The time has come for me to say something about copyrights.

Why? I am aware of at least two books as well as a newsletter, blogs and a website that just helped themselves to photos from my site.

They did not contact me for permission, they did not offer to purchase the rights to those photos, and you can bet that I will see no royalties from sales. Legal action? Sure, if you are doing it strictly out of principle; it is not usually worth anything more than that.

I was even accused of lying about selling the photo – on Google, no less – and not caring about horses by one author who published my photo in her book! This was as a response to an email from me that contained my usual quote: “My goal – as always – has been to do well by the horse. That usually is in the best interests of horsemen as well, though I know that what I say and do is not always (hardly ever!) appreciated in the short run.” James Rooney, DVM.

I do hope I get to meet her in person someday.

Why am I telling you this? So that you understand that because of individuals who do not respect other people’s property or rights, sometimes it is difficult to keep up the spirit of sharing.

I go to a lot of effort and expense to obtain educational photographs, so please respect my rights to those photos.

While writing my e-books, I have been diligent regarding permission for use of any photos I did not take.

If you are curious about who the offenders are, email me and I can put you in touch with them. Maybe they would be interested in your opinion about such forms of theft.

Thanks. Rant over.