09/08/2023
Please SHARE this valuable information!
We have identified the scammer who is using our address, to sell imaginary horses, and are pursuing via legal channels. We are not making public; yet, because frankly, there will be copycats. If you are considering getting an equine and are shopping online,
Here is some advice;
-Use your head if buying online. Do not send any money in advance to “hold” a donkey or horse. Do not send any money until you have literally seen the creature IN REAL LIFE. The more they push, even for just $50, the more likely it’s a scam.
-Do not purchase without a PPE (a pre-purchase exam), to confirm age and health. Yes this means arranging for a vet visit. Too much hassle? Wait until you learn how much hassle a sick old creature is
-Do not pay online and also pay for delivery, assuming some little cutie is going to be dropped off in a sparkly white van with costumed stable boys, and a bow on the halter. Do not do this! Likely no trailer will ever arrive, there will be lots of texts, until you realize you are out $2-$5k.
-First, you really ought to get out and MEET the creature you will own, (assuming it exists) see if you even like each other, then get a DVM to examine, assuming the critter is even real. Hire someone with a trailer to take you out if you must, but don’t be cheap or lazy about this. You will pay later for being short sited upfront.
-Too far to go see yourself? Find one closer. Don’t make excuses for being lazy. Once you actually own an equine you will be cleaning poo every single day, may as well get used to getting out there!
-Beware those using the words “adopt” or “rescue”, they are cool buzzwords and every scammer is using them. It’s not a rescue or an adoption unless it’s from someone who is legitimately rescuing, and there is an adoption contract. Otherwise it’s just a sale. How will you know? First, an honest rescuer won’t ask for money upfront, and second, they will ask YOU a lot of questions because they care, and because the animal actually exists.
-Y’all are buying a photo, scammers don’t actually have the animals. While it’s possible they did, once, if they are sending buyers here, to our address, they are just selling you a photo and a dream
-“Oh but I want that one, it’s so cute!” Seriously have you read anything we have said? It may not even exist. These scammers are taking money online and sending buyers HERE..
We will not be happy about having to tell people who show up that they were dumb, and just gave their money to scammers.
If you really want a donkey or mini, ADOPT. Call and talk to the rescues.
Learn what their adoption requirements are, and use this as a roadmap to getting properly set up, before your equine arrives home. Why does this not sound as appealing? Because you have to fill out an application? The rescues are stepping up for equines truly in need, and have done the heavy lifting getting them healthy. And you know what you GET when you adopt? A below market adoption fee, a healthy animal with an accurate description, and a RETURN CLAUSE. So if Fluffy isn’t all you dreamed, she has a safe place to go back to.
Ok hope this helps.
(Fyi Rosemary Farm Sanctuary has no mini-donkeys, no donkeys at all currently, and no minis available for adoption, however we are happy to refer people to other rescues that do!)
