Things that frustrate us all

[rhubarbodendron]

I suspect she only hired him because he is your best friend's husband. Can she un-hire him? Could your friend do the work instead?

As for phone codes, the American system (or lack of) has always astonished me as it seems a bit chaotic. In Germany, we have always had the same 3-5 digit system that is based on geography. Basically, it is structured like a post sort code, so that by the area code you can pinpoint the called person's location fairly closely.

My Argh of the day is rather harmless: we are currently having a heat wave and it would be so pleasant to have the window open during the cool night if there weren't such a lot of drunk and noisy idiots around till long after dawn. Usually, pubs etc close at 1 am the latest, but some fool granted lots of discos and clubs in my vicinity exceptions, so they are open till 5 am and their customers shout, brawl and puke in the streets till 5:30. Great, if you are a light sleeper and have to start work at 6 am... I sooo wish for a bazooka or at least a fire-brigade-sized water hose.

 

[fireproof78]

As for phone codes, the American system (or lack of) has always astonished me as it seems a bit chaotic. In Germany, we have always had the same 3-5 digit system that is based on geography. Basically, it is structured like a post sort code, so that by the area code you can pinpoint the called person's location fairly closely.

They're assigned by state in the USA, but as populations grow they have to assign more. But, there's no order to it, but I can identify the state my area code. Matters little now since cell phones are so mobile, no pun intended.

 

[Non Sync]

As for phone codes, the American system (or lack of) has always astonished me as it seems a bit chaotic. In Germany, we have always had the same 3-5 digit system that is based on geography. Basically, it is structured like a post sort code, so that by the area code you can pinpoint the called person's location fairly closely.

Newer switching technology has allowed for phone number portability so that you're able to transfer your phone number between service providers as well as from landline to mobile. The term "area code" has basically become obsolete since it is no longer tied to a specific area.

 

[JD]

I've been talking a bit about a situation I'm in with a couple horses in the backyard of a house I go by on my bike who I'm concerned are being neglected, and for a while they had been coming up to the fence when I stop. I took a video to record their condition last month, and I think they are getting worse, so I've been wanting to get some more video to compare, but now either they haven't come to the fence or something has made me leave.

 

[fireproof78]

I've been talking a bit about a situation I'm in with a couple horses in the backyard of a house I go by on my bike who I'm concerned are being neglected, and for a while they had been coming up to the fence when I stop. I took a video to record their condition last month, and I think they are getting worse, so I've been wanting to get some more video to compare, but now either they haven't come to the fence or something has made me leave.

If you think it's neglect call it in.

 

[Peach Wookiee]

JD, call in!

 

[rhubarbodendron]

Could it be that they got sold? Does the backyard smell of (living) horses?
Maybe you could simply ask the owner? He can hardly be angry if you mention that you pass every day, use to pet the horses and are now wondering whether they might be ill since you haven't seen them in a while.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

At the airport this morning TSA made me open my luggage. They seemed very interested in my…electric toothbrush?

 

[fireproof78]

At the airport this morning TSA made me open my luggage. They seemed very interested in my…electric toothbrush?

Perhaps it looked odd on the x-ray. I recall a story of a college student who got pulled aside and asked about the tube with the wires on the x-ray. It was a novelty musical candle but on.the machine it looked far more sinister.

 

[JD]

If you think it's neglect call it in.

JD, call in!

I just want be sure it's serious enough for them to actually do something. With a lot of these situations unless they're in absolutely horrible shape, and if they have food, water, and shelter the cops/animal control won't do anything. And they have at least some of all three, I just don't know if they have enough food, and I've seen them drinking, but I'm not sure how much water they have eiher. I want make sure I have proof that they're condition is deteriorating, and that they're not just a thinner than I like to see.

Could it be that they got sold? Does the backyard smell of (living) horses?
Maybe you could simply ask the owner? He can hardly be angry if you mention that you pass every day, use to pet the horses and are now wondering whether they might be ill since you haven't seen them in a while.

The horses are still there, they just won't come close enough for me to get clear video. The last couple weeks they had been coming to the fence almost every day, and I was petting them and talking them. But now the last few days, they've stood and watched me, but then won't come over. It might just be that it's getting hotter so they're staying in the shade, since there's none by the fence .

 

[fireproof78]

I just want be sure it's serious enough for them to actually do something. With a lot of these situations unless they're in absolutely horrible shape, and if they have food, water, and shelter the cops/animal control won't do anything. And they have at least some of all three, I just don't know if they have enough food, and I've seen them drinking, but I'm not sure how much water they have eiher. I want make sure I have proof that they're condition is deteriorating, and that they're not just a thinner than I like to see.

You're not an investigator. Call it in.

 

[JD]

One other thing I forgot to mention, is that I did show the video to one of the ladies at the riding who I stop and visit with her and her horse, said they look OK to her. But even with her saying that I'm still not comfortable with what I'm seeing.
I just want to be confident that something is going to be done if I call it in. I'm at like 60/40 right now on calling them in.
If/when I get a some new videos I've thought about sending them to one of the sanctuaries or rescues I follow on IG and seeing what they say.
If I had enough money, I'd be seriously tempted to knock on their door and just offer to buy them, but I don't have horse money.

 

[fireproof78]

One other thing I forgot to mention, is that I did show the video to one of the ladies at the riding who I stop and visit with her and her horse, said they look OK to her. But even with her saying that I'm still not comfortable with what I'm seeing.

Your gut is telling you something. Trust it.

 

[JD]

Getting more video will be the big determining factor, because I really want to compare what they looked like a month ago to what they look like now before I make a final decision. Like I said before, it's really, really, hard to get the cops actually take action unless the animals are half dead, so I just want to make sure this is more than me just being overly sensitive to a less than perfect situation. There's a big difference between them being a little thinner than I would like to see, and the kind of neglect that the cops will actually get involved in.
And I think with livestock, like horses, it can be even harder to get someone to do something, since they don't have as many rules and protections as other pets like dogs or cats.

 

[Avro Arrow]

There's a big difference between them being a little thinner than I would like to see, and the kind of neglect that the cops will actually get involved in.
And I think with livestock, like horses, it can be even harder to get someone to do something, since they don't have as many rules and protections as other pets like dogs or cats.

If you're concerned that the police wouldn't do something, what about calling AZDA's Animal Service Division, at (623) 445-0281? Since they only deal with animals, it might be easier to get someone to at least go take a look. And their webpage says it's for reporting suspected cruelty; it doesn't seem like to need to be positive or have proof or whatever. At least then they can send someone out that maybe would be a little more familiar with the signs of horse neglect than a police officer would be. Just a thought.

https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/cruelty-livestock-law

 

[fireproof78]

And I think with livestock, like horses, it can be even harder to get someone to do something, since they don't have as many rules and protections as other pets like dogs or cats.

Not as hard as it used to be. Report it to Animal Control or another local entity. But your gut is telling you something. Don't wait, man.

If you're concerned that the police wouldn't do something, what about calling AZDA's Animal Service Division, at (623) 445-0281? Since they only deal with animals, it might be easier to get someone to at least go take a look. And their webpage says it's for reporting suspected cruelty; it doesn't seem like to need to be positive or have proof or whatever. At least then they can send someone out that maybe would be a little more familiar with the signs of horse neglect than a police officer would be. Just a thought.

https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/cruelty-livestock-law

Nice find.

 

[JD]

If you're concerned that the police wouldn't do something, what about calling AZDA's Animal Service Division, at (623) 445-0281? Since they only deal with animals, it might be easier to get someone to at least go take a look. And their webpage says it's for reporting suspected cruelty; it doesn't seem like to need to be positive or have proof or whatever. At least then they can send someone out that maybe would be a little more familiar with the signs of horse neglect than a police officer would be. Just a thought.

https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/cruelty-livestock-law

Thanks I'll definitely look into that. We do have animal control where I am, it's just that it's a specially trained division of our police instead of a separate agency. I was gonna try the Arizona Human Society, but it says that they only work in cities without animal control groups and since we have one, they won't come here.
I guess my fear is that if I call and they don't confiscate them, the people will decide they don't want to deal with them anymore and dump them off on Craiglist where they could end in an even worse situation, or get pissed and start treating them even worse. I want to be sure I make things better for them not worse.

 

[fireproof78]

Thanks I'll definitely look into that. We do have animal control where I am, it's just that it's a specially trained division of our police instead of a separate agency. I was gonna try the Arizona Human Society, but it says that they only work in cities without animal control groups and since we have one, they won't come here.
I guess my fear is that if I call and they don't confiscate them, the people will decide they don't want to deal with them anymore and dump them off on Craiglist where they could end in an even worse situation, or get pissed and start treating them even worse. I want to be sure I make things better for them not worse.

Or, they might make them aware of more resources that could help them take care of their horses better.

From the human services side (what I am more familiar with) parents often fear CPS involvement but in my state CPS is not there to wield horrendous power, but to provide resources to support parents.

To my mind, JD, you have concerns, and they sound warranted and maybe the people who own the horses are struggling financially and need some help but don't know where to turn. This connection might be exactly what is needed.

 

[JD]

Yeah, I'm really starting to lean towards calling them in.

 

[fireproof78]

The biggest reason why people struggle with animal care is usually financial. Caring for animals, even dogs or cats, takes time energy and resources that not everyone has. If they have a short month then the animal will likely but the first one to be left wanting over other financial needs, like transportation to work and food. Unexpected illness for animals is also a huge burden since pet insurance for medical is still a relatively new thing and not everyone has it so a sick pet, much less a sick horse, adds up damn quick.

Last and not least but horse feed is not always cheap. My wife and I have used our pasture in the past for people to allow their animals to graze because they couldn't afford it, especially during COVID. It's expensive.

Point is, we don't know what these horse owners are going through. But, connecting them with Animal Service Division or Animal Control might get them the help they actually need.