Some Thoughts From an Emotional Horse-Crazy Girl on Horse Slaughter

It's no surprise if you keep up with this blog, or frequent this blog's facebook page, that I'm an anti-slaughter advocate. This is an emotional issue. I don't think "emotion" for those either anti or pro-slaughter in anyway devalues this issue however. The one argument, that will always get my goat, and get me fired up about this, is when people go on the attack and devalue this issue as an unimportant "non-issue" because of their opinion that it is "overly emotional"


My counter to this is: Aren't all issues that are important emotional? Without emotion, an issue has little chance of debate, of publicity, of improvement, and change for the better? So I say- bring on the emotion! I relish it! I think "emotion" is the fuel behind change, and I think that it's this "emotion" that will be the key to making improvements when it comes to horse slaughter and horse abuse in the United States!


Having said this, the paradox of "emotion" is that what's imperative for progress is reaction to emotion. This is the part we can all work on- myself included! I strive to remain respectful, always, of others opinions. I strive to remain open-minded to the points others make. I don't always succeed- that for sure!!! I'm a work in progress in regards to this!


What I've realized, comes from my upbringing and some great advice from the writer Seth Godin in his book "Tribes" ( highly recommend this btw)

" Reacting is intuitive, instinctive, and usually dangerous. Response is reaction with thoughtful action and a better alternative to reaction. But initiating is what leaders do. Initiative makes change happen." .....

"Initiative is recognizing what others ignore and jumping on it. It is causing change that others have to react to."

How this applies to the horse slaughter issue? Well, I've reacted, I've responded, and I've taken initiative. I've watched others do it as well. I can tell you from experience, I know instantly when what I've done is react....it always leaves a pit in my stomach. I sincerely apologize when I've done so....and for future reactions. I try, to always remember to alternatively respond or initiate. Easier said than done!


Both sides pro-slaughter and anti-slaughter- have excellent points. Both have excellent supporting documentation and research to back up claims as to why one is better than another. My questions are simply these:

• Have we really found "the solution" in slaughter?
  
• Is this really the only avenue possible for "unwanted" horses?
  
• Are we too quick to accept dare I say, "the easy way out?"
  

I've seen slaughter used as a "out of sight out of mind" solution to horses by owners who simply don't want to face the following "realities" of horse ownership.

• The fact that if you have a horse, that horse will get old.
  
• If you have a horse, being responsible means being capable of affording to feed, and care for that horse.
  

If you can no longer do so....my opinion, is that "responsible" owners should not seek an easy way out, and send a horse away.... to an auction in idealistic hopes that someone there will save "old red"....will want "old red" instead of another more viable horse at the sale. "Because I don't want to deal with the emotional decision of euthanizing "old red...I'll let someone else make the decision that I am too weak to make....We've all done this, we've all avoided something we didn't want to deal with.... But this, this is too important to "pass off" and to avoid.

If you have a horse, can't afford that horse, please, please, let someone know. Try first to find a home, if a home can't be found, please pursue humane euthanasia. If you can't afford it, tell someone! Tell me. I will do my best to help you! I know there are others out there like me too! There is more shame in the alternative! Everyone has friends that would be willing to spare a few pennies to help out!!! Please don't disrespect "old red" by an easy way out sending to auction. This is not a chance. This is a death sentence, and a long, cruel one at that for an old soldier that deserves the respect of a humane and dignified end.


The thought of all the "Old Reds" out there who have been discarded....whose owners or unfortunate circumstances have led to "The easy way out......" breaks my heart. (I'm emotional) There are more options aside from sending to slaughter if you can't afford, or starvation and neglect.....there is humane euthanasia. This is affordable....saying you "can't afford" it is an excuse if you haven't asked for help. Of course, this is my opinion, but I just can't understand those unwilling to "feel" and "face" this emotion at the expense of Old Red suffering! Old horses, young horses, teenage horses....they all deserve our help in doing everything we can to cast aside suffering....in all forms: neglect, slaughter, abuse....etc.

Again, is slaughter as it stands now the end all be all answer? Are there not reform opportunities that could be researched and implemented and regulated to help abolish suffering? We can create a nuclear weapon, why can't we address such basic ethical questions? Should we not consider addressing over breeding issues? Consider not promoting such through tax breaks? Can't humane transport methods, humane euthanasia alternatives and humane slaughter methods be a goal? For every it's economically unfeasible, there will be a why it is economically feasible argument. Let's stop the Catch- 22 and actually do the "crazy" thing....lets base it on one fundamental human trait- emotion. Does not our "emotion" dictate that we do our very best as "emotional" living human beings to seek answers to limit pain and suffering?


Well, you already know my "crazy" "radical" "silly horse-loving girl" opinion. I'm not afraid to look at the emotional issues and face them. I'm not afraid to be wrong. Being wrong leads to progress, leads to change. Leads to reform. If I'm wrong so be it, but at least I'll stir the thinking of a few who are far wiser than myself. Who may have a better "end all be all solution" than slaughter and create change and reform for the creatures I thank God everyday for bringing into my life. For Horses. I will continue to pay it forward for horses.... they've already done so for me.

I write this for one purpose. To make you think. Don't tell me you agree or disagree with me. This isn't about me. Get out there and do something for horses. Follow your gutt, don't be afraid to be wrong, don't be afraid of criticism. Just do it. "It" can be extraordinary!

Horse Hero, Alex Brown: Read this "Interview with a Racehorse Rescuer.”

I've decided to periodically spotlight"Horse Hero's" on my blog- or those horse professionals that are helping to improve the horse industry! Those who are compelled to give back to the commodity that has given them a livelihood! Those who recognize that they can use their status and reputation to effect positive change for horses. Those who aren't afraid to speak up, and use their voice to help join the many voices together that want to make a difference to improve this industry.

Here is an excellent example of one such impressive horse professional that is truly, “paying it forward” for horses and my new horse hero! Ever heard of Alex Brown? He’s a well-known racing professional and “academic guru” who has taught Internet Marketing courses for 10 years at University of Delaware, and worked at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s making a difference in welfare issues for racehorses, and he knows how to effectively use social media to help this cause!

Click here to read an interview with Alex, and for those of you social media manics, like me…..

Be sure to watch this video

to learn more about how social media is helping to connect like-minded people, and spread awareness about horse welfare issues!

Source: The Equinest

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Reintroduced in Congress

Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for foreign dinner plates was introduced right out of the gate in the 110th Congress.

In the Senate, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, S. 311, was launched Jan. 17 by Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and John Ensign, R-Nev., with 11 original cosponsors. In the House, Reps. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., John Spratt, D-S.C., and Nick Rahall, D-W.V., introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503, the same day with 61 original cosponsors. The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.


Help Save Horses Right Out of the Gate!
Contact your lawmakers in Washington today, and ask them to put an end to the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100,800 American horses were slaughtered in three foreign-owned slaughter houses in 2006. Opponents of the slaughter ban argue that the practice constitutes a humane way to kill old animals, but investigations by The HSUS show cruelty and abuse throughout the process. Horses are sometimes transported for days without food, water or rest, and once on the killing floor they can be subjected to multiple blows by a bolt gun to the brain before being rendered unconscious. The HSUS also recently documented barbaric treatment of American horses at a slaughter plant in Juarez, Mexico, where the animals were stabbed with short knives, leaving them paralyzed and unable to breathe but still sensible to pain as they were hoisted up by a chain to have their throats slit.


At least 33,400 horses were exported to Mexico, Canada and Japan for slaughter in 2006, according to the USDA. In addition to banning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would ban the export of horses for slaughter in other countries.

SOURCE:

http://hsus.org

End Slaughter- Make the Call Dec. 5 for Horses!

HELP END HORSE SLAUGHTER!

Please support the Humane Society of the United States in an effort to end Horse Slaughter in our country. With the U.S. Senate back in session efforts are being made to ensure the Senate takes action on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act before adjoining for the year.

The next National Call-In Day for horses is this Tuesday, Dec. 5th. Please make a call to your Senator and urge them cosponsor S. 1915 and get it to the senate floor for a vote! Please, Please make the call, and urge everyone you know to call their Senators on Dec. 5

If your not sure what to say here's a tip from the Humane Society:

"I am a constituent and I am calling to ask that the Senator immediately protect our horses from slaughter and cosponsor S. 1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I am very concerned about American horses and I don't want them slaughtered."

Tennesseans, please call Bill Frist (202)224-3344 and Lamar Alexander at (202)224-4944 or call the congressional switchboard at (202)224-3121.


Click here to locate your Senator's contact information and make the call!

Click here for more information

SOURCE: Humane Society of the United States

Memphis Horses- What Can You Do About Horse Slaughter?

"So much that is good, that is decent has come out of Barbaro's tragic accident. Although the good will never place him back in the starting gate it will give rise to the awareness that we must be more responsible for our horses. Not only because veterinary medicine has progressed but also to stand up to cruelty towards them and to the untimely, brutal death awaiting them in slaughter houses."

- Gretchen Jackson, owner/breeder of BARBARO, winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby

How can any true horse lover advocate the atrocoties of slaughter? Is it a humane end... ABSOLUTELY NOT! I'll spare the gory details (including transport horrors), but I refuse to believe that good-hearted, ethical, humane, animal-loving individuals believe horse slaughter is necessary. Regardless of opinion differences re: horse slaughter, I don't see how ANYONE can condone the way it occurs. CHANGE IS NEEDED! It continues because people don't know what happens; because people aren't educated about it. The best way to derail horse slaughter is to EDUCATE Horse and animal-lover's about this issue!

If the concept of Horse Slaughter makes your stomach churn, and gets you all fired up like me, there is a lot that YOU can do about it. You can make a difference! As I see it, this whole debate boils down to money and greed. Those who truly love horses, will be opposed to slaughter. Those who are greedy and place more value on Money than ideals and ethics will be pro-slaughter.

Please Take Action!

Please write, email, call or fax your Representative and Senators and urge her or him to cosponsor this important legislation. To find your member click here.

U.S. House of Representatives

• H.R. 503, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA)
  To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
• UPDATE: On September 7, 2006, the House of Representatives voted 263 to 146 in favor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to end the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

U.S. Senate

• S. 1915, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA)
  To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping,transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing,selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

You can make a difference!

• Many of the horses sold into slaughter have been abused and neglected.Be sure to report all instances of cruelty and neglect to your local animal control office and law enforcement office.

• Please report stolen horses to local and state authorities. The Internet has numerous websites for reporting and looking for stolen horses. These sites allow individuals around the country to share information and photos.

• Do not sell your horse at an auction; many of the horses at auctions are bought by killer-buyers.

Consider the following options:

• Donate your horse to an equine rescue organization; making arrangements with a retirement farm- make sure you have proper references and an agreement that the horse will never be neglected, or sold to slaughter!

• Donate, sell or lease your horse to a therapeutic riding program!

• Sell the horse privately to an individual with proper references and a detailed agreement that the horse will never be sold to slaughter.

• As a last resort, even humane euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian is preferable to cruel transport and slaughter!
  

Please write the Secretary of Interior opposing the Bureau of Land Management’s overzealous wild horse round-up policy. Thousands of wild horses continue to be removed from their traditional range, and now many of them will be slated for slaughter. Write to:

Secretary of the Interior
US Department of Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240

SOURCE: Society for Animal Protective Legislation