, homeless, probation, parolees…it might also be fun to look at these 'employees' attendance records.
Like I said before to all you 'sue happy' people, "Generally, you ain't learnin' nothing when your mouth's a-jawin'" or maybe when your fingers are typing ;)
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By: cowgirl on 2/26/09
MICHELLE- STRETCH MEANS to rope a cow by various limbs(legs, head or horns) from horseback and to pull the rope tight using the aid of their horse to hold the cow. This is seen in calf roping but with two horses. And give Joe a break he was giving Mulegirl well deserved props!
By: KARMA on 2/26/09
Those of you defending the veterinarians for "FOLLOWING ORDERS" to euthanize the animals – Please people take a step back and evaluate this serious matter. A professional, upstanding, compassionate, experienced, reverent, knowledgeable, competent, qualified, ethical, hired veterinarian will on his/her "OWN" make the judgement call after reviewing all veterinary records, medical history and physical examination of the animal, whether to euthanize the animal. I should know. I can say for myself and some of my colleagues, upon review of the euthanasia video, we strongly question the decision to put these animals down.
By: FRACTUREDFAIRIETALES on 2/26/09
Poor Joe: Seems he is so embittered by his own life that he has no sympathy left for creatures that ask nothing of anyone but food, water, a little pet once and again. I am not a big advocate of animal care over human care (aka PETA) but I don't understand greed over all things. If there are those willing to watch over "disposable" animals, then that should be their choice. The powers that be must be held accountable for their so-called decision making especially when dealing with a non-profit company. The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
By: Joe on 2/26/09
You don't think it's funny?
Family's are losing everything and people are crying about dead horses?
How about the 70 cats over in Los Osos? When are y'all gonna start crying about them?
I think it's hilarious where peoples priorities are, it is the perfect coda to this chapter of life on the central coast.
Seriously… Is that guy's job going to be posted? I have a great recipe for bricholle.
By: hotdog on 2/26/09
http://www.gillottcommunications.com/ is all about what is wrong with this country-they are for hire putting a good spin on bad things. If R cubed is them then the whole comment is discredited. These damn lobbyists and other parasites sucking off our system is killing us. I think we should reward whistleblowers and punish the 'white belt' fat cats who would sell their Mom down the river for a couple drachmas.
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By: mcdonald on 2/26/09
Check Out R-Cubed Consulting. Here is some of what they do..
# Advising clients concerning successful relationships with Congress
# Providing essential DC presence for successful federal market penetration
http://www.rcubedconsulting.com/
By: Cindy on 2/26/09
LMAFO stands for Laughing My Fat Ass Off. I don't think any of this is funny.
By: Michelle on 2/26/09
Cowgirl- What does "strech Harry to his death" mean. Did you actually see the decapitated cows?
By: Joe on 2/26/09
LMFAO @ R-Cubed, Thanks Muelgirl.
By: mulegirl on 2/26/09
R-Cubed: perhaps you want to proof read your OWN posts.
"Instead of them suffered and struggle for their last breath, "
Rcubed is obviously a shill.
By: cowgirl on 2/26/09
I was employed their at the time. The cows names were: Sandy, Pearl, and Harry. And it took four cowboys on horseback to stretch Harry to his death. I thankfully didn't witness this cruelty but I saw the horror on the employees faces who did!
By: Michelle on 2/26/09
This is insane. What kind of person would cut off a cows head? I'd like to hear from Jason. Is it possible that this site has been infiltrated to make the Employees sound nuts?
By: Cindy on 2/26/09
Cowgirl- What are you saying? This is new news. Jerry cut off the cow's heads and did what? The cows heads didn't go to the processor or whom ever picked up the carcases? Can anyone verify this? Are you or were you an Employee?
By: cowgirl on 2/26/09
R-CUBED: IF JERRY is such a good person why would he cut the heads off of sanctuary cows? Was it to hang on your walls? Or did he sale them for profit?
By: Cindy on 2/26/09
The post from r-cubed is "sickening". Check out who R-Cubed is..
http://www.gillottcommunications.com/
By: BIG_SMILES on 2/26/09
R_Cubed- Who do you think your kidding. Just read all the press and TV coverage. Watch the video of the killings. Its clear that these Employees are telling the truth. I have "no doubt" about that. These animals were put down by the numbers that the BOD wanted to decrease the herd by. It wasn't for medical reasons. Please don't condescend us by telling us if we didn't know Ms. Stiles then we don't understand. I still say who wants to go to L.A. and picket.
By: alphalibertyfoxtrot on 2/26/09
Jerry Smith is a good guy … yeah sure . That SOB got in my wife's face when she was six months pregnant with our son .
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By: R_Cubed on 2/26/09
PS: Jason wasn't fired because he was a 'Whistle Blower' but the truth shall rise above the accusations and ignorance…I am confident.
By: R_Cubed on 2/26/09
Okay everyone, try stepping back and maybe even proof read what you write. If you didn't know Ms. Stile then you wouldn't understand this organization. Jerry Smith is a truly nice, respectful and honest man. Jerry's 'cowboy help' are all there to ensure their job is done well. They gain nothing by 'killing innocent animals' as you imply. Dr. Evans is a respectable man and professional-he makes sound and appropriate decisions.
These animals were ALL sentenced to 'doom' until they were BOUGHT to live out their lives on a beautiful ranch. Many humans don't even have this option. Instead of these horses being sent to be made dog food (you people have dogs right?) or the glue factory, they lived until their bodies couldn't lie anymore. Instead of them suffered and struggle for their last breath, they are able to pass away peacefully in their sleep. I like that much more then thinking of a cancerous horse being shot then grinded up into the dog food you buy at the stores.
Remember there are always two sides to every story and these 'employees' have many more untruthful stories. Maybe these disgruntled employees should reveal their lifestyles.
If some of you want to really help in this world, get involved in real cases of animal cruelty or even start asking questions about all the violent sex offenders-adults and juvenile offenders living in your neighborhood and dating your kids.
"Generally, you ain't learnin' nothing when your mouth's a-jawin'"
Just a thought…knowledge is everything.
By: barb on 2/26/09
sierrablue – what name would Virgil know you by? We have been doing a lot of talking about those days – he really misses what he had down there.
By: Joe on 2/26/09
So are they going to post his job? I've been out of steady work for about 2 years, I have no problem killing horses to keep my kids in shoes.
By: Black_Copter_Pilot on 2/26/09
Someone here needs to offer Jason some housing and a paycheck…wish I could, but got pretty much wiped out in the EFI deal.
By: BIG_SMILES on 2/26/09
How about a bunch of us going down to LA and picketing Tobias and Morrisons big house. I say embarrass the hell out of them right where they live. Lets see what the neighbors think of how they earn such a fabulous living. They don't seem to mind telling the nation that this is nothing but a bunch of disgruntled employees and damaging the reputations of honest, truthful hard working people. Who wants to go?
By: Nancy on 2/26/09
Of course they have to lie. How can they admit the truth behind their killing spree when they collect such generous salaries? The fact is that they didn't realize that people who work for $9.00 an hour are intelligent people who work for less money to do a job that they love to do. It never crossed their minds that the Employees would look at the trust or the BOD salaries and go to the press. It never dawned on these grand standers that the Employees would launch a nation wide campaign.I wouldn't expect them to respect anyone who works for low wages and know that these animal loving employees intelligence is as big as their hearts. So now they have to back track and spin the lies and its obvious that the Employees are telling the truth.
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By: Michelle on 2/26/09
That article is excellent but it infuriates me to watch the spokesperson saying things like "the animals were in severe pain" – "we weren't planning on euthanising any more animals anyway" he's lying like a rug. Weltner is lying too. I say boycott her.
By: Cindy on 2/26/09
The article in the LA Times is very good. I'm pleased to see them give CCN credit on this story. I noticed that the article says that the foundation funds cancer research at UCLA! What in the world is that all about? Did Ms Stiles expand her trust to include cancer research or is this another one of Tobias and Morrison's grandiose ideas to gain personal recognition? Does anyone know anything about this? I'm wondering if I might have misunderstood.
By: LeeSD on 2/26/09
Thanks for standing up, Jason !!
My idea of what these criminals are doing is they are making way for a profitable sanctuary like a kind of zoo with exotic animals rather than the run of the mill like horses, bows and burros.
I'm a little surprised the woman that created this didn't put a few more stipulations regarding her wishes. Some safeguards against what is now taking place.
By: DanBlackburn on 2/26/09
The Los Angeles Times' Steve Chawkins has written an excellent and through article this morning, and graciously gives CalCoastNews credit for breaking this story. Very professional.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-animal-sa...
By: Kelev on 2/26/09
The extravagant excessive salaries for Tobias, his wife, etc. tell the tale of his "committment" to the poor animals. BTW, a foundation which funds torture to animals at UCLA is a huge questionmark, in my opinion. What a shame such jerks got a hold of a nobel idea and actual refuge for the most vulnerable among us, the creatures cast out and thrown away. Shame on those responsible for ruining Stile's true committment. The animals lose all the way!
By: sierrablu on 2/26/09
Barb I am so glad you wrote. I was wondering how Virgil was. I know all that went down but he was always nice to me. I am glad he knows that we are fighting tooth and nail for our friends at Dancing Star.
By: sierrablu on 2/26/09
Hey mulegirl will you give cindy my email address. You both would be such an asset to our team thanks for everything you two are both doing and the words you are writing. The answer to your question. If the vets hadnt euthanized them they would have been shot by the great white hunter (so he thinks he it)
By: Princess1 on 2/25/09
eenie meenie minee moe
thats how we pick the next to go
Dont ask its name
i do not know
eenie meenie minee moe
"unofficial dancing star slogan" as written by jerry smith.
By: Princess1 on 2/25/09
Check out this weenie who is acting as the official spokesperson (paid prostitute) for dancing star.He represents big oil companies when they spill millions of gallons of oil.Tobias and his motley crew have some strange bedfellows.Birds of a feather flock together.
http://www.gillottcommunications.com/
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By: barb on 2/25/09
My brother, Virgil, worked for this sanctuary from 2003 to 2005. He was given a small cabin to live in on their land and LOVED his time working with the horses. In late 2004 or early 2005 he tried to bring animal abuse/neglect to someone's attention.
He had a blog on http://www.WriterBytes.com?Incredible and tried to talk to
people with no avail. I even tried to contact the administrators of
the place but always hit a dead end with whomever they had handling
things locally. After some time my brother was given an ultimatum to stop writing bad things about them or lose his job. He loved the animals, especially the horses, way too much to stop trying to help them. Eventually he was fired and kicked off the property. As with the current person who was fired, he, too, was given 24 hours to get out. As I recall he was even taken to court and forced to end his blog and move out. At the time he got the job he was recovering from a stroke and the horses,
especially Barney, were a great help to his recovery. My brother has always been somewhat of a recluse and his time at Dancing Star was the happiest I have ever seen him. He has since had another stroke and is living with us for a time while recovering. I was on a business trip when I saw a story on the news about this
recent development and I shared the story with my brother. I wanted him to see that there were others that continued after him to try and expose this terrible situation. He was so happy to think the animals might finally get the care they deserve. I can't help but wonder if they hired people like my brother with the thought they would
just keep their eyes closed and be grateful to have work. Despite everything he would go back and work there again in an instant if caring people were in charge.
I hope I haven't bored you with my story. I truly hope that someone looks very close at the people hired to run the sanctuary. There must be some truth when so many people over so many years complain.
By: Cindy on 2/25/09
Mulegirl – lets get in touch and see what we can do. Contact the editors for my phone# or e-mail address. Likewise anyone who wants to contact someone can always go through the editors.
By: Robert on 2/25/09
support processing plants here in the States. Peta closed ours down and they were the most humane in the WORLD. Now look what is happening to all of these horses. Hay is throguh the roof and so is feed. Vet bills have gone sky high….be realistic people…..or should I say sheeple
By: Robert on 2/25/09
Oh good grief people…………..
http://www.petakillsanimals.com
They do it also but instead of calling it killing or murder like they do to other people, they call in "going to sleep forever"….wth ( rolling eyes)
By: mcdonald on 2/25/09
Maybe Evans and Weltner should speak the truth. I understand the position that they're in but it doesn't take any extraordinary brains more than that endowed to the average citizen to read between all these lines and deduce the facts and truth. The Employees are telling the truth and we all know it. Speaking out will probably make you both "hero's", do you know that? It's in your best interest to tell the truth.
By: mulegirl on 2/25/09
Coasty makes good points. I don't consider the vets or the employees that were there as the bad guys in this. They were following orders, in the case of employees, and the vets were acceding to the owner's wishes. I would imagine those days were very horrific for everyone there. People have asked why employees stood by – because of love of the animals and wanting them to have a familiar, loving face nearby at the end! That's an incredibly noble and STRONG thing to do.
And consider this: if the vets had not agreed to do this, what would have happened do you think? Do you honestly think that the BOD would have just shrugged and said "oh well, can't do that."? HARDLY. It's likely some far more horrific method of death would have been applied by those willfully carrying out the BOD's wishes. I do, however, have a question about what one poster elsewhere said about the drugs used in at least one case, saying they are not approved for euthanasia. ??
Cindy: I have been e-mailing everyone I can think of that could bring some weight to bear on Tobias/Morrison et al. and/or on the national media to pick this up more heavily. Today I contacted the HSUS and the Animal Welfare Institute. I encourage everyone to contact those kinds of places as Cindy said. And don't forget the California Attorney General!
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By: animalhelper on 2/25/09
I have been asked by several people who signed the petition "Where is the petition going to end up?" Where is the ultimate destination?
By: Nancy on 2/25/09
I'll agree that it isn't the veterinarians fault if the veterinarians will admit that these euthanasia's were about the #'s and not the well being of the animals. Dr Weltner has already told the media that these were sick animals and they were put down for quality of life. According to the employees (not one has come forward and denied this) the animals were put down according to the # that the BOD wanted to reduce the population by. The most expensive to maintain were picked for the slaughter. If these vets are willing to tell the truth then I agree that they have done nothing wrong and followed orders just like the employees did. At least the employees have a conscientious.
By: Cindy on 2/25/09
I'll submit the following question to Dr. Evans and likewise to Dr. Weltner.
Regarding the animals that you put down…. If any of these animals had been your beloved pets, how many of them would you have euthanised rather than allow them to continue to live their lives with good care while eating "affordable" mush and taking meds ?
By: coasty on 2/25/09
First I'd like to say that I consider myself an animal lover, environmentalist and a REALIST! I also have worked at Dancing Star in the past.
Starting off:
1. Tobias and his crew=absolutely horrible that they were making in excess of 1 million dollars a year (tribune article quotes them as saying they have taken "voluntary pay cuts" (to get down to 720,000) and are trying to dupe the public and the veterinarians into thinking that the foundation was out of money and that for the sake of the majority of the animals they must sacrifice the significantly geriatric/orthopedically challenged animals.
2. I would also like to emphasize that while everyone appears to be crucifying the veterinarians did they ever stop to consider that they were probably trying to do the best for the animals that are still able to have a quality of life? Have they ever been close enough to a euthanasia to see the tears in the veterinarians eyes?
3. I have known and used Gary Evans as a veterinarian for a number of decades and have found him to be one of the most compassionate and caring people that I have ever met. He doesn't take the decision to euthanize animals lightly. I would assume that he made the judgment that these were the animals that could least cope with tough times and were not able to move freely, maintain weight or some other reason (hard to be a backseat quarterback without having been there isn't it?)
Addressing the "Harry the donkey" comment from another cal coast comments section…Having driven by where he lived numerous times and having seen countless adoring fans of Harry…KILLING HIM WITH KINDNESS I'm sorry but I would bet that he foundered due to people feeding him treats day in and day out rather then something that Dr. Evans did. And how is the veterinarian guilty of the owner neglecting Harry??? I failed to see the logic of the commenter other than trying to come up with a way to smear a truly good man.
3. Regarding Dr. Weltner. I have never met her, however I have heard nothing but good things about her and her treatment of other's loved ones. I don't have any experience with the Creston Farms/trebek issue, however after doing some record searching I have found a few things: From the few articles that I found it appears that she stated that she had not been to Creston Farms the day that the horse was "euthanize". Therefore I'd like to know how she is implicated in this crime…Oh and by the way couldn't find any documentation that either Dr. Weltner or Dr. Evans have been charged, convicted, suspended or otherwise in conjunction with either of the "crimes" that were brought up. We live in the U.S. where "guilty" comes AFTER a jury trial, right?
Come on people this strikes me as deliberate slander to sensationalize an issue.
Where was everyone when there were over 500 animals at dancing star and the ground looked like a feedlot? Environmental disaster? Great environment for already compromised animals?
I would bet that the heroes of this story (Jason, Sheldon and Jenny) would agree with me about the character of the veterinarians. What say you the masses. In my humble opinion.
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By: alphalibertyfoxtrot on 2/25/09
From THE GRAPES OF WRATH."Whenever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Whenever they's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there . . . . I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad an'-I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry an' they know supper's ready. An' when our folks eat the stuff they raise an' live in the houses they build-why, I'll be there."
Jason Hamaker you have captured the spirt of Tom Joad . Hang in there.
By: Michelle on 2/25/09
Newsome might be correct but we don't know if Hamaker also spoke with the government. Plenty of people have been attempting to reach a gov agency who will take action and the press is a good way to do it. To some extent all of these Employees have a claim. If nothing else than for the emotional abuse they've been put through. Add fear of getting pregnant or speaking up for the creatures they are supposed to be protecting while being forced to needlessly kill them and I think you can see where I'm going. This is definitely in my opinion going to be a good law suit.
By: Newsome on 2/25/09
1) I admire Hamaker's cojones for putting his beliefs ahead of his job. We should all hold our convictions that strongly.
2) I would say he is dead wrong in charging that he was terminated for being a whistleblower. I believe he was terminated for talking to CCN, KVEC and the TT. None of those agencies are government agencies.
By: Cindy on 2/25/09
I hope the other Employees also seek out Jeff Stulburg. It's against the law to terminate a woman for being pregnant. Its against the law to refuse employment to African Americans and its against the law to threaten employees with EDD benefits unless they sign a "gag order".
With this problem now managed by Jeff it's time to get on with stopping the killings and bringing the BOD to justice. I hope people are following all of these posts and contacting the IRS, AG, animal rights leagues and everyone possible. If Tobias & Morrison have violated the trust agreement (and I think they have) then something can be done.
By: mulegirl on 2/25/09
You said it. Jason, you are indeed very admired for your strength in standing up for what's right despite such great personal risk — which sounds like risk of even physical harm. We all admire you very much. And I agree that your attorney should be actively suing their pants off. But of course that won't stop killings. We still need to try to stop that. Jason's firing makes the story more interesting to national media, I would hope. I'm going to try to contact some and see if they'll pick this up.
By: sunnyhaven on 2/25/09
Stay strong Jason. You are a hero for bringing this to light. I hope You and the other employees sue the pants off of The foundation for wrongful termination and Jerry Smith for harassment & intimidation.
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