The Co-Op, a feed and farm store system serving Tennessee, is actively promoting and encouraging a repeated offender of the Horse Protection Act.
Brad Davis has two violations,in 2008 and in 2005, for unilateral soring and equipment violation and a scar rule violation.
When contacted for their position, Alison Morgan of the Tennessee Co-Op stated that "While you may not agree with the training methods illustrated by Brad Davis - and I realize that many people do not agree with them - they are common and accepted practices for those who show walking horses."
So, common means ok, even if it's illegal and cruel?
I encourage you to write to the Tennessee Co-Op and tell them how you feel about their support of this criminal Brad Davis, and his "training" style. Additionally, be sure to inform them whether or not you will be inclined to purchase from them in the future.
Here is a sample letter, see below for contact information:
****
Hello,
It has come to my attention that the Co-op supports not only the padded performance division of the TWHBEA, but actively encourages and promotes individuals that have received Horse Protection Act violations, such as the individual Brad Davis (who received violations in 2005 and 2008). In addition, you have actively defended these illegal activities by promoting someone who received multiple violations.
For that reason, myself and my family will no longer support the Co-op in any manner. We will actively discourage others from supporting you as well. As you would know if you had done the research, the TWHBEA is being actively boycotted and disowned by the large majority of horse owners, most of whom have migrated to other registry organizations, and as such, the TWHBEA has faced severe monetary and public difficulties over the past several years due to their refusal to clean up their act, and ongoing, persistent violations of the HPA by its topmost officers on down. It was even refused a spot at the World Equestrian Games due to its extremely poor compliance with the Horse Protection Act.
Please do not spend the time to send me a form letter as you have others. Just be aware that support of this illegal activity and those who perpetrate it will affect your business. And, a web campaign is being developed as we speak to showcase not only your response to the concerned citizens, but your highlighting, promoting, and defending a known repeat violator of the law.
Regards,
******
You can reach Ms Morgan directly at:
Alison Morgan
Communications Dept. Manager and Editor
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Communications Department
180 Old Nashville Highway, P.O. Box 3003
LaVergne, TN 37086
Phone: 615-793-8418
Fax: 615-287-8859
E-Mail: amorgan@ourcoop.com
Web site: http://www.ourcoop.com/
