I've been tending to a small-livestock herd (goats, sheep, pigs) for a couple months. The lady has invented some reason to be mad at me, not even related to the animals. She refuses to pay me. I gave her 3 days notice to pay or I quit. Now it's today, and when I fed them this morning, I noticed she has shut off the water source, and their tank is very low. She is gone out of town. I don't know when she will be back, and I get the sense that she is trying to stir up legal troubles for me so that she doesn't have to pay me.

So, who's responsibility is the animals? Will I get in trouble for not giving them water? (I put them out into the bigger "pasture" area where there are puddles, and I know she is going to be pissed they are out of their paddock, but I can't leave them without access to water.)

Is there someone I can call? Who handles these issues? She seems to have abandoned the animals. I can't see it as right to just walk away.

I would think either the Custer County Sheriff's Dept. or maybe even the brand inspector might be able to give you some good advice on the animals. As far as the wages, maybe check with job service for ideas.

That is a no win situation. Just call the sheriff.

[This message has been edited by Cindy Stalcup (2/7/2013)]

It depends on whose land they are on , who owns the livestock , who paid for the feed ect. There are MCA (montana code annotated--laws) provisions to take them to a stockyard and have them boarded there. Call the brand inspector.

[This message has been edited by Al Borden (2/7/2013)]

it's almost the weekend...fire up the Bar B Q.

Thanks for the feedback everybody! Somebody from Circle came all the way down here for her shortly after I posted, because she has no friends in town. (imagine that). I was right, she is malicious as anything you can imagine. I got a visit from the police this evening. Completely false accusation about something wholly unrelated. I HATE when people think they can use the police as their personal harassment agent. At least he was polite, and it was a very short visit. But now I have to fear that she will stir up false "legal problems" against me if I keep trying to get paid. A deal is a deal, and it is disgusting when someone can't keep their word and honor their agreements. Its even worse when they get the police to threaten you for them! Gotta have everything in writing, because so many people have criminal minds looking to hurt others. Even then, who wants the hassle of going to court? Criminals will be criminals.

Well, she is gone 3-6 days at a time, and has nobody to do the work for her, so I'll be watching her, mostly because I'm curious how she will resolve her own self-inflicted crisis. I hope nobody in town gets suckered into doing work for her!

ungyded wrote:

it's almost the weekend...fire up the Bar B Q.

Don't think I'm not tempted... lol!

Do what's right and document everything. As above, call sherriff, brand inspector. Get it all documented.

Notify the legal authorities immediately. Doing that before any suffering occurs in the animals certifies your concern. (it also CYA)

She has robbed you of services rendered and you could visit Judge Neese to see if you can make a case.

Notifying the authorities will also insure the animals are cared for.

Would you consider an exchange of ownership of the animals for their care since you have time and effort invested?

It was interesting to read this post. It is really odd that the person who says they were taking care of the animals was actually the ones who abandoned them. He and his wife were receiving a free place to live with utilities and food for aproximately 30 min of work a day. We have paid for all feed etc. We were only away for work. Some people are so ignorant and love to poop in their beds. Oh and .....karma.

[This message has been edited by Ranch1 (2/28/2013)]

Whom from Circle would harbor such an animal abandoner? Call or text me, please- 351-9278. They prob aren't aware of the animals' condition!?

The person who abandoned the animals is a squatter from Washington. The animals are all safe from EJR or who ever he is.

So, Ranch1 is the animal abusing owner it seems. And now Ranch1 appears to be lurking around here trying to sell milk and eggs? But how, she never milks the goats. They are so bloated after 3 weeks of going "cold turkey" that they cannot walk. And calling me names to cover her own irresponsibility.

And now both people are posting from colorado?

Bridgier ~ don't get hung-up on the details! We haven't had the beginnings of this kind of thread in MONTHS

I'm betting on the 1 night stand/shunned lover scenario ~ what say you?

I think it very interesting that EJR can post such idiotic statements. I invite every one who has any concern for what is going on to come and meet with me and see my sons lovely animals.

[This message has been edited by Ranch1 (3/3/2013)]