The Mooseville Inn stands by its liability policy despite recent scrutiny from a guest after his horse died while hitched to a light post outside the hotel.
Ian Keeper, Mooseville Inn Manager, says the policy is self-explanatory.
"We just can't be liable for any goods our guests bring to the hotel," Keeper said. "Whether that's a horse, jewelry, or an iPad. We make that crystal clear to all our guests when they check in."
Dusty Bottoms, a recent guest at the Mooseville Inn, says the policy is confusing.
"The statement at the front desk reads to me like they will cover the cost of any live animal should it get injured," Bottoms claims. "That horse was my transportation. Now how am I going to get to work?"
The horse had been tied to a light post for the night, but according to Bottoms, it had plenty of food and water and although it was old, it was in fairly good health.
"What kind of world do we live in where you can't leave your horse parked in front of a hotel," said Bottoms. "It's just not right."
According to Keeper, a bell hop found the horse dead yesterday morning.
"We informed Mr. Bottoms of his horse's death and we comped his room for the night. We're very sorry this happened, but there's not much more we can do."
Bottoms has sought legal counsel on the matter.
"I can't comment on the specifics of the case," said Mooseville Attorney, Perry Legal. "But, I will say that we're looking into it and will decide next week if we're going to file a suit against the Inn."
In the meantime, the Mooseville Inn continues to inform guests about its liability policy.
"Please, if you bring a horse to our hotel know that we will tend to it as best as we can, but we're not experts on animal care. We don't have a vet on staff and we just won't be able to handle situations with animals should they turn life threatening."
The Mooseville Inn has had its current liability policy since it opened in 1974. This is the first time a horse, or any other animal, has died on its premises.
Story by Lensy Shutters
Lensy Shutters studies Mass Communications at Mooseville University and is interning with us.
Ian Keeper, Mooseville Inn Manager, says the policy is self-explanatory.
"We just can't be liable for any goods our guests bring to the hotel," Keeper said. "Whether that's a horse, jewelry, or an iPad. We make that crystal clear to all our guests when they check in."
Dusty Bottoms, a recent guest at the Mooseville Inn, says the policy is confusing.
"The statement at the front desk reads to me like they will cover the cost of any live animal should it get injured," Bottoms claims. "That horse was my transportation. Now how am I going to get to work?"
The horse had been tied to a light post for the night, but according to Bottoms, it had plenty of food and water and although it was old, it was in fairly good health.
"What kind of world do we live in where you can't leave your horse parked in front of a hotel," said Bottoms. "It's just not right."
According to Keeper, a bell hop found the horse dead yesterday morning.
"We informed Mr. Bottoms of his horse's death and we comped his room for the night. We're very sorry this happened, but there's not much more we can do."
Bottoms has sought legal counsel on the matter.
"I can't comment on the specifics of the case," said Mooseville Attorney, Perry Legal. "But, I will say that we're looking into it and will decide next week if we're going to file a suit against the Inn."
In the meantime, the Mooseville Inn continues to inform guests about its liability policy.
"Please, if you bring a horse to our hotel know that we will tend to it as best as we can, but we're not experts on animal care. We don't have a vet on staff and we just won't be able to handle situations with animals should they turn life threatening."
The Mooseville Inn has had its current liability policy since it opened in 1974. This is the first time a horse, or any other animal, has died on its premises.
Story by Lensy Shutters
Lensy Shutters studies Mass Communications at Mooseville University and is interning with us.
