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Membership of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. - a Privilege and an Honour

As many of you know, the Management Committee at Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. (both past & present) have a passionate commitment to equine welfare. We take our responsibilities seriously and consider it to be an honour and privilege to serve on the committee of this organisation. We strive on a daily basis to make a positive difference in equine welfare and hope that we share the same values and standards as our members.

It is therefore a great disappointment for us to advise that we have recently been forced to expel someone from Membership of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. We are extremely saddened by this - as we made multiple attempts to remedy the situation which would have enabled this person to remain a member. The events that led to this decision occurred over a period of several months and the decision to expel this member from the organisation was made based on facts. We did not engage in supposition or hearsay, nor was the decision taken lightly, quickly or without legal advice.

Whilst there were an increasing number of concerns re this persons suitability as a responsible and compassionate horse owner - all that could be argued as subjective and we therefore seek to make no such assertion. However, what could not be argued was the fact that this person (including but not limited to) misrepresented themselves to members of the Australian equine community. This misrepresentation took (or takes) the form of false statements to the effect that they hold (or has held) an elected role in the management committee of a not-for-profit organisation i.e. Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. We cannot speculate on the reasons for this misrepresentation.

Prior to being expelled from membership of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc., this person was given several opportunities of right of reply (both in writing and in person). The responses (both in writing and via telephone calls) whilst being dismissive, defensive and negative, provided no explanation or apology for the actions and behaviour (which were in direct contravention with the stated aims of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc.) ... and so after a stated period of notice, this person's membership was cancelled. This person has now been expelled and banned from future membership of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc.

While a person may legally state that they are a member of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. (until or unless their membership expires or is cancelled through expulsion from the organisation), the actions of any person which present (or have the potential to present) SCHR in a manner which is (or could be) detrimental to the reputation of the organisation, the existing duly elected members of the committee and / or general membership are a serious matter. Any damage caused to the reputation of; the organisation, duly elected officials or financial members may result in legal action against an individual by SCHR, its officials and/or members.

Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. places equine welfare at the top of our priority list. We value the reputation of our organisation and in order to support our goals, will take whatever legal action is necessary to protect our animals, our reputation and our ability to continue our work.

Whilst Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. is not able to specifically provide "references" about a person's equine experience or suitability as an owner, we are able to factually state whether a person is a current member, or elected official of the organisation. The names of our current Management Committee are listed on the website. Past members of the Management Committee are not listed. However we are grateful to them for all of their work and will be happy to confirm that they served the organisation well as an elected member of the team - we are indebted to them all.

When buying, selling, leasing or in any other way trading equines, obtaining goods or services related to equine pursuits, Second Chance Horse Rescue encourages everyone to ask for references from such professional people as the persons vet / Farrier / bank etc. We feel confident that a responsible, compassionate horse owner will be happy to provide such assurances of their suitability and honesty. If a person appears through advertising to be a habitual buyer or seller, we encourage you to ask them why this is so. If someone claims to be a member or official of Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc., please contact us - we will be happy to verify their membership status and role in the organisation.

Second Chance Horse Rescue Inc. is extremely disappointed at having to expel this person from our organisation. However, our number one priority remains equine welfare and we will not compromise our aims through fear or favour. We hope that our members and the general public understand and respect our decision.
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