UPDATE:
Domino Effect ranch threatens woman who complained *(See below)
BROOKSVILLE- Six new horses arrived at Domino Effect ranch this week, two of which were taken without the knowledge of the woman who has loved them for more than 6 years.
Domino Effect was called to a boarding farm in Plant City earlier this week to pick up 2 horses that were being donated to the ranch. When owner Bob Ashcraft arrived with his horse trailer, he allegedly became interested in 4 other horses that were being boarded at the farm, including a Paint stallion.
The property owner, Vesta Gatta, who is in her mid-eighty's and wheelchair bound, was persuaded to give Ashcraft all the horses on the farm.
On Tuesday, Amy Barnett, a part-time horse show judge in Marion County, Florida, saw a familiar image on Craigslist in a horse for sale post. Closer examination revealed that it was her 22 year old horse, Leah. Barnett also found an post from the same seller for her other horse, Sadie, a 7 year old mare.
Barnett immediately contacted the seller and discovered that Domino Effect ranch, which claims to be a rescue, had posted her horses for sale.
“I emailed them and told them that these are my horses and they should never have been released to you,” Barnett said.
When she asked the Domino Effect owners to give her back her horses, they refused.
Barnet has made multiple requests for the return of her horses through phone calls and emails, but every request has been denied.
“I feel defeated and now they're just going to have a horrible life,” Barnet said in an interview today.
Barnett was worried about Leah because Domino Effect ranch had listed her for sale claiming that she was only 14 years old and suitable for riding. In fact, Leah is really 22 years old, and not in any condition to be ridden. Barnet has owned the horse for the past 6 years and said the mare has chronic hoof problems and other medical issues. “Leah can't be anything but a pasture buddy,” she said.
“At first I wasn't that worried,” Barnett added. “But then I started hearing things about that Domino Effect place from different people and on Facebook, and now I'm afraid for them.” She added, “This shouldn't have happened.”
Domino Effect owner Bob Ashcraft has a criminal history that includes convictions for dealing in stolen property, smuggling, larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, burglary, and grand theft.
The Domino Effect ranch is located at 10370 Snowbird Avenue in Weeki Wachee, Florida, and has been the subject of multiple inspections in recent months, by Hernando County Animal Services, and the Florida Department of Agriculture, over alleged reports of animal abuse.
Complaints of deteriorating health in horses that are brought to the farm have been filed with Hernando County officials. Claims include suggestions that the horses suffer from lack of veterinary care and underfeeding. Domino Effect ranch claims to have a high turnover rate and many horses are sold before their condition deteriorates extensively enough to be documented by HCAS.
On Friday night, Domino Effect ranch offered to sell Barnett's horses back to her for $700.
UPDATE: Domino Effect ranch threatens woman who complained
In response to this article, Domino Effect conveyed the following statement to Amy Barnett.
8:36pm Feb 24
"Did you speak to Maryann Tobin about the situation with the horses? Her report she has posted is false and if you delivered this information to her, this makes you accountable to giving her false information because she states that they are your words. This situation is getting ready to go public, because of her blasting this article about us. I hope you are preppared to have your name exploited to the public for delivering this false information. Please contact Bob regardging this ASAP 352-596-3104."
Author's note: All information in this report has been verified as true and correct through multiple sources.
Domino Effect ranch has been offered an opportunity to respond to the controversy surrounding their operation.
See follow up report: Domino Effect ranch refuses to reply to allegations against them
Maryann Tobin can be contacted at tobin522@gmail.com
Related reports:
Blindfolded horse has chest ripped open in Brooksville tragedy
Florida man in bloody horse tragedy has criminal history
Florida horse community outraged by alleged abuse at Domino Effect Rescue Ranch
Fl Dept. of Agriculture to inspect Domino Effect for possible violations
Ethical issues surround Domino Effect rescue, blindfolded horse injury in Tampa
