Response to equine slaughter plants

Comment

Comment by laura thomas on March 15, 2013 at 2:01pm

Unfortunately, because of government intervention(Wildhorse giveaway and the closure of slaughter plants) we are having to get out of the horse business and will no longer be breeding any. It's nice that you Have owned one horse--I guess we Have had the privilege of owning about 500 over the years. If slaughter plants were Regulated correctly, a bullet is what a horse Would get and I am all for Every possible measure taken for humane treatment up until the time of the bullet. However, slaughter plants are a Must – for Cattle, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, chickens and turkeys. If the animal-rights people win with regards to the horse industry, which animal are they going to say are too much of a pet next? Also, have you ever seen a horse put down with potassium chloride? The closure of slaughter plants has resulted in a terrible horse market, horses being turned out to fend for themselves, And horses being left to die of old age. Properly regulated slaughter plants with Proper oversight ensuring humane treatment and quick death Are a must. As stated, government intervention into private enterprise Is socialistic and does not belong here in United States.

Comment by Catherine on March 14, 2013 at 10:59pm

Sorry, they don't have to go to a slaughter house, even if unsafe, of which I've seen few, many more unsound, but can be brought back with patience and work.  I know.  My horse bowed a tendon, and I spent the next 9 months rehabbing her, slowly bu surely.  Trouble is most people are too impatient to take the time, but there are lots who will.  And, yes, I know all about end of life too, but then humanely euthanize them, the same way we do our dog and cat friends.  And, yes, I'd say a bullet over the ugliness of a slaughter house.  So, why were you breeding so many horses if you also feel there are way too many ending up in pitiful circumstances?  My mare had a national jumping champion as a father and was approved by the dutch verband as an acceptable mare to breed for a dutch warmblood, but I didn't.  Why?  Because I didn't want to risk her life or be unable to control the future of a baby even if I could have sold it for lots of money!

I agree that letting them go "free" to fend for themselves is as inhumane as the smells of the slaughter house.  My mare was bred to be sold, she wouldn't have known what to do in the "wild" and frankly, she didn't much care for puddles of water or lichen on rocks just the beginning of the list.  She would stop cold turkey in an indoor dressage arena (so no small arena) and snort until I would go find the thing that either was there that shouldn't be or put back what should have been there.  This happened once when she spotted a pull tab off a pop can in the arena chips 3/4 of the arena away.  To say observant would be an understatement.

Anyway, I just totally disagree with the use of slaughter for these blessed creatures!

Comment by laura thomas on March 14, 2013 at 1:14pm

I have been around animals all my life – mostly horses And cattle.. I was raised on a 400 head cow/calf operation and got my first horse When I was nine years old. In adult life, we had a small horse ranch with 30 broodmares and four stallions (And still run 15 mares. )I rode and showed all my life and raised my children on horses. Horses and cattle were/Are a huge part of our lives. In the last few years we also started accumulating a few goats. I can tell you that all animals have a personality and are precious. Granted, some more personable than others, but nevertheless, all life is precious. However, having said that, all life must come To an end – it is a sad fact of life. To think that there are enough facilities to take care of all unwanted horses is totally unrealistic. It would be interesting if you were here to add your Expertise to your comments. As an expert, I can tell you that most horses are not safe enough for the kind of facilities you are suggesting. Most horses that end up in a slaughter plant are either Unsafe, unsound, Or are too old To be productive in any kind of way. End-of-life is sad but it is a fact of life. Rather a bullet than to be left to start to death. By the way, turning a horse out to starve is the most inhumane thing I can think of or allowing a horse "Grow old and die ". I have witnessed it myself firsthand a couple of times and I can tell you that the horse would've much preferred a quick bullet.

Comment by Catherine on March 14, 2013 at 11:41am

There is a difference between a cow and a horse!  Ask any horseowner or rancher and they will tell you that.  Also, there is a place for older or unwanted horses and that is usually a rescue facility or therapeutic riding facility.  It does disabled and foster and inner city kids (and adults) wonders to be around a horse, feeding him/her, grooming, cleaning stalls and or exercising either aboard on the on the ground.  There isn't any need for this at all, and PETA is one of my least favorite organizations!

Comment by laura thomas on March 12, 2013 at 4:49pm

That was in Europe. The problem of keeping meat separated And correct as labeled – whether In Europe or in America, is definitely of a concern but it should have nothing to do with the closing or opening of the slaughter plants. If that were the case, we would have to close all types of slaughter plants – beef, pork, goat, ,chicken et cetera et cetera et cetera. Like I said, totally different problem – more of a FDA follow through on proper labeling. I just don't understand how any conservative Can be for a government takeover of any business that should be private enterprise – including horses. I agree with Whoever said it's an emotional issue not a mental one.

Comment by Thomas Hohenstein on March 12, 2013 at 4:31pm

I agree what all you said earlier. I was just thinking a step ahead in adding what I think others might also be concerned about with all the talk about a restaurant that had served horsemeat.

Comment by laura thomas on March 12, 2013 at 3:38pm

I do not want pork in my beefnor do I want to goat in my beef ,Nor do I want genetically modified chicken in my beef. I think these are two totally different discussions.

Comment by Thomas Hohenstein on March 12, 2013 at 2:51pm

I think people are more fearful of finding out that one day their beef burger has been tainted with horsemeat, or that beef roast they are eating is not beef.

 We do not want this crooked hateful government to try and pass off horsemeat or roadkill specials as our next new dietary regimen constructed bt the FDA like say the chinese eat cat. Bon Appetit I think NOT! ewww!

Comment by James Sandifer on March 12, 2013 at 1:57pm

AMEN to all of the above.  The reaction to close horse slaughter plants is purely emotional and no less cruel an any way than any other animal slaughtered for food.  On the contrary we in Texas have seen cases of animal cruelty and neglect increase dramatically because owners of horses have no way to dispose of old or crippled animals, or animals that they can no longer care for.  There are other uses for horse meat than for human consumption and the by-products (hides, etc.) make US slaughter houses necessary.  I for one would like to be able to buy a pair of horse hide work gloves, again. They were very durable.