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HORSE PENS 40
PET POLICY
Thanks for your interest in Horse Pens 40. Due to insurance requirements,
ecological considerations, and due to the increasing number of problems and complaints associated with pets, we have
been forced to make some changes in our pet policy. At the request of many of our guests, and in order to better protect
our guests and those of all species who live in the park, our new policy is:
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME !!!
NO PETS ARE ALLOWED (outside your vehicle) ANYWHERE AT HP40 EXCEPT IN THE
LARGE FIELD OUTSIDE THE MIDDLE GATE.
If you absolutely must bring your pet, they must remain in your vehicle or RV at all times
while inside the park and campground areas. We have set aside the large field outside the middle gate for you to use for
doggie exercise, frisbee, ball, etc.
You will not be allowed to leave a pet unattended in a hot vehicle during the summer!!
To avoid this problem:
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME !!
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NO PETS ARE ALLOWED
(outside your vehicle)
IN THE CAMPGROUND,
IN THE ROCK AREAS,
ON THE NATURE TRAILS,
IN THE NATURAL AREAS,
OR ANYWHERE ELSE
EXCEPT FOR THE LARGE GRASS FIELD OUTSIDE THE MIDDLE GATE.
THIS RULE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED !!
If you have any questions about where this area is, PLEASE ASK!
There are several very important reasons that this policy has been adopted.
For instance:
TO PROTCT RARE SPECIES -- There are many rare, threatened, protected, and endangered species
here, and all are potentially vulnerable to outside predators. Dogs and cats are wonderful companions for humans, but they
can't make a positive impact on a nature park, and on the creatures that live here. In consideration of those whose home this
is, it is very important that you PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME.
TO REDUCE EXCESS IMPACT -- We love dogs, but we must put the well-being of the park first.
Due to the heavy human impact on the park, we have been forced to come up with ways to reduce the damage. One of the
most problematic impact issues that we have had to deal with concerns dogs. Even when
dogs are kept on a leash, the owners often tie them to trees in the campground or in the nature areas while they
hike or climb, destroying the smaller trees, mosses, and plants around it, and damaging the bark and/or loosening the roots,
possibly eventually killing the tree. Or they may tie them to a crashpad or backpack, which is then dragged around, with some
of the same results.
COMPLAINTS -- Over 75% of the complaints that we receive from our guests are dog related;
dogs running loose, getting into food, harassing guests or other dogs, harassing the wild animals, dog owners not cleaning
up after their pets leaving doggie doo everywhere, getting into the trash barrels, chasing our horses, and on and on and on.
LIABILITY ISSUES -- These changes were also forced on us in part by unavoidable
changes to our liability insurance. Liability insurance that would allow guests to bring pets has become unaffordable to small
businesses. This is evidently due to pet related liability issues in courts throughout the US.
Most of the past problematic pet issues at HP40 arose from the inconsideration of a number of dog
owners who refused to follow the previous leash rules pertaining to pets. You can see that some of this
is more of an irresponsible owner problem than an actual pet problem, but all things considered, we really have no other choice.
While we love dogs (we have 4),
we love your dog at your house.
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ALL PETS ARE TOTALLY PROHIBITED ANYWHERE ON HP40 PROPERTY DURING ANY FESTIVAL, RALLY, CONCERT,
COMP, OR ANY OTHER SCHEDULED ENTERTAINMENT EVENT.
THIS RULE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED !!
If you intend to bring a dog to HP40, check our schedule to avoid problems.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this policy may cause to pet owners.
We love all animals, and we attempt to make good decisions for the benefit of those creatures who live here
and are under our care.
We have been documenting the climber impact and the dog related damage this season and we will be
posting some pictures on the website when we find the time.
In the meantime, remember:
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME !!!
SOME LEGAL STUFF THAT WE HAVE TO PUT HERE:
LEGAL NOTICE: It is a violation of Alabama state law for anyone to allow any animal to enter or roam
on another persons property without the property owners permission. The animals' owner is responsible for any damage or
injury caused by the animal under any circumstances.
We very strongly dislike free roaming dogs on our property.
For the protection of our guests, our family, and the wildlife in the park, all loose or free-roaming dogs will
be treated as potentially hostile intruders inside the park and will (at best) be vigorously chased away from Horse Pens
40 property. Any that can be captured will be turned over to the St. Clair County Animal Control Officer (according to the
law) in a timely manner. The owner MAY be able to redeem the animal from us if they contact us before we call the
Animal Control Officer. After the call is made, all fines, charges, and other costs must be handled through them.
To avoid these problems:
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME !!!
The Schultz Family and the Staff of Horse Pens 40 wishes to thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation.
We love all animals, and we can only attempt to make good decisions for the benefit of those creatures under our care. Respectful
comments are always welcome. All comments, both positive and negative, will be read and considered, but will not necessarily
recieve a reply.
Take care, and if you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thanks again,
and we hope to see you soon up on the mountain.
The Schultz Family
and the Staff of
Horse Pens 40
horsepens40@aol.com
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