The fact is, the worst case scenarios described before the slaughterhouses in the U.S. were shut down have played out.
Without a viable option for handing the surplus,
there is nothing left to do with some
there is nothing left to do with some
unwanted horses but let them die.
Before you try to argue, remember that these horses are often owned—even "rescued"—by lower income families who otherwise would not own horses.
One third of horse owners have an annual
household income of $50,000 or less.
household income of $50,000 or less.
They received one or more free or very inexpensively. Due to one reason or another, they became unable to properly feed and care for them, and cannot afford the high cost of euthanasia. The cost of feed and fuel have skyrocketed, impacting the many costs associated with horse ownership. Now, one cannot even be assured that a healthy horse will fetch $100 at auction, and the fate of an older or injured horse is even more grim.
They are being neglected.
They are being abandoned, turned loose.
So many are being given away in desperation,
rescue organizations are turning them away.
They are being abandoned, turned loose.
So many are being given away in desperation,
rescue organizations are turning them away.
The articles I post will support my view of the slaughter ban. Yes, this blog is biased.
I believe that the ban
has directly caused
the needless suffering,
neglect and starvation of
many American horses.
has directly caused
the needless suffering,
neglect and starvation of
many American horses.
At the expense of lost American jobs, and lost revenue.
Tens of thousands of surplus horses in the domestic population increase the cost of feed and other necessities, and decrease the value of the individual animals.
Tens of thousands of surplus horses in the domestic population increase the cost of feed and other necessities, and decrease the value of the individual animals.
You are welcome to agree or disagree, and comment accordingly. But, play nice.
Many of the articles were found at avma.org
XP—
2 comments:
I love horses and have loved them from early childhood. That being said, I believe they need to lift the ban on horse slaughter. In a perfect world, this sort of thing wouldn't be needed, but this world isn't perfect. Not only are horses being starved to death or abandoned, horses are also being transported over both the north and south borders to slaughter houses that are not bound by the 'humane' treatment rules we had here for our slaughterhouses. This means that the horses are still being slaughtered, however before they are, they endure long cramped rides over the borders. If they survive the ride (which many don't), they are delivered to slaughter houses that are not governed in there treatment and disposal of animals. If somehow a horse I preliously owned ended up going to a slaughter house, I would rather it be here than across the border. I personally hope and pray that I never end up in a position requiring me to make hard choices regarding my equine companion, other than a humane end to a long and fruitful life.
If you don’t believe most Americans view their horses as pets just take a look at the billion dollar industry that produces items just for us to pamper our horses. Growing up with a cattle farm I learned at an early age that horses are more intelligent and social beings compared to cows. Temple Grandin’s plan to have a rescue, rejuvenation and slaughter program is considered unrealistic by horse slaughter proponents. They fear to meet her standards, to actually make it more humane (you can't slaughter a horse humanely) would make it impossible to make a profit so is it really about the welfare of the horse or making a profit? Her plan is the best solution so far but how is it going to be funded?
People ask why is killing a horse any different than killing a deer? There are dozens of hunting shows you can watch all day long showing hunters killing deer and different ways to process it. When news agencies report on horse slaughter they have to warn the public of it’s graphic nature. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE. Plus, it’s not what happens to the horse after it’s dead, it’s how it’s treated before and during the slaughter. We are not telling what other countries should eat but why should we let them eat our pets? If that's the case then lets turn dog pounds into auctions so people can make money sending them to Korea? Americans don't eat their pets.
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