Please pass this important article on to all you know. The Senate is set to vote on the bill to end horse slaughter in this country on Sept. 7th. Please spread the word and please contact your State Senators to let them know how you want them to vote on this bill to end horse slaughter in this country. The horses need your help NOW!
Thank you!
BJ
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SAVING THE HORSES
Americans Wake Up To Equine Abuse
BY ALICYN LEIGH 08/31/2006 10:45 am
Cruel abuse of horses: One has
severe facial and head injuries.
Imagine traveling to Japan, Belgium or France, sitting down to dine in a fine restaurant and finding that the special on the menu is American Thoroughbred.
In 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 94,037 horses were slaughtered for human consumption at the three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants in this country (two in Texas and one in Illinois).
Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), says he believes the numbers are even greater than that.
"An additional 34,796 horses were exported to Canada, Japan or Mexico for slaughter," he explains. "So, in total, an outstanding 128,833 American horses were slaughtered for food, either within or outside the United States."
Severe equine abuse occurs every day, as these magnificent, intelligent animals continue to be betrayed by humans. According to USDA statistics, seven out of every 11 horses will be slaughtered, says Christine Berry, president and founder of the Equine Protection Network (EPN) in Friedensburg, Pa. Horses have given their lives to the human race for centuries, and have served in wartime, in law enforcement, as carriage horses for transport, providing therapy for the disabled, providing companionship and so much more.
Money is what many experts say is the reason behind abuse and slaughter. A horse sold at auction in America for 40 cents per pound can rake in up to $15 per pound on the retail market. European restaurants charge as much as $40 for a horsemeat entrée.
"When the combination of money and horses come together, our horses suffer," states the EPN's Berry.
Serving It Up
The three [FOREIGN OWNED] U.S. slaughterhouses that export horsemeat for human consumption are Cavel International, in DeKalb, Ill., owned by Velda N.V. of Brussels; Beltex, in Fort Worth, is owned by Multimeat N.V., also of Brussels; and Dallas Crown, in Kaufman, Texas, is owned by the French company Chevideco. The slaughterhouses have had an effect that goes beyond their borders, though: For several years, people who live in Kaufman have complained of the health hazards. One resident stated that she finds horse blood "in my bathtubs, sink and toilets," a result of the blood spills and overflows that clog up the local wastewater treatment plant and septic systems. The complaints have led a city commission to unanimously rule that the plant be closed by September.
Billionaire oilman and Texas rancher T. Boone Pickens and his wife, Madeleine,[owner/breeder of racehorse ROCK HARD TEN, etc.] heard about horse slaughter for human consumption four months ago, while aiding in the rescue of some 800 pets from Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
Pickens says that "horse slaughterhouses receive USDA oversight that costs taxpayers millions of dollars—all for horsemeat that is sold and consumed as a delicacy in high-dollar markets and restaurants in Europe and Japan."
Apparently, these slaughterhouses use accounting loopholes to pay little or no taxes, shipping 100 percent of the horsemeat and the profits abroad. The largest customers are France, Belgium and Italy. The plants sell to importing companies that are owned by their own parent corporations, and thus adjust their income so as to avoid paying American taxes.
"Last year the Dallas Crown slaughter plant in Kaufman, Texas, paid only $3 in taxes," says John M. Holland, an independent horse advocate from Shawsville, Va. To add insult to injury, after the HSUS prompted Congress to cut the funding for equine slaughterhouse inspectors, the USDA avoided those good intentions by "permitting slaughterhouses to pay for their own independent inspectors," according to Markarian.
ACTOR PAUL SORVINO -
Racehorse-rescuer Paul Sorvino with,br> 5-year-old Mr. Quick, who is being,br> trained as a children's riding horse.
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA)/H.R. 503
Pickens testified on July 25 before the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce subcommittee in support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HSPA) (H.R. 503), a strongly bipartisan bill designed to end the slaughter of horses in this country, as well as their export, for human consumption.
"Horse slaughter is un-American. It's a black eye on our nation that demands action," says Pickens.
At present, the AHSPA has about 180 co-sponsors in the house, but U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) has yet to let it out of committee. And time is running out on this bill.
"People can help by contacting their representatives and telling them that it is unconscionable that a bill with such overwhelming bipartisan support both from the people and Congress should be blocked by a few powerful men at the behest of a group of foreign-owned companies," pleads Holland. The vote on H.R. 503 is scheduled in the House of Representatives for Sept. 7, and then the Senate will vote.
Responsible Racehorse Ownership
Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, ended up in a slaughterhouse in 2002, with his highly prized meat ending up on a table in Japan. Chris E. Wittstruck, Esq., founder of the Racehorse Ownership Institute at Hofstra University, in Hempstead, teaches responsibility through his invaluable program, the only course available for Thoroughbred and Standard-bred racehorse owners. Wittstruck also
discusses issues relevant to estates and the fate of horses in disability and their disposition at death. He reflects on how Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro shattered his leg at the Preakness and says: "People who would send a dozen roses to Barbaro wouldn't give a damn about the horse who pulled up lame yesterday at their local
racing oval."
Wittstruck's continuous mantra is that if you want to buy a racehorse,
the last thing you should do is buy a racehorse. One needs to first be immersed in every aspect of the business and industry (tax, insurance, licensing, acquisitions, claiming, auctions, race conditions, illness, injury, etc.).
"My course includes raising awareness—that responsibilities don't end once the racing career is over," says Wittstruck. "You have a 1,000-pound living animal. It needs constant care and attention. What provisions are you making that it won't fall into the hands of killers when taken to auction?"
The Road To Slaughter
Equine Protection Network founder Berry began her quest in 1995, determined to make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and slaughter-bound horses. Berry says that she founded the EPN after she witnessed the violation of New York law regarding the transport of horses in double-deck cattle trailers, known as "torture trailers," and what she describes as horrible living conditions for horses at the New Holland Sales Stables (NHSS) in New Holland, Pa.
"I could not understand why hundreds of weekly visitors to the NHSS stood by doing nothing, while sick, injured and lame horses were loaded into inhumane trailers," says Berry. Privately owned NHSS is the largest public horse sale facility on the East Coast. Approximately 200 to 400 horses, depending on the time of year and the
market, go to the sale weekly, and 25 percent to 40 percent of them are bought directly by so-called "killer buyers," for slaughter.
"New Holland may be the largest sale of its kind east of the Mississippi, but it is not the only one," shares Berry, who has many disturbing memories of the animal abuse she has witnessed. She's seen horses being loaded onto double-deck trailers, horses whipped viciously in the face (two pony mares actually spun around and ran over their foals) and more. She has seen horses that had broken legs or untreated injuries, as well as some who were emaciated
and nothing more than skeletons. She saw one downed horse on the ground, crippled and in so much pain that he could not rise to drink.
Celebs To The Rescue
Amanda Sorvino and her dad, well-known actor Paul Sorvino, have been rescuing large canines for the past five years.
Referring to the image of sides of beef hanging in a meat locker, accomplished horsewoman Amanda says, "Since we moved to a 58-acre equine compound in rural Pennsylvania, we've been sparing ex-racehorses a hanger at the meat locker, with our new organization called HorseFellas, a privately owned division of www.dogfellas.net."
HorseFellas offers lodging, pasture, training, rehabilitation and advanced vet care to once slaughter-bound Thorough-breds and Standardbreds. Some of the horses are being retrained to become hildren's riding and show horses by HorseFellas trainer Valerie Wierzbicki.
"The horses will then be adopted out to approved homes. The others, having sustained serious injuries on the track, will either remain in the family or be adopted out to 'friend and pasture' homes," says Amanda.
Paul Sorvino sends a message to the horse show kids and their families: "Never obtain a horse that you do not intend to keep forever. If your horse is no longer 'in the ribbons,' don't get rid of it to make room for your next horse. Make sure it gets placed in a reputable home."
Amanda and Paul do know of some trainers/owners, such as friend Bob Kotenko, an ex-jockey-turned trainer from Penn National, Pa., who places slow runners or injured horses in new homes after their time is up at the track. But the Sorvinos still believe that "horseracing is not the sport of kings, but the sport of death."
"It's a black mark against a society that is so empathetic towards a near Triple Crown winner, but turns a blind eye to the plight of less accomplished racehorses," says Paul. "These lesser lights [horses] suffer injuries every day at tracks across America and land in slaughter plants like Dallas Crown. If a horse can't race its way to the Triple Crown, it could end up at Dallas Crown."
A pinto horsehide coming off
the Dallas Crown slaughterhouse conveyor.
Premarin Mares
Holland, a lifelong horse owner who works with many humane groups, became an outspoken opponent of horse slaughter in 2003. He and his wife, Sheilah, read a story about the plight of the pregnant mares' urine (PMU) horses used to create Premarin, a female horse urine-based drug used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease the symptoms of menopause in women.
"We decided to adopt a PMU mare from a site run by United Animal
Nations. The mare was so undernourished that she lost her foal in transport to our farm," Holland says. The HSUS estimates that there are at least 50,000 production mares on the 500 PMU farms in North America.
Peter Touham (not his real name), an undercover investigator who works on
animal-abuse-related issues, became more aware of the abuse of Premarin horses when he was sent to North Dakota and Canada to do a full-scale investigation. There, he learned just how bad a life Premarin mares must endure.
"I became an advocate for Premarin horses while in the course of doing an investigation into Premarin," he says. Mares used to produce Premarin (named for its source, pregnant mares' urine) are usually either Percherons, Belgians, Quarter Horses or some combination thereof, who are tied up to a urine collection device for at least 150 straight days, starting in September every year.
"In order to produce PMU, mares are impregnated and confined to tiny stalls for the duration of their pregnancy," describes Touham.
At the PMU farms, urine is collected from mares of all ages chained inside narrow stalls who are forced to stand on concrete floors and unable to turn around. A harness keeps them held in place to a rubber collection cup, and they sometimes get so tired that they go down but are unable to avoid lying in their own feces. There is little or no hoof care. "I have personally seen cases where the front hooves have been so neglected that they grow out and curl back up," says Touham.
Women can help to prevent the abuse of female horses by asking their physicians or gynecologists not to prescribe Premarin. Instead, women can choose from other hormone replacement drugs not manufactured from the urine of pregnant mares.
"Alternative choices made synthetically, such as Cenestin, Estratab, Estraderm or Ortho-Est, do have similar efficacy when used to treat hypoestrogenic [estrogen-
deficient] states," says Dr. Jill Rabin, chief of ambulatory care at the obstetrics and gynecology department of Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park.
Premarin Proof Positive
Equestrian enthusiast Lesli Hiller has been in the saddle for more than 30 years. Every day, she rides a privately owned horse, stabled at North Shore Equestrian Center in Greenvale. Her experiences are unique because the horse she rides, Oatmeal, was a Premarin foal. Hiller has been riding and caring for Oatmeal since he was 3 years old; he is now 5. She says that horses "can be highly intelligent. Oatmeal knows words such as 'good boy' and he knows what 'back' means [to back up]." If she repeats an exercise more than once he gets it right away. Oatmeal also knows his grooming routine and picks up his feet for cleaning even before she asks for his hoof. Hiller says she is inspired to be with these gentle giants because she "really loves them. Once they know you, it's like having a big dog. When you are riding, there is a level of trust I have for the horse, and vice versa: We are one. And when I am on his back, he does anything I ask him to do—it is truly an amazing feeling," says Hiller.
Because Oatmeal was not raised in
normal conditions—his mother was unable to move about while her urine was being collected—he has quirks. "He will not let anyone else get on him to ride him, and his temperament can be unruly," says Hiller.
A white horse with an extensive
head wound awaits slaughter
with other horses at the Dallas Crown plant.
What To Do
Equine abuse must stop. Every horse deserves to be treated with kindness and respect for all that the animal has given to society throughout time.
"Issues like slaughter and rescue don't usually present well unless somebody is doing a Sally Struthers-like 'Save the Children' exposé," states the Racehorse Ownership Institute's Wittstruck. The EPN's Berry advises those who still don't see the harm in animal abuse to read the book Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell, which encourages people to treat animals with less cruelty. She says, "In Black Beauty, the character, Joe Green, recognized Beauty and brought him home from the auction. But for 5 million American horses, including Ferdinand and Excellor [a champion racehorse who was sent to a slaughterhouse in Sweden], there was no Joe Green at the auction—and they were forced with whips and electric cattle prods onto double-deck cattle trailers on a one-way ride into hell, forgotten and betrayed by the owners they gave their lives for."
Rally Date: The HSUS is holding a national rally to stop horse slaughter at
10 a.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 5, on Capitol Hill. See: www.rallyforhorses.com.
Help The Horses Now!
After voters approved a 1998 law outlawing the killing of horses for human consumption, California became the first and only state in the country to ban the practice.
1) Get active in the anti-horse slaughter movement in the political arena, and support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA/H.R. 503):
http://www.HR857.com
2) Contact members of Congress directly at www.hsus.org/horses.
3) Fund lobbyists who will fight to end the slaughter of American horses.
4) Adopt a slaughter-bound horse or send monetary donations: See www.dogfellas.net, click on SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5 and meet five slaughter-bound horses in need of approved homes.
5) Contact Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Inc., at 1-800-666-7248, to express your outrage over Premarin production methods.
6) Stop traveling to foreign countries that consume the most horsemeat, such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Mexico.
7) Web Sources:
• Equine Protection Network (EPN), Christine Berry, president and founder,
P.O. Box 232, Friedensburg, PA 17933, Phone: 570-345-6440, E-mail: [email protected],
www.equineprotectionnetwork.com
and www.saveamericashorses.com
• Standardbred Retirement Foundation, www.adoptahorse.org
• Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER): www.canterusa.org
• Racehorse Ownership Institute, Chris E. Wittstruck, Coordinator, Hofstra University/250, College for Continuing Education, Hempstead, NY 11549-2500, 516-463-5993, E-mail: [email protected],
www.hofstra.edu/Academics/UCCE/ucceBusi ... ership.cfm
• T. Boone and Madeleine Pickens, (aka Madeleine Paulson, Owner/Breeder ROCK HARD TEN)
www.endhorseslaughtering.com
John M. Holland, independent horse advocate, works with AWI, HSUS, UAN and other groups. P.O. Box 386, Shawsville, VA 24162, 540-268-5693,
E-mail: [email protected]
• The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, 202-452-1100, www.hsus.org
Long Island Press ARTICLE everyone should read...
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
The information in this piece is exaggerated, inflammatory and outdated.
There was legislation last winter cutting off USDA funding for inspectors for horse slaughter inspection. That is now paid for by the plants.
I researched and wrote an article on this topic some time ago. At that time the statistics I found, provable numbers, indicated that of the animals going to slaughter, approximately 68% were Quarter Horses. About 12% were Paints, 6% Thoroughbred, and the other 14% very mixed. Given that approximately 50,000 Thoroughbreds are born each year in the US, that would translate to about 1,500 Thoroughbreds per year headed to the killer plant. Who knows where that 7 out of 11 came from.
Dallas Crown, in Kaufman TX, produce "horse in a bag" fed by zoos and wildlife centers to their resident carnivores. Lions don't eat Meow Mix.
Thoroughbreds are not a horse of choice for human consumption. Too much bone and too little flesh -- the bulk of the horses going for human consumption are Quarter Horses.
There was legislation last winter cutting off USDA funding for inspectors for horse slaughter inspection. That is now paid for by the plants.
I researched and wrote an article on this topic some time ago. At that time the statistics I found, provable numbers, indicated that of the animals going to slaughter, approximately 68% were Quarter Horses. About 12% were Paints, 6% Thoroughbred, and the other 14% very mixed. Given that approximately 50,000 Thoroughbreds are born each year in the US, that would translate to about 1,500 Thoroughbreds per year headed to the killer plant. Who knows where that 7 out of 11 came from.
Dallas Crown, in Kaufman TX, produce "horse in a bag" fed by zoos and wildlife centers to their resident carnivores. Lions don't eat Meow Mix.
Thoroughbreds are not a horse of choice for human consumption. Too much bone and too little flesh -- the bulk of the horses going for human consumption are Quarter Horses.
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
1. I believe the statement was "seven out of every 11 horses will be slaughtered" NOT 7 of 11 thoroughbreds.
2. The numbers of actual horses being slaughtered is much higher than being reported.
a) The slaughter plants are playing a lovely game of tax evasion, (as are all the "middle men" facilitating the slaughter industry, INCLUDING SOME WELL KNOWN TRAINERS);
b) The USDA is really good at looking the other way AS EVIDENCED BY their ability to circumvent the will of the people and ALLOW horse slaughter to continue by allowing these FOREIGN OWNED PLANTS to PAY a minimal fee for meat inspectors, where the Federal government provided them, courtesy of the U.S. Taxpayer previously.
No matter what the views of anyone here, it is a horrid INHUMANE practice to slaughter horses. The breeding of these animals is out of control and ANYONE who thinks they should be ALLOWED to fall back on such a horrid practice to control the horse population is SOULESS
If you breed it into existence, YOU are responsible for how it ends its life. It isn't as if once it reaches a certain age, a horse can take care of itself.
I'm really glad and grateful to see some high class owners and breeders taking a stand to end slaughter and place the responsibility for the horse where it belongs...WITH THE PEOPLE THAT USE THEM and BREED THEM FOR PROFIT, whether or not that profit is ever realized.
2. The numbers of actual horses being slaughtered is much higher than being reported.
a) The slaughter plants are playing a lovely game of tax evasion, (as are all the "middle men" facilitating the slaughter industry, INCLUDING SOME WELL KNOWN TRAINERS);
b) The USDA is really good at looking the other way AS EVIDENCED BY their ability to circumvent the will of the people and ALLOW horse slaughter to continue by allowing these FOREIGN OWNED PLANTS to PAY a minimal fee for meat inspectors, where the Federal government provided them, courtesy of the U.S. Taxpayer previously.
No matter what the views of anyone here, it is a horrid INHUMANE practice to slaughter horses. The breeding of these animals is out of control and ANYONE who thinks they should be ALLOWED to fall back on such a horrid practice to control the horse population is SOULESS
If you breed it into existence, YOU are responsible for how it ends its life. It isn't as if once it reaches a certain age, a horse can take care of itself.
I'm really glad and grateful to see some high class owners and breeders taking a stand to end slaughter and place the responsibility for the horse where it belongs...WITH THE PEOPLE THAT USE THEM and BREED THEM FOR PROFIT, whether or not that profit is ever realized.
You honestly believe 7 out of 11 horses will be slaughtered? 
The problem with casually bandying around over the top and impossible statistics is that people will look, well, over the top and irrational. And if they know that the figures are wrong and impossible, they look like liars. And no matter how good the cause is, most people don't want to be lied to.
If in fact 7 out of 11 horses are being disposed of through slaughter, we'll be hip deep in horses if we stop the practice. This is exactly what the slaughter industry has been saying all along so these people just handed them another argument.
The problem with casually bandying around over the top and impossible statistics is that people will look, well, over the top and irrational. And if they know that the figures are wrong and impossible, they look like liars. And no matter how good the cause is, most people don't want to be lied to.
If in fact 7 out of 11 horses are being disposed of through slaughter, we'll be hip deep in horses if we stop the practice. This is exactly what the slaughter industry has been saying all along so these people just handed them another argument.
Sysonby wrote:You honestly believe 7 out of 11 horses will be slaughtered?
You honestly believe they won't?
Sysonby wrote:The problem with casually bandying around over the top and impossible statistics is that people will look, well, over the top and irrational. And if they know that the figures are wrong and impossible, they look like liars. And no matter how good the cause is, most people don't want to be lied to.
I don't think there is anything "casual" about the anti-horse slaughter movement, nor the statistics. Personally, I don't care (nor do most people who CARE AT ALL) if it is one horse or 100,000, or any number in-between. The practice is wrong and inhumane to the horse, who is bred for MANY PURPOSES to benefit man and society. It is about time man and society takes responsibility for that which it creates.
Sysonby wrote:If in fact 7 out of 11 horses are being disposed of through slaughter, we'll be hip deep in horses if we stop the practice.
So then, by all means, lets continue to compound the problem by ignoring it and letting it continue, because heaven forbid that those creating these animals for their own purpose, should have to be part of the solution to stop the inhumane slaughter of them to solve their irresponsible breeding of them.
I might also add, the racing industry fosters a good portion of the illegal immigrant population, another practice out of control in this country. But nothing has been done about that for decades either...now look at what we have because no one was willing to stand up and do something about it.
I think the majority of Americans are getting pretty fed up with the status quo.
hi BJ
Thanks for caring...and for sharing the article.
I have copied a portion of it below...
I sense it might be fair to say that for most (if not all) who love horses, the thought of such an end is very sad...to say the least.
That said...I ask most respectfully, what do you envision for, or recommend be done with, ALL of the horses that would otherwise be slaughtered, in the event there is an end to the practice, in the USA anyway?
Respectfully
Thanks for caring...and for sharing the article.
I have copied a portion of it below...
SAVING THE HORSES
Americans Wake Up To Equine Abuse
BY ALICYN LEIGH 08/31/2006 10:45 am wrote:In 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 94,037 horses were slaughtered for human consumption at the three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants in this country (two in Texas and one in Illinois).
Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), says he believes the numbers are even greater than that.
"An additional 34,796 horses were exported to Canada, Japan or Mexico for slaughter," he explains. "So, in total, an outstanding 128,833 American horses were slaughtered for food, either within or outside the United States
I sense it might be fair to say that for most (if not all) who love horses, the thought of such an end is very sad...to say the least.
That said...I ask most respectfully, what do you envision for, or recommend be done with, ALL of the horses that would otherwise be slaughtered, in the event there is an end to the practice, in the USA anyway?
Respectfully
FOS wrote:hi BJ
Thanks for caring...and for sharing the article.
I have copied a portion of it below...SAVING THE HORSES
Americans Wake Up To Equine Abuse
BY ALICYN LEIGH 08/31/2006 10:45 am wrote:In 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 94,037 horses were slaughtered for human consumption at the three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants in this country (two in Texas and one in Illinois).
Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), says he believes the numbers are even greater than that.
"An additional 34,796 horses were exported to Canada, Japan or Mexico for slaughter," he explains. "So, in total, an outstanding 128,833 American horses were slaughtered for food, either within or outside the United States
I sense it might be fair to say that for most (if not all) who love horses, the thought of such an end is very sad...to say the least.
That said...I ask most respectfully, what do you envision for, or recommend be done with, ALL of the horses that would otherwise be slaughtered, in the event there is an end to the practice, in the USA anyway?
Respectfully
Let's see...
How did the government begin to take care of the unwanted dog and cat population? Why can't that model be used to humanely handle the unwanted horse?
I am not so naive as to think there will be homes for all of them, but with multi-levels of accountability for these animals along the way, JUST AS IS REQUIRED for our smaller animals, it can be done and it should be done.
It isn't going to be easy and it will take cooperation, and yes, the dreaded laws and regulations to hold those who breed and own these animals for PROFIT to provide for a humane end for them via a breeding and licensing tax. For industries such as racing, a portion of the earnings should be taxed for that.
For every person who cries that they wouldn't be able to afford to stay in the business IF they had to be responsible for humanely caring for and disposing of their unwanted horses...I SAY GOOD...GET THE HECK OUT OF THE BUSINESS!
I must respectfully ask YOU FOS, and any other person who regularly enjoys watching the races, HOW CAN YOU watch and bet on these beautiful animals, yet do nothing to see to their humane end? Saying you care, and being willing to do something about it, are two entirely different things. Much like the difference between a couch potato and a Running Back.
Believe me, if people in the horse industries wanted to see to the humane end of these animals, it would be done almost over night. It is the greed and total lack of conscience of the masses, in these industries, that maintain the status quo.
I think dealing with horse slaughter is much like dealing with millions of illegal immigrants coming across our borders yearly...People have ALLOWED it for so long, they don't know how to fix it. START BY STOPPING IT!
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KamiBrooks
- Starters Handicap
- Posts: 575
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 12:00 am
From http://www.horse-protection.org/
Here is a direct link to their 'take action' page http://www.horse-protection.org/info.php?id=84
There is a good white paper funded by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation that appears to have been published in 2003. The paper goes into some great explainations about factors that have influenced the numbers of horses slaughtered for human consumption and some common myths realted to horse slaughter (includng the 'glue factory' myth). It gives very interesting details about how much the slaughter industry does or does not profit and how they avoid taxes. Most interestingly, it also details the cost factors affecting killer buyers. Given the content, hopefully the one good thing that will come of high gas prices will be that killer buyers can't make a profit anymore.
The paper is 55 pages long and can be found at http://www.trfinc.org/news/TRF_WhitePaper.pdf I think it is a very good read.
The only numbers I've seen close to 7 of 11 is that 7 of 10 AMERICANS are against slaughter (and I believe this is actually Texans). Those numbers are coming from Oil Tycoon, T. Boone Pickens' campaign against horse slaughter that begun in mid-July of this year. You can see is efforts at http://www.endhorseslaughtering.com
FOS wrote:
The paper also addresses this concern.
Kami
A vote is expected to take place on September 7, 2006 on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
Sponsored in the House by Congressional Horse Caucus Co-chair John Sweeney (R-NY), Representative John Spratt, Jr. (D-SC), Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) the Act will end the slaughter of horses for human consumption and the domestic and international transport of live horses or horseflesh for the same purpose. Just last year, over 90,000 horses were slaughtered in the three foreign-owned horse slaughter facilities located in Texas and Illinois
Here is a direct link to their 'take action' page http://www.horse-protection.org/info.php?id=84
There is a good white paper funded by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation that appears to have been published in 2003. The paper goes into some great explainations about factors that have influenced the numbers of horses slaughtered for human consumption and some common myths realted to horse slaughter (includng the 'glue factory' myth). It gives very interesting details about how much the slaughter industry does or does not profit and how they avoid taxes. Most interestingly, it also details the cost factors affecting killer buyers. Given the content, hopefully the one good thing that will come of high gas prices will be that killer buyers can't make a profit anymore.
The paper is 55 pages long and can be found at http://www.trfinc.org/news/TRF_WhitePaper.pdf I think it is a very good read.
The only numbers I've seen close to 7 of 11 is that 7 of 10 AMERICANS are against slaughter (and I believe this is actually Texans). Those numbers are coming from Oil Tycoon, T. Boone Pickens' campaign against horse slaughter that begun in mid-July of this year. You can see is efforts at http://www.endhorseslaughtering.com
FOS wrote:
That said...I ask most respectfully, what do you envision for, or recommend be done with, ALL of the horses that would otherwise be slaughtered, in the event there is an end to the practice, in the USA anyway?
The paper also addresses this concern.
Kami
Last edited by KamiBrooks on Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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KamiBrooks
- Starters Handicap
- Posts: 575
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 12:00 am
aztmccdc wrote:
Actually because the USDA grading system downgrades beef that is bruised and requires the scrapping of meat that is torn up (as in from trauma), there has been a lot of research in how to design and build cattle facilities that get them through the process with as little distress as possible to maintain the quality of the meat produced. There is a woman who has become famous for the design of cattle processing plants and a lot of money has been spent tearing down old style systems to build these newly designed facilities. All of theses newly designed systems include rounded solid walls to guide the animals through the process while limiting their visual stimuli.
I have never seen solid wall chute systems in any photos of horse processing plants, so suspect they are simply cattle facilities that have been converted. Horses are much more flight oriented and reactive than cattle. Add to that a captive bolt gun system designed for cattle who have limited head movement and often not used correctly for horses who can thrash their head wildly. Add to that that there is no USDA grading system involved in horse meat (so bruising is not a factor to them).
Now, consider that the cattle industry cannot meet its own humane kill standards (as published by the USDA) for cattle in facilities designed specifically to slaughter cattle (this is documented annually). Do you really think that a horse being processed in an old-style facility using techniques designed for a completely different species have a chance of humane treatement?
Not to mention the inhumane transportation that they endure as a part of this industry. The use of overcroweded double decker trailers (totally suitable for cattle). The loading of animals of various sizes from ponies to drafts into one trailer (not common in cattle). Most states do not require shelter, food or water for horses being held in feed lots for slaughter and there is no limit on how long they can be held under those conditions.
The humane transport of an average pleasure horse requires they are checked every 4 hours and provide water/food on a routine basis. A horse that is 'bound for slaughter' can go 28 hours w/o food water, only has to be checked every 6 hours while in transit, and THE TRANSPORTER self certifies that he's met those poor standards (as in no one else makes sure the animals are cared for). Despite the fact that double decker trailers have been illegal in some states, they continue to pull them over (because a single deck trailer simply is not profitable). One state (I believe NY) has just recently increased the fines significantly because the haulers appear to think it was worth it to gamble on getting caught under the old fines.
Kami
I don't get it. If we ban horse slaughter then we should also ban all livestock slaughter. I believe cattle and other livestock go through much more hell than the horses.
Actually because the USDA grading system downgrades beef that is bruised and requires the scrapping of meat that is torn up (as in from trauma), there has been a lot of research in how to design and build cattle facilities that get them through the process with as little distress as possible to maintain the quality of the meat produced. There is a woman who has become famous for the design of cattle processing plants and a lot of money has been spent tearing down old style systems to build these newly designed facilities. All of theses newly designed systems include rounded solid walls to guide the animals through the process while limiting their visual stimuli.
I have never seen solid wall chute systems in any photos of horse processing plants, so suspect they are simply cattle facilities that have been converted. Horses are much more flight oriented and reactive than cattle. Add to that a captive bolt gun system designed for cattle who have limited head movement and often not used correctly for horses who can thrash their head wildly. Add to that that there is no USDA grading system involved in horse meat (so bruising is not a factor to them).
Now, consider that the cattle industry cannot meet its own humane kill standards (as published by the USDA) for cattle in facilities designed specifically to slaughter cattle (this is documented annually). Do you really think that a horse being processed in an old-style facility using techniques designed for a completely different species have a chance of humane treatement?
Not to mention the inhumane transportation that they endure as a part of this industry. The use of overcroweded double decker trailers (totally suitable for cattle). The loading of animals of various sizes from ponies to drafts into one trailer (not common in cattle). Most states do not require shelter, food or water for horses being held in feed lots for slaughter and there is no limit on how long they can be held under those conditions.
The humane transport of an average pleasure horse requires they are checked every 4 hours and provide water/food on a routine basis. A horse that is 'bound for slaughter' can go 28 hours w/o food water, only has to be checked every 6 hours while in transit, and THE TRANSPORTER self certifies that he's met those poor standards (as in no one else makes sure the animals are cared for). Despite the fact that double decker trailers have been illegal in some states, they continue to pull them over (because a single deck trailer simply is not profitable). One state (I believe NY) has just recently increased the fines significantly because the haulers appear to think it was worth it to gamble on getting caught under the old fines.
Kami
BJ wrote:Let's see...
How did the government begin to take care of the unwanted dog and cat population? Why can't that model be used to humanely handle the unwanted horse?
*smacks forehead* THAT'S IT!! Build a block building with tiny facilities that the horses can be dropped off and put the accumulation in a gas chamber every week!!
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
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TBLADY
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has anyone actually read this bill...I MEAN ALL OF IT? Do you understand they will also if passed are going to CONTROL how you haul your personal horses???? Funny we as horseowners are only hearing about the SLAUGHTER part of this issue and not hearing about ALL of this issue. The GOV. is looking into placing harsh restrictions on animal transport. In Ny already you have to have a CDC (similar to a CDL) is even if you have a 2 horse trailer! So if you are backyard horse lover and want to go trail riding you better have a CDC just to haul up the road. This is just the start my friends. I feel any person hauling horses for a fee should have a CDL and the proper insurance....however if I'm hauling my own horses to the breeding shed or to even a local horse show??? COMEON!
I hate to see horses slaughtered...but...we can not have rescues take all of the unwantedl...unless euthanasia solution becomes free people arent going to properly euthanize their horses when they are no longer wanted, unless meat buyers even on the small time local level are outlwaed and heavily fined or punished...horses will still be bought for meat. Theres so much to be done in the BACKYARD/COMMERCIAL level of horsemenship before horse slaughter can be abolished. The AQHA produces and reg.s more horses then any other breed (or so they claim)last I checked a show horses career is limited in yrs just as a race horse...oh yeah the AQHA produces those too. as well as a slew of others disciplines....as does the Arab Assoc. the Warmbloods etc...the list oges on. Instead of bitchin and moaning about horse slaughter why not the breeders who are breeding aimlessly? How many USEFUL, SOUND and Properly conformed American warmbloods have you seen? This is a breed which can be regis. IF one of the parents meets their BREED LIST (most of which are DARAFT crosses).. Ahh more useless junk in the world....and you are upset about the PMU horses? At least they are serving a medical purpose!
Why is it...some people think if it can reproduce it should? Right here is a % of our problem.
Those who are 100% dead against slaughter...I ask. How many horses will you be taking in at your house? how many unwanted horses will you be caring for? I found it odd that certain religions cant eat certain meats...is it your religious belief to not eat horse meat? Or is it just personal? Here we raise cattle to consume. These other countries see thats its cheaper and easier to buy US horse meat then it is to raise their own for consumption...why you ask? BECAUSE WE HAVE TOO MANY!
I hate to see horses slaughtered...but...we can not have rescues take all of the unwantedl...unless euthanasia solution becomes free people arent going to properly euthanize their horses when they are no longer wanted, unless meat buyers even on the small time local level are outlwaed and heavily fined or punished...horses will still be bought for meat. Theres so much to be done in the BACKYARD/COMMERCIAL level of horsemenship before horse slaughter can be abolished. The AQHA produces and reg.s more horses then any other breed (or so they claim)last I checked a show horses career is limited in yrs just as a race horse...oh yeah the AQHA produces those too. as well as a slew of others disciplines....as does the Arab Assoc. the Warmbloods etc...the list oges on. Instead of bitchin and moaning about horse slaughter why not the breeders who are breeding aimlessly? How many USEFUL, SOUND and Properly conformed American warmbloods have you seen? This is a breed which can be regis. IF one of the parents meets their BREED LIST (most of which are DARAFT crosses).. Ahh more useless junk in the world....and you are upset about the PMU horses? At least they are serving a medical purpose!
Why is it...some people think if it can reproduce it should? Right here is a % of our problem.
Those who are 100% dead against slaughter...I ask. How many horses will you be taking in at your house? how many unwanted horses will you be caring for? I found it odd that certain religions cant eat certain meats...is it your religious belief to not eat horse meat? Or is it just personal? Here we raise cattle to consume. These other countries see thats its cheaper and easier to buy US horse meat then it is to raise their own for consumption...why you ask? BECAUSE WE HAVE TOO MANY!
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TBLADY
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here you go...read and enjoy 
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stori ... tory/08-30
-2006/0004424382&EDATE=
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stori ... tory/08-30
-2006/0004424382&EDATE=
Sigh ...7 out of 11 is 64 %. The horse population is 9.2 million. That means 5,888,000 horses will be slaughtered.
Are you kidding me? Even Hettinger puts the number at .07% (maybe some mathemathically challenged person thought that was 7 out of 11 )
http://www.saplonline.org/Legislation/a ... ses_go.htm
Incidentally, if you want an analysis without the lies and polemics (on both sides) our government has released one:
http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/06Jul/RS21842.pdf
Are you kidding me? Even Hettinger puts the number at .07% (maybe some mathemathically challenged person thought that was 7 out of 11
)
http://www.saplonline.org/Legislation/a ... ses_go.htm
Incidentally, if you want an analysis without the lies and polemics (on both sides) our government has released one:
http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/06Jul/RS21842.pdf