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.
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!