This is a petition to bring awareness to the conditions of horses at Sparks Trading Post. On August 12, 2008, 12 horses and 5 sheep were seized from Peter Sparks, owner of the trail riding barn Sparks Trading Post on Grand Island, NY. The seizure was in response to a complaint made by locals who were concerned about the poor conditions of several animals on the property.

Peter Sparks claims he is providing sufficient care for the 50+ animals on his property. All 17 animals that were seized belonged to Mr. Sparks personally. Upon examination by the SPCA veterinarian, it was discovered that the teeth of all 12 horses had been grossly neglected, which caused them to be unable to chew or digest their food properly. The horses' hooves were also neglected and greatly in need of trims. Mr. Sparks has not yet provided a public explanation for the emaciated conditions of the five sheep.

The problems the animals exhibited could have been easily prevented or greatly improved upon if Mr. Sparks had provided the proper routine care that is standard among horse and livestock owners. If he was unable to provide that care, financially or otherwise, then it was his responsibility as the animals' owner to procure that care from a competent individual. He failed to do so, which was the reason for the animals' seizure.

We are concerned residents of Western New York who are disgusted by Peter Sparks' actions and dismayed by the rulings of the court thus far. We are concerned with one thing only: the welfare of the animals and their continued safety and health. We maintain that the final verdict in this matter ought not be influenced with claims of how Mr. Sparks is a "nice", "generous", "thoughtful", etc. person. Sparks' virtues as a human being have no relation whatsoever to his ability and competency (or lack thereof) to properly care for animals. Our efforts lie solely in the pursuit of safety and justice for the animals that have suffered under his lack of care. We believe that the ONLY evidence that matters in this case are the emaciated animals themselves - not character witnesses for Sparks.