Horse slaughtering

Washington Times ^ | Thursday, October 16, 2003 | By Christopher J. Heyde

[JohnHuang2]

Born on the lush bluegrass covered pastures of one of Kentucky's most famous Thoroughbred farms, Ferdinand would go on to become an American legend following his win at the 1986 Kentucky Derby and selection as the 1987 Horse of the Year. Yet, despite the lavish lifestyle and accolades afforded such a great champion, his life ended in a Japanese slaughterhouse to the horror of the American Thoroughbred industry.

[JohnHuang2]

Thursday, October 16, 2003

Quote of the Day by Southack

[fly_so_free]

Here'a a link to a great organization that rescues horses , and is also trying to get the slaughter of horses to stop. Lots of info about this subject there. Also- If anyone in So. Cal area likes to be around horses but doesn't have the time or money to keep one , they are always looking for volunteers to help with care for theirs. They rescue the Premarin foals from Canada too. (I know alot of women on Premarin would probally freak if they knew where it came from.) Anyway visit the site, (if your interested)-it's nice and the place is run by a great group of people. Here's a link http://www.unitedpegasus.com

[white trash redneck]

Last year alone, more than 42,000 horses were slaughtered right here in the United States, not for pet food, but to satisfy the human demand for the delicacy of horsemeat in countries such as France, Italy, Belgium and Japan.

Public support for ending horse slaughter is great. A survey conducted earlier this year found 72 percent of Texans opposed to horse slaughter.

Is this article for real, or is it a backhanded swipe at countries that sanctimoniously castigate us for our death penalty?

[lysie]

My 20 year old daughter adopted a colt from here....Prism PMU foals.

We have had him for 10 days....

He's (Bentley) the one on the right..getting aquainted with our PB.

[lysie]

What gets me about Premarin is there is a synthetic Premarin available that would eliminate the slaughtering of foals used for that purpose.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Last year alone, more than 42,000 horses were slaughtered right here in the United States, not for pet food, but to satisfy the human demand for the delicacy of horsemeat in countries such as France, Italy, Belgium and Japan.

BUMP

[China Clipper]

Last year alone, more than 42,000 horses were slaughtered right here in the United States, not for pet food, but to satisfy the human demand for the delicacy of horsemeat in countries such as France, Italy, Belgium and Japan.

And how many tens of thousands of cows were slaughtered? And chickens? What's the problem? Horses are cuter? These stories never fail to amuse me. I don't condone ANY cruelty to animals, but weren't animals placed here for our custody and needs? We don't have to be cruel, I surely agree, but folks, these animals are here for a reason. It's supposed to be that way.

[stainlessbanner]

fyi

[HairOfTheDog]

Thanks Stainless... This is to our shame....

The slaughter of the young premarin foals and the other young horses for human consumption breaks my heart...

But the slaughter of old friends for dog food.... Sold after 20 years service to man because they limp - The betrayal of our old friends once pampered and now crowded into kicking slaughter pens.... that rips my heart right out.

We would never give our old dogs away..... but good horse people trade up and throw out horses they have used up all the time. I try to change their mind on it as often as I can... Yeah - he's sound now at 18 years old. He will entertain a kid for a couple more years till he goes lame... what then? Where will they send him? I made a promise to mine.

[HairOfTheDog]

Horse ping....

Nebraska Trail rider.... I know I don't know you, I just saw your name on another thread.... Backcountry Horseman (woman ;~D) here, and trail rider.... click my profile for pictures of mine on trail.

[najida]

I have been on the synthetic HRT for years. And it is CHEAPER than Premarin.

[John O]

Animal=property=food

I don't see what the problem is. Of course I wouldn't eat horse (probably more of a cultural thing than anything else) but if the person who owns the horse wants to butcher it for dinner who am I to interfere with his property rights.

Now if the treatment of the horse causes the meat to be inedible or dangerous then that treatment needs to be stopped. But it needs to be stopped due to it's effect on humans NOT due to it's effect on the horse

[r9etb]

What's the problem? Horses are cuter?

Well, yes, sorta. It's the same reaction we have to folks slaughtering dogs for food. We know horses and dogs as more than mere animals. Even people who've never touched a horse "know" (from movies, stories, and history) that they're somehow closer to being "people" than is the lowly cow.

There's just someting about a horse that makes us consider them to be noble, beautiful beasts.

I don't know that there's any logic to it, but I confess that I'm one of those who considers horses to be "more than food." They just are.

[r9etb]

But it needs to be stopped due to it's effect on humans NOT due to it's effect on the horse

Are you saying that, because a horse is property, then it would be just fine if I decided to mistreat the animal according to my whims?

[stainlessbanner]

Our 34yr old appaloosa just passed on - very sad, but we took care of her til the end. What a grand old horse! I know a woman who takes in old and lame horses when ppl do not want them any longer - she is such a caring woman and just loves every single one.

Similarly, I just read an article about bird owners who tire of their pets. It's a big problem - horses live 20-30yrs, some birds live 70+ years and people just don't want the "burden" of care. Being a horse owner is a big commitment, but as you know, one of the most rewarding!

[HairOfTheDog]

Animals are property....

But humans can be better than that.

Horses are not treated like cattle here. I believe we make a higher contract with them than food animals. We ask them to do things for us, we demand their cooperation and their obedience, they carry us, perform for us, and in doing that show us affection and loyalty. It is for that they they deserve loyalty from us. Because ~we~ are better for returning their loyalty.

[HairOfTheDog]

I confess that I'm one of those who considers horses to be "more than food." They just are.

We ask a lot of them.... They work willingly for us, often injuring themselves in that process... I think their higher level of care is our end of the bargain, and I am glad you agree!

[HairOfTheDog]

My old Bay is 22 this year and has Navicular Syndrome. In his younger years he endurance raced on 50 and 100 mile races... His feet are now feeling the effects of that.

With corrective shoeing and meds he is doing better, and can hopefully be kept comfortable. My vet dreaded telling me he had Navicular because so often he sees the diagnosis followed by a big dose of Bute and a quick sale to some other schmuck down the road. Bay is safe with me.

[HairOfTheDog]

Our 34yr old appaloosa just passed on - very sad,

I am sorry for your loss of your old mare... I am so appreciative for the way she went! 34 years was a good run. Well done.

[stainlessbanner]

Thanks - I'm in it for the long haul. I would never sell my horse to the glue factory. An interesting note, Traveller, General Lee's beloved horse, is buried right close to the General's grave. Something to consider : )