AQHA (the equine puppy mill) has an issued an alert to contact Congress to restore horse inspections. No doubt, this is yet another alert that does not represent their membership. If you are a member, let them hear from you!
More propaganda citing the GAO report and an emotional plea not to let our nation's horses suffer any longer. There is a list of talking points and a link to the GAO report. Don't you just love when the darkside accuses us of being emotional? What hypocrites!
This is the alert -
http://www.aqha.com/News/News-Articles/10102011-Action-Alert.aspx
RT has the alert posted where you can leave a comment.
http://rtfitch.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/aqha-promotes-slaughtering-companion-horses-for-human-consumption/
Please keep calling your legislators to retain the language in the house bill that defunds horse inspections. It is critical.
And be sure to let the AQHA hear from you!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
FEED RECALL / West Coast
A manufacturer has issued a voluntary recall of horse feed that was distributed in California, Nevada and Oregon because it may contain a medication that can be fatal to horses if fed at high levels.
Missouri-based MANNA PRO PRODUCTS announced Friday it is voluntarily recalling FAMILY FARM COMPLETE HORSE 10 HORSE FEED, LOT NUMBER 1006 because it may contain potentially harmful levels of the medication MONENSIN SODIUM, or RUMENSIN.
The feed was distributed January 11 through January 21 to retailers in these three states. No illnesses or deaths have been reported and retailers have removed it from their stores, but the company says customers who purchased the product should STOP FEEDING IT IMMEDIATELY.
Missouri-based MANNA PRO PRODUCTS announced Friday it is voluntarily recalling FAMILY FARM COMPLETE HORSE 10 HORSE FEED, LOT NUMBER 1006 because it may contain potentially harmful levels of the medication MONENSIN SODIUM, or RUMENSIN.
The feed was distributed January 11 through January 21 to retailers in these three states. No illnesses or deaths have been reported and retailers have removed it from their stores, but the company says customers who purchased the product should STOP FEEDING IT IMMEDIATELY.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
AQHA's Position Paper
They bury their head in the sand and pretend it's not their fault, and then blame "society" for overwhelming the planet with unwanted horses. Until (someone else) fixes (their) problem, they will HAVE To advocate murdering horses to squeeze just a few more dollars out of ole' Bessie. They make $100 per new foal, so at 150,000 new registrations per year = $15 MILLION Dollars
http://aqha.com/About/Content-Pages/About-the-Association/Public-Policy/Horse-Processing.aspx
http://aqha.com/About/Content-Pages/About-the-Association/Public-Policy/Horse-Processing.aspx
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
"Professional" Quarter-Horse Breeder Sells Direct to Slaughter -
Admits "You have to breed 100 horses to get two good ones." http://www.producer.com/Livestock/Article.aspx?aid=25441
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sue Wallis, a dirty money hungry politician from Wyoming who is spearheading the push to re-open the horse slaughter plants in the USA under the guise of "caring" for horses. Sue is a breeder of quarter-horses and claims slaughter is necessary to dispose of her unwanted ones.Check out her pro-slaughter site here;
http://www.unitedorgsofthehorse.org/
EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS - ARGENTINA ex HOLLAND
EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS - ARGENTINA ex HOLLAND
*********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 8 May 2010
Source: En Mercopress.com [edited]
SENASA, Argentina's National Animal and Agriculture Health Board, has
issued a statement suspending all transportation of horses in the Buenos
Aires province for 2 weeks due to an outbreak of viral equine arteritis.
The ban, in force as of this week, may be extended up to 30 days and has
curtailed horse activities such as racing, show jumping, endurance, and
auctions. The origin of the outbreak was traced to semen imported recently
from Holland for jumpers.
The disease affects pregnant mares, which abort their embryos; however,
after being infected, they become immune. Stallions that have viral equine
arteritis must be gelded. The disease can be transmitted through the air or
during breeding.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, equine viral arteritis (EVA) is
an acute, contagious, viral disease of equids caused by equine arteritis
virus. It is characterized by fever, depression, dependent edema
(especially of the limbs, scrotum, and prepuce in the stallion),
conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, abortion and, infrequently, death in young
foals.
The virus which causes EVA was first isolated from horses in Ohio in 1953,
but the disease has afflicted equine animals worldwide for centuries. It
has been more common in some breeds of horses in the United States, but
there is no breed "immunity." There is no known human hazard.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Equine viral arteritis is caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV), an RNA
virus in the genus _Arterivirus_, family Arteriviridae and order
Nidovirales. Isolates vary in their virulence and potential to induce
abortions. Only one serotype has been recognized. Limited genetic analysis
suggests that EAV strains found among donkeys in South Africa may differ
significantly from isolates in North America and Europe.
Equine arteritis virus is found in the equidae. Antibodies to this virus
have been reported in horses, ponies, donkeys, and zebras. Illness occurs
mainly among horses and ponies, but clinical signs have also been reported
in experimentally infected donkeys. EAV might also be able to cause disease
in South American camelids: polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) detected
viral nucleic acids in an alpaca that had aborted.
Equine arteritis virus can be transmitted by the respiratory and the
venereal routes. Acutely affected horses excrete the virus in respiratory
secretions; aerosol transmission is common when horses are gathered at
racetracks, sales, shows, and other events. This virus has also been found
in urine and feces during the acute stage. It occurs in the reproductive
tract of acutely infected mares, and both acutely and chronically infected
stallions. In mares, EAV can be found in vaginal and uterine secretions as
well as in the ovary and oviduct for a short period after infection. Mares
infected late in pregnancy may give birth to infected foals. Stallions shed
EAV in semen, and can carry the virus for years. Transmission from
stallions can occur by natural service or artificial insemination. Some
carriers may eventually clear the infection. True carrier states have not
been reported in mares, geldings or sexually immature colts; however, EAV
can occasionally be found for up to 6 months in the reproductive tract of
older prepubertal colts.
Equine arteritis virus can be transmitted on fomites including equipment,
and may be spread mechanically by humans or animals. This virus is
inactivated in 20-30 minutes at 56-58 C (133-136 F), but can remain viable
for 2 to 3 days at 37-38 C (99-100 F) and for up to 75 days at 4-8 C (39-46
F). Semen remains infectious after freezing.
The incubation period varies from 2 days to 2 weeks. Infections transmitted
venereally tend to become apparent in about one week.
Most EAV infections, especially those that occur in mares bred to long-term
carriers, are asymptomatic. The clinical signs are generally more severe in
old or very young animals and in horses that are immunocompromised or in
poor condition. Fulminant infections with severe interstitial pneumonia
and/or enteritis can be seen in foals up to a few months of age. Systemic
illness also occurs in some adults. In adult horses, the clinical signs may
include fever, depression, anorexia, limb edema (particularly in the
hindlimbs), and dependent edema of the prepuce, scrotum, mammary gland
and/or ventral body wall. Conjunctivitis, photophobia, periorbital or
supraorbital edema and rhinitis can also be seen. Some horses develop
urticaria; the hives may be localized to the head or neck, but are
sometimes generalized. Abortions or stillbirths can occur in mares that are
pregnant when they are exposed. Abortions are not necessarily preceded by
systemic signs. Temporary decreases in fertility, including reduced quality
sperm and decreased libido, may be seen in stallions during the acute stage
of the disease. The decrease in sperm quality has been attributed to
increased scrotal temperature and edema, and can persist for up to 4
months. The quality of the semen is not decreased in carrier stallions.
Except in cases of severe disease in foals, deaths are rare.
Equine viral arteritis should be considered when the clinical signs include
fever, depression, edema, conjunctivitis, nasal discharges and abortions.
This disease is difficult to differentiate from other systemic and
respiratory illnesses of horses.
The differential diagnosis includes equine influenza, equine infectious
anemia, and African horse sickness, as well as infections with Getah virus,
Hendra virus, equine rhinitis A and B viruses, equine adenoviruses, and
equine herpesviruses 1 and 4. Equine viral arteritis also resembles purpura
hemorrhagica and other streptococcal infections, as well as poisoning from
the toxic plant _Berteroa incana_ (hoary alyssum).
Acutely infected horses should be isolated to prevent transmission in
secretions and excretions. Precautions should also be taken to avoid
spreading the virus on fomites. EAV is readily inactivated by detergents,
common disinfectants and lipid solvents. No specific treatment is
available; however, most healthy horses other than young foals recover on
their own. Good nursing and symptomatic treatment should be used in severe
cases. Vaccination can also help contain outbreaks.
Venereal transmission can be controlled by good management and vaccination.
To protect pregnant mares from abortion, they should be separated from
other horses and maintained in small groups according to their predicted
foaling dates. Newly acquired horses should be isolated for 3 to 4 weeks.
Vaccination appears to prevent uninfected stallions from becoming long term
carriers. Stallions that are not carriers should be vaccinated before the
start of the breeding season. Prepubertal colts are given the vaccine when
they are 6-12 months old. Carrier stallions are identified and bred only to
well vaccinated or naturally seropositive mares. Similarly, semen that
contains EAV should be used only in these mares. Because 1st time
vaccinates may shed field viruses for a short time after exposure, these
mares should be isolated from seronegative horses, particularly pregnant
mares, for 3 weeks after breeding. Naturally infected mares and those that
are not 1st time vaccinates are isolated for 24-48 hours to protect other
horses from the viruses present in semen.
Portions of this comment have been extracted from
.
- Mod.TG]
[see also:
2008
---
Equine viral arteritis - Israel (02): OIE 20081111.3547
Equine viral arteritis - Israel 20081108.3515
2007
---
Equine viral arteritis - France 20070714.2260
2006
---
Equine viral arteritis - USA (NM) (02) 20061121.3317
Equine viral arteritis - USA (NM) 20060711.1903
2005
---
Equine viral arteritis - UK: OIE 20050131.0335
2002
---
Equine viral arteritis 20020209.3523
1999
---
Equine viral arteritis - New Zealand (02) 19990805.1350
Equine viral arteritis - New Zealand 19990802.1319]
...................tg/msp/sh
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
*********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: 8 May 2010
Source: En Mercopress.com [edited]
SENASA, Argentina's National Animal and Agriculture Health Board, has
issued a statement suspending all transportation of horses in the Buenos
Aires province for 2 weeks due to an outbreak of viral equine arteritis.
The ban, in force as of this week, may be extended up to 30 days and has
curtailed horse activities such as racing, show jumping, endurance, and
auctions. The origin of the outbreak was traced to semen imported recently
from Holland for jumpers.
The disease affects pregnant mares, which abort their embryos; however,
after being infected, they become immune. Stallions that have viral equine
arteritis must be gelded. The disease can be transmitted through the air or
during breeding.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, equine viral arteritis (EVA) is
an acute, contagious, viral disease of equids caused by equine arteritis
virus. It is characterized by fever, depression, dependent edema
(especially of the limbs, scrotum, and prepuce in the stallion),
conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, abortion and, infrequently, death in young
foals.
The virus which causes EVA was first isolated from horses in Ohio in 1953,
but the disease has afflicted equine animals worldwide for centuries. It
has been more common in some breeds of horses in the United States, but
there is no breed "immunity." There is no known human hazard.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[Equine viral arteritis is caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV), an RNA
virus in the genus _Arterivirus_, family Arteriviridae and order
Nidovirales. Isolates vary in their virulence and potential to induce
abortions. Only one serotype has been recognized. Limited genetic analysis
suggests that EAV strains found among donkeys in South Africa may differ
significantly from isolates in North America and Europe.
Equine arteritis virus is found in the equidae. Antibodies to this virus
have been reported in horses, ponies, donkeys, and zebras. Illness occurs
mainly among horses and ponies, but clinical signs have also been reported
in experimentally infected donkeys. EAV might also be able to cause disease
in South American camelids: polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) detected
viral nucleic acids in an alpaca that had aborted.
Equine arteritis virus can be transmitted by the respiratory and the
venereal routes. Acutely affected horses excrete the virus in respiratory
secretions; aerosol transmission is common when horses are gathered at
racetracks, sales, shows, and other events. This virus has also been found
in urine and feces during the acute stage. It occurs in the reproductive
tract of acutely infected mares, and both acutely and chronically infected
stallions. In mares, EAV can be found in vaginal and uterine secretions as
well as in the ovary and oviduct for a short period after infection. Mares
infected late in pregnancy may give birth to infected foals. Stallions shed
EAV in semen, and can carry the virus for years. Transmission from
stallions can occur by natural service or artificial insemination. Some
carriers may eventually clear the infection. True carrier states have not
been reported in mares, geldings or sexually immature colts; however, EAV
can occasionally be found for up to 6 months in the reproductive tract of
older prepubertal colts.
Equine arteritis virus can be transmitted on fomites including equipment,
and may be spread mechanically by humans or animals. This virus is
inactivated in 20-30 minutes at 56-58 C (133-136 F), but can remain viable
for 2 to 3 days at 37-38 C (99-100 F) and for up to 75 days at 4-8 C (39-46
F). Semen remains infectious after freezing.
The incubation period varies from 2 days to 2 weeks. Infections transmitted
venereally tend to become apparent in about one week.
Most EAV infections, especially those that occur in mares bred to long-term
carriers, are asymptomatic. The clinical signs are generally more severe in
old or very young animals and in horses that are immunocompromised or in
poor condition. Fulminant infections with severe interstitial pneumonia
and/or enteritis can be seen in foals up to a few months of age. Systemic
illness also occurs in some adults. In adult horses, the clinical signs may
include fever, depression, anorexia, limb edema (particularly in the
hindlimbs), and dependent edema of the prepuce, scrotum, mammary gland
and/or ventral body wall. Conjunctivitis, photophobia, periorbital or
supraorbital edema and rhinitis can also be seen. Some horses develop
urticaria; the hives may be localized to the head or neck, but are
sometimes generalized. Abortions or stillbirths can occur in mares that are
pregnant when they are exposed. Abortions are not necessarily preceded by
systemic signs. Temporary decreases in fertility, including reduced quality
sperm and decreased libido, may be seen in stallions during the acute stage
of the disease. The decrease in sperm quality has been attributed to
increased scrotal temperature and edema, and can persist for up to 4
months. The quality of the semen is not decreased in carrier stallions.
Except in cases of severe disease in foals, deaths are rare.
Equine viral arteritis should be considered when the clinical signs include
fever, depression, edema, conjunctivitis, nasal discharges and abortions.
This disease is difficult to differentiate from other systemic and
respiratory illnesses of horses.
The differential diagnosis includes equine influenza, equine infectious
anemia, and African horse sickness, as well as infections with Getah virus,
Hendra virus, equine rhinitis A and B viruses, equine adenoviruses, and
equine herpesviruses 1 and 4. Equine viral arteritis also resembles purpura
hemorrhagica and other streptococcal infections, as well as poisoning from
the toxic plant _Berteroa incana_ (hoary alyssum).
Acutely infected horses should be isolated to prevent transmission in
secretions and excretions. Precautions should also be taken to avoid
spreading the virus on fomites. EAV is readily inactivated by detergents,
common disinfectants and lipid solvents. No specific treatment is
available; however, most healthy horses other than young foals recover on
their own. Good nursing and symptomatic treatment should be used in severe
cases. Vaccination can also help contain outbreaks.
Venereal transmission can be controlled by good management and vaccination.
To protect pregnant mares from abortion, they should be separated from
other horses and maintained in small groups according to their predicted
foaling dates. Newly acquired horses should be isolated for 3 to 4 weeks.
Vaccination appears to prevent uninfected stallions from becoming long term
carriers. Stallions that are not carriers should be vaccinated before the
start of the breeding season. Prepubertal colts are given the vaccine when
they are 6-12 months old. Carrier stallions are identified and bred only to
well vaccinated or naturally seropositive mares. Similarly, semen that
contains EAV should be used only in these mares. Because 1st time
vaccinates may shed field viruses for a short time after exposure, these
mares should be isolated from seronegative horses, particularly pregnant
mares, for 3 weeks after breeding. Naturally infected mares and those that
are not 1st time vaccinates are isolated for 24-48 hours to protect other
horses from the viruses present in semen.
Portions of this comment have been extracted from
- Mod.TG]
[see also:
2008
---
Equine viral arteritis - Israel (02): OIE 20081111.3547
Equine viral arteritis - Israel 20081108.3515
2007
---
Equine viral arteritis - France 20070714.2260
2006
---
Equine viral arteritis - USA (NM) (02) 20061121.3317
Equine viral arteritis - USA (NM) 20060711.1903
2005
---
Equine viral arteritis - UK: OIE 20050131.0335
2002
---
Equine viral arteritis 20020209.3523
1999
---
Equine viral arteritis - New Zealand (02) 19990805.1350
Equine viral arteritis - New Zealand 19990802.1319]
...................tg/msp/sh
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
Thursday, May 6, 2010
URGENT: WNV Equine Vaccine Recall!!
WEST NILE VIRUS - USA: EQUINE VACCINE RECALL, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
*********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: Tue 4 May 2010
Source: ZooToo [edited]
A major pharmaceutical company has announced an "urgent recall" of all
serial numbers of its West Nile virus vaccine for horses, the American
Veterinary Medical Association [AVMA] announced on its website on Tuesday
[4 May 2010].
The recall, which was voluntary, was instigated by the drug company,
Intervet Schering-Plough, on Monday [3 May 2010], "due to an increased
number of adverse event reports associated with the use of these vaccines,"
the AVMA said.
The pharmaceutical giant has recalled all 1-dose and 5-dose vials of the
PreveNile West Nile virus vaccine for horses. "Schering Plough reported an
increased number of adverse reactions to the vaccine," said Dr Kimberly
May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the AVMA,
"but unfortunately there were no statements as to severity, or what the
number of horses affected was."
"The word 'urgent' was in the actual letter Schering Plough had sent," Dr
May said, adding, "'Urgent' in the recall world means, 'Check your stock
right now.'"
As of late Tuesday morning [4 May 2010], Intervet Schering-Plough had not
posted a recall notice on its website, or returned a phone message from
ZooToo.com. Dr May noted that it is not unusual for companies not to post
recall information on their websites. But she said the company "has
contacted all the veterinarians affected by this, as well as the distributors."
Intervet informed the USDA and the American Association of Equine
Practitioners on Monday [3 May 2010] of its recall decision.
[byline: Gabrielle Jonas]
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[More information as well as copy of the letter from Intervet
Schering-Plough may be found at the AVMA website at
.
An adverse event may be anything from swelling at the injection site,
colic, fever, or a host of other negative issues. The letter by Intervet
Schering-Plough did not specify what the adverse reactions were or what
owners and veterinarians should be on the look out for, in the event they
have already administered this vaccine. The letter from the company was
issued on 28 Apr 2010. ProMED-mail would welcome further clarification of
the number and nature of adverse events.
Currently this recall seems to be USA centric but it may be more widespread
than that. - Mod.TG]
................tg/mj/jw/sh
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
*********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
Date: Tue 4 May 2010
Source: ZooToo [edited]
A major pharmaceutical company has announced an "urgent recall" of all
serial numbers of its West Nile virus vaccine for horses, the American
Veterinary Medical Association [AVMA] announced on its website on Tuesday
[4 May 2010].
The recall, which was voluntary, was instigated by the drug company,
Intervet Schering-Plough, on Monday [3 May 2010], "due to an increased
number of adverse event reports associated with the use of these vaccines,"
the AVMA said.
The pharmaceutical giant has recalled all 1-dose and 5-dose vials of the
PreveNile West Nile virus vaccine for horses. "Schering Plough reported an
increased number of adverse reactions to the vaccine," said Dr Kimberly
May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the AVMA,
"but unfortunately there were no statements as to severity, or what the
number of horses affected was."
"The word 'urgent' was in the actual letter Schering Plough had sent," Dr
May said, adding, "'Urgent' in the recall world means, 'Check your stock
right now.'"
As of late Tuesday morning [4 May 2010], Intervet Schering-Plough had not
posted a recall notice on its website, or returned a phone message from
ZooToo.com. Dr May noted that it is not unusual for companies not to post
recall information on their websites. But she said the company "has
contacted all the veterinarians affected by this, as well as the distributors."
Intervet informed the USDA and the American Association of Equine
Practitioners on Monday [3 May 2010] of its recall decision.
[byline: Gabrielle Jonas]
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[More information as well as copy of the letter from Intervet
Schering-Plough may be found at the AVMA website at
An adverse event may be anything from swelling at the injection site,
colic, fever, or a host of other negative issues. The letter by Intervet
Schering-Plough did not specify what the adverse reactions were or what
owners and veterinarians should be on the look out for, in the event they
have already administered this vaccine. The letter from the company was
issued on 28 Apr 2010. ProMED-mail would welcome further clarification of
the number and nature of adverse events.
Currently this recall seems to be USA centric but it may be more widespread
than that. - Mod.TG]
................tg/mj/jw/sh
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Canadas' "Finest" Horse-Slaughter Plants: Where the Associations "Un-Wanted" Horses Go....
Click on title above to see horrific under-cover footage;
http://unnecessaryevils.blogspot.com/2010/03/canadas-finest-slaughter-plants-where.html
http://unnecessaryevils.blogspot.com/2010/03/canadas-finest-slaughter-plants-where.html
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
American Quarter Horse Association blames non-existent “ban” for the consequences of its own policy
February 5, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, (EWA) – On February 4th the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) posted a release issued by the Animal Welfare Council (AWC) claiming that “experts” warned of current issues facing the horse industry if slaughter was ended. Reminiscent of past years, the AQHA is again promoting disinformation in the hope the American public will trust them for their good name.
The refusal to address the excess breeding of horses over the years has caught up with slaughter proponents. Once again, they find themselves scrambling to find scapegoats for a problem they created. Driven by the quest for registration fees, the AQHA has promoted overbreeding for decades as they have built their ever expanding empire worldwide.
The release revives the myth of the “unintended consequences” by claiming “experts” warned of a negative impact on horse welfare if slaughter was ended.
Not only has horse slaughter not ended but in 2008, the first full year after the US plants closed, the “unintended consequences” resulted in the second highest slaughter count since 1995.
“There is nothing stopping anyone from sending their horse to slaughter.” said Equine Welfare Alliance’s (EWA), John Holland. Blaming the closure of the plants for excess horses from an organization that alone brags of registering in excess of 135,000 foals every year, is hypocritical.
According to the USDA, the leading breed on the slaughter trucks are Quarter Horses, yet in 2008, AQHA’s former executive vice president, Bill Brewer, warned of a pending horse “shortage” and suggested offering incentives to increase breeding.
The release builds on the “imaginary ban” by stating that horses are at forty percent of their value since the plants closed. EWA’s Vicki Tobin asks the AQHA and AWC, “In the face of the greatest economic downturn since the 1930s, are home values, retirement funds and other assets that have decreased in value due to the closure of the slaughter plants?”
The release questions the lack of funding in the federal horse protection legislation, HR 503/S 727. Not stated is why the government should be responsible for privately owned horses or a breeder’s choice to breed more than they can sell.
Beginning in July, US horses must comply with European Union (EU) drug regulations. This critical issue impacts human food safety and yet, it was not mentioned. American horses are not tracked or considered food animals by any US government agency and routinely receive medications that are banned by the EU. Equine welfare advocates have been warning of the drug issue for years.
Combined with the drug compliance, the current downturn in international demand for horse meat will further exacerbate the issue.
A study released by EWA members in 2008 concluded with a warning of exactly what is occurring today, “Abuse and neglect is largely determined by economic conditions. …As of the end of the study period, abuse and neglect did not appear to have exceeded norms for the baseline year of 2006, but to the extent that the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, this trend may become more worrisome in the months to come.”
Meanwhile, the AWC, AQHA and slaughter proponents continue to blame “activists” for the “unwanted” horses that they are responsible for producing every year.
The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues free, umbrella organization with over 95 member organizations. The organization focuses its efforts on the welfare of all equines and the preservation of wild equids.
Click on title above to visit EWAs site;
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, (EWA) – On February 4th the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) posted a release issued by the Animal Welfare Council (AWC) claiming that “experts” warned of current issues facing the horse industry if slaughter was ended. Reminiscent of past years, the AQHA is again promoting disinformation in the hope the American public will trust them for their good name.
The refusal to address the excess breeding of horses over the years has caught up with slaughter proponents. Once again, they find themselves scrambling to find scapegoats for a problem they created. Driven by the quest for registration fees, the AQHA has promoted overbreeding for decades as they have built their ever expanding empire worldwide.
The release revives the myth of the “unintended consequences” by claiming “experts” warned of a negative impact on horse welfare if slaughter was ended.
Not only has horse slaughter not ended but in 2008, the first full year after the US plants closed, the “unintended consequences” resulted in the second highest slaughter count since 1995.
“There is nothing stopping anyone from sending their horse to slaughter.” said Equine Welfare Alliance’s (EWA), John Holland. Blaming the closure of the plants for excess horses from an organization that alone brags of registering in excess of 135,000 foals every year, is hypocritical.
According to the USDA, the leading breed on the slaughter trucks are Quarter Horses, yet in 2008, AQHA’s former executive vice president, Bill Brewer, warned of a pending horse “shortage” and suggested offering incentives to increase breeding.
The release builds on the “imaginary ban” by stating that horses are at forty percent of their value since the plants closed. EWA’s Vicki Tobin asks the AQHA and AWC, “In the face of the greatest economic downturn since the 1930s, are home values, retirement funds and other assets that have decreased in value due to the closure of the slaughter plants?”
The release questions the lack of funding in the federal horse protection legislation, HR 503/S 727. Not stated is why the government should be responsible for privately owned horses or a breeder’s choice to breed more than they can sell.
Beginning in July, US horses must comply with European Union (EU) drug regulations. This critical issue impacts human food safety and yet, it was not mentioned. American horses are not tracked or considered food animals by any US government agency and routinely receive medications that are banned by the EU. Equine welfare advocates have been warning of the drug issue for years.
Combined with the drug compliance, the current downturn in international demand for horse meat will further exacerbate the issue.
A study released by EWA members in 2008 concluded with a warning of exactly what is occurring today, “Abuse and neglect is largely determined by economic conditions. …As of the end of the study period, abuse and neglect did not appear to have exceeded norms for the baseline year of 2006, but to the extent that the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, this trend may become more worrisome in the months to come.”
Meanwhile, the AWC, AQHA and slaughter proponents continue to blame “activists” for the “unwanted” horses that they are responsible for producing every year.
The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues free, umbrella organization with over 95 member organizations. The organization focuses its efforts on the welfare of all equines and the preservation of wild equids.
Click on title above to visit EWAs site;
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Big Thanks to Linda Jean: Dispelling the Myths
For the Love of Horses
by Linda Jean
I've always admired the beauty and strength of horses and long ago realized our own human survival has been dependent on horses throughout the history of our species. Horses have no doubt increased our quality of life by providing our ancestors with transportation, labor and even food. Even in less developed countries it is not unusual to see a horse pulling a plow in a field.
Therefore, when I read the following article in my local paper that the Nebraksa state legislature is discussing the need for a horse slaughterhouse, the hairs on my neck began to rise. Currently, slaughterhouses for horses are illegal when used for human consumption. Although Americans don't eat horses, they are a popular food stuff in Europe and Japan. The last US horse slaughterhouse closed down a few years ago, so now many horses are being "shipped" to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. In this article there is a claim made that more horses are neglected and abandoned because of a lack of slaughterhouses in our country. The facts counter this argument as a letter to the editor that I wrote states. Here is the original article (published October 3) and my comments that were published on October 10 of this year:
Lawmakers hear of need for horse disposal
LINCOLN— State lawmakers were told Friday of the growing need for low- cost disposal of unwanted horses in Nebraska, given federal and state restric- tions against horse slaughter. Debby Brehm, director of the American Quarter Horse Association’s Nebraska chapter, said more horses face abandonment or neglect now that slaughter is less of an option. “Slaughter is not pretty, but it does provide a humane, economical way to euthanize a horse,” she told the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee during a hearing on the issue. Brehm said neither she nor her group support slaughter, but they recognize that horse owners need more options for unwanted or ailing horses, particu- larly in the current economic climate. She said it can cost $1,900 to feed, water and shelter a horse for one year — not including veterinary care. The nation’s last three horse slaugh- terhouses closed in 2007. Some states — but not Nebraska — have banned the slaughter of horses. Congress, which is considering a federal ban on horse slaughter and transporta- tion of horses to slaughterhouses, has eliminated funding for inspections of horses to be used for human consump- tion. Horses are exported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter. A record 78,000 horses were sent out of the country in 2007, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. Much of the meat is exported to countries in Europe and Asia for human consumption. Critics say slaughtering is inhumane. Don Wesley of the Humane Society of the United States said Friday that he sees a need for disposal services, but that slaughter should not be an option. He didn’t present alternatives. But supporters of the practice say that without slaughterhouses, more older or otherwise marginalized horses are neg- lected or abandoned. Ross Garwood of the Nebraska Farm Bureau said he supports horse slaugh- ter to help supply horse meat overseas. He said he would like to see a slaugh- terhouse built on tribal land, which would be exempt from federal inspec- tions. Several cases of horse neglect have come up in Nebraska over the past sev- eral months, including one involving more than 200 horses at a ranch south of Alliance. Scores of horses and burros were found ill and emaciated in April; about 74 horses and burros were found dead. The owner of 3-Strikes Ranch faces a January trial on 149 felony counts of cruel neglect of an animal. Gretna veterinarian Larry Henning said Friday that he’s been asked to corral abandoned horses that have made their way into traffic. “Death is not inhumane,” he said, tes- tifying on behalf of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. “Starvation and neglect are, and that’s what we’re starting to see.” State Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber said legislation will be introduced in January that would allow authorities to act faster in confiscating neglected horses. A legislative study of horse slaughter alternatives has been proposed by state Sen. Cap Dierks of Ewing, who owns several horses. He said Friday that without slaughter- houses, the only option for an owner of an unwanted or ailing horse is to “dig a hole and cover it up.”
My Letter:
Dear Editor,
A recent article in the Tribune titled “Lawmakers hear of need for horse disposal” left out some pertinent and factual information about horse slaughtering. It mentioned in the article that Don Wesley of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) who opposes horse slaughter, presented no other alternatives to the problem of over population of sick, injured or abandoned horses. I cannot speak for Mr. Wesley, but I was surprised by that statement because on the Humane Society’s website there is a thorough and factual discussion of alternative and viable options to horse slaughter (Google: "HSUS horse slaughter myths").
For example, horse sanctuaries and rescues, contraception and as a last result, lethal injection, are more humane options to horse slaughtering. The HSUS states that there are over 400 sanctuaries and rescue operations in the US that participate in helping to care for unwanted horses.
The Tribune article suggests that a ban on slaughtering horses causes more horses to be neglected and abandoned. This is a myth and there is no evidence to support it. California has had a horse slaughter ban for over 10 years and there has been no increase in neglect and abandoned horses. There has been, however, a 34% decrease in the number of horse thefts.
In the case of the 300 neglected horses in Alliance, there is no evidence the horses were neglected because of a ban on slaughtering. Generally speaking, horses are neglected because of a lack of responsibility on behalf of the owners due to a variety of reasons including economic hardships, lack of education about caring for horses, drought and even the price of hay. People who own horses have a legal responsibility to take care of them and there are state laws prohibiting abuse and neglect of horses. As the HSUS states, “horse abandonment and abuse is a sad reality whether or not slaughter is an available option—there is no causal connection between the two issues.”
It is also a myth that slaughter is a humane way to put down a horse since the website has videos from undercover investigations showing horses who are still alive as their throats are slit and they are dismembered. According to surveys on public opinion, an overwhelming majority of Americans (69%) support bans on horse slaughter.
The article stated that a proposal for a legislative study of horse slaughter alternatives has been recommended. It is important that our state lawmakers separate fact from fiction regarding horse slaughter and educate themselves on the effective alternatives available.
For more information about the cruelties of horse slaughtering read the House Judiciary Subcommittee's animal cruelty testimony at:
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Pacelle080731.pdf
Posted by Linda Jean at 5:56 PM
Be sure to thank Linda Jean for her wonderful advocacy and encourage her to go on exposing the Myths...
Click on title above to go to her blog;
http://dugandogdaze.blogspot.com/2009/10/for-love-of-horses.html
http://dugandogdaze.blogspot.com/2009/10/for-love-of-horses.html
by Linda Jean
I've always admired the beauty and strength of horses and long ago realized our own human survival has been dependent on horses throughout the history of our species. Horses have no doubt increased our quality of life by providing our ancestors with transportation, labor and even food. Even in less developed countries it is not unusual to see a horse pulling a plow in a field.
Therefore, when I read the following article in my local paper that the Nebraksa state legislature is discussing the need for a horse slaughterhouse, the hairs on my neck began to rise. Currently, slaughterhouses for horses are illegal when used for human consumption. Although Americans don't eat horses, they are a popular food stuff in Europe and Japan. The last US horse slaughterhouse closed down a few years ago, so now many horses are being "shipped" to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. In this article there is a claim made that more horses are neglected and abandoned because of a lack of slaughterhouses in our country. The facts counter this argument as a letter to the editor that I wrote states. Here is the original article (published October 3) and my comments that were published on October 10 of this year:
Lawmakers hear of need for horse disposal
LINCOLN— State lawmakers were told Friday of the growing need for low- cost disposal of unwanted horses in Nebraska, given federal and state restric- tions against horse slaughter. Debby Brehm, director of the American Quarter Horse Association’s Nebraska chapter, said more horses face abandonment or neglect now that slaughter is less of an option. “Slaughter is not pretty, but it does provide a humane, economical way to euthanize a horse,” she told the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee during a hearing on the issue. Brehm said neither she nor her group support slaughter, but they recognize that horse owners need more options for unwanted or ailing horses, particu- larly in the current economic climate. She said it can cost $1,900 to feed, water and shelter a horse for one year — not including veterinary care. The nation’s last three horse slaugh- terhouses closed in 2007. Some states — but not Nebraska — have banned the slaughter of horses. Congress, which is considering a federal ban on horse slaughter and transporta- tion of horses to slaughterhouses, has eliminated funding for inspections of horses to be used for human consump- tion. Horses are exported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter. A record 78,000 horses were sent out of the country in 2007, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. Much of the meat is exported to countries in Europe and Asia for human consumption. Critics say slaughtering is inhumane. Don Wesley of the Humane Society of the United States said Friday that he sees a need for disposal services, but that slaughter should not be an option. He didn’t present alternatives. But supporters of the practice say that without slaughterhouses, more older or otherwise marginalized horses are neg- lected or abandoned. Ross Garwood of the Nebraska Farm Bureau said he supports horse slaugh- ter to help supply horse meat overseas. He said he would like to see a slaugh- terhouse built on tribal land, which would be exempt from federal inspec- tions. Several cases of horse neglect have come up in Nebraska over the past sev- eral months, including one involving more than 200 horses at a ranch south of Alliance. Scores of horses and burros were found ill and emaciated in April; about 74 horses and burros were found dead. The owner of 3-Strikes Ranch faces a January trial on 149 felony counts of cruel neglect of an animal. Gretna veterinarian Larry Henning said Friday that he’s been asked to corral abandoned horses that have made their way into traffic. “Death is not inhumane,” he said, tes- tifying on behalf of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. “Starvation and neglect are, and that’s what we’re starting to see.” State Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber said legislation will be introduced in January that would allow authorities to act faster in confiscating neglected horses. A legislative study of horse slaughter alternatives has been proposed by state Sen. Cap Dierks of Ewing, who owns several horses. He said Friday that without slaughter- houses, the only option for an owner of an unwanted or ailing horse is to “dig a hole and cover it up.”
My Letter:
Dear Editor,
A recent article in the Tribune titled “Lawmakers hear of need for horse disposal” left out some pertinent and factual information about horse slaughtering. It mentioned in the article that Don Wesley of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) who opposes horse slaughter, presented no other alternatives to the problem of over population of sick, injured or abandoned horses. I cannot speak for Mr. Wesley, but I was surprised by that statement because on the Humane Society’s website there is a thorough and factual discussion of alternative and viable options to horse slaughter (Google: "HSUS horse slaughter myths").
For example, horse sanctuaries and rescues, contraception and as a last result, lethal injection, are more humane options to horse slaughtering. The HSUS states that there are over 400 sanctuaries and rescue operations in the US that participate in helping to care for unwanted horses.
The Tribune article suggests that a ban on slaughtering horses causes more horses to be neglected and abandoned. This is a myth and there is no evidence to support it. California has had a horse slaughter ban for over 10 years and there has been no increase in neglect and abandoned horses. There has been, however, a 34% decrease in the number of horse thefts.
In the case of the 300 neglected horses in Alliance, there is no evidence the horses were neglected because of a ban on slaughtering. Generally speaking, horses are neglected because of a lack of responsibility on behalf of the owners due to a variety of reasons including economic hardships, lack of education about caring for horses, drought and even the price of hay. People who own horses have a legal responsibility to take care of them and there are state laws prohibiting abuse and neglect of horses. As the HSUS states, “horse abandonment and abuse is a sad reality whether or not slaughter is an available option—there is no causal connection between the two issues.”
It is also a myth that slaughter is a humane way to put down a horse since the website has videos from undercover investigations showing horses who are still alive as their throats are slit and they are dismembered. According to surveys on public opinion, an overwhelming majority of Americans (69%) support bans on horse slaughter.
The article stated that a proposal for a legislative study of horse slaughter alternatives has been recommended. It is important that our state lawmakers separate fact from fiction regarding horse slaughter and educate themselves on the effective alternatives available.
For more information about the cruelties of horse slaughtering read the House Judiciary Subcommittee's animal cruelty testimony at:
http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/Pacelle080731.pdf
Posted by Linda Jean at 5:56 PM
Be sure to thank Linda Jean for her wonderful advocacy and encourage her to go on exposing the Myths...
Click on title above to go to her blog;
http://dugandogdaze.blogspot.com/2009/10/for-love-of-horses.html
http://dugandogdaze.blogspot.com/2009/10/for-love-of-horses.html
Thursday, October 1, 2009
AQHA Official Celebrates Pending Slaughter of Quarter Horses
AQHA Official Celebrates Pending Slaughter of Quarter Horses
CHICAGO, (EWA) – In the aftermath of Montana Governor Schweitzer’s non-action, HB 418, a bill that bars Montana’s citizens from taking court action against the building of a horse slaughter plant, became law. This action has left many Montana legislators and citizens shocked that their state might soon be known as the new “home of horse slaughter”. Montana has enacted a probably unconstitutional statute that denies due process under the United States Constitution.
Horse slaughter will tarnish the “Big Sky” brand and everything it stands for from cattle to tourism. History has shown that such plants bring nothing but pollution and controversy. Montana law makers failed to ask themselves why Texas and Illinois, and now Saskatchewan Canada, have rid themselves of the industry. Who is to gain?
The Equine Welfare Alliance has obtained a document that answers this question. The mass e-mail was from Stan Weaver, president of the Montana Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) and is titled “HB 418 Final Comments – Success!!!!. Rejoicing in the news that Montana may be home to a horse killing plant, the MQHA president boasts that the MQHA was the driving force behind the passage of the law.
Weaver praises members for pushing the legislation while bragging about the haste with which it was put together. Weaver describes how the MQHA and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Ed Butcher, had come up with the idea for the bill just weeks before it was introduced. After that introduction, the bill was ridiculed widely as the “Montana Butcher Bill.”
Indeed, this is cause to rejoice for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the organization leading the effort to continue the slaughter of American horses for foreign firm’s profit. This magnificent breed, touted as the most versatile of all horses, is being sent to slaughter in record numbers. In fact, half of all horses sent to slaughter each year are American Quarter Horses.
Meanwhile, the AQHA continues to promote indiscriminate breeding.
Weaver is apparently so enamored at the prospect of a slaughter plant to butcher Montana’s Quarter Horses that he ponders writing a book that will contain all the emails and letters in support of horse killing.
Last year, when other businesses were reducing production, AQHA management and its member breeders continued their mad quest to grow revenues by registering 140,000 new foals, an increase of 5,000 more horses over 2007.
In his speech before the 2008 annual convention, Bill Brewer, the AQHA’s then executive vice-president said, “Our challenge becomes looking at ways to introduce an equine economic stimulus package that will boost registration numbers.” Apparently, that package includes killing off existing Quarter Horses to make room for more.
The AQHA and its allies have promoted unfounded stories that the nation is being flooded with tens of thousands of abandoned horses. It was a salient point made by supporters of “The Butcher Bill” and was picked up by the Montana media and repeated without question, even though county officials reported a total of only fourteen abandoned horses in 2008.
Yet the group and its apologists fail to mention the indiscriminate breeding encouraged by the AQHA and ranchers such as Weaver. Weaver’s ranch alone produces and registers 100 horses per year and helps fill the AQHA treasury with registration fees.
According to Weaver, the next major AQHA effort will be to try to defeat the federal legislation that will end the slaughter of American horses; HR 503, The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009.
In their zealous quest to defeat HR 503, EWA expects more of the elaborate disinformation campaign from the AQHA and its lobbyists.
EWA wholeheartedly supports humane and responsible animal agriculture and is prepared to respond.
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
here is also a copy of the email/letter the President of the MQHA sent around:
From: Stan Weaver [mailto:stanweaver1@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 2:03 PM
To: (names removed to protect the recipients)
Subject: HB 418 Final Comments - Success!!!
I am sure you are all aware that HB 418 has become law. Although Governor
Schweitzer did not sign the bill, he still had a hand in it becoming law. The Montana
Horse Industry owes him a big “Thank You.”
I think each one of you can take credit in the fact that we got this bill passed. It is
because of all of your phone calls, letters, faxes and e-mails that you took the time to do
in order to show your passion for this cause that produced such a positive outcome.
Being involved made all the difference. This was a true grass roots effort and
Representative Ed Butcher told me that at the end of our campaign, calls from just
Montanans were 80% in favor of the bill. That is outstanding - and really shows what a
grass roots effort can do.
I would like to personally thank all of you that sent me e-mails and made phone
calls to me in support. Many of you copied me letters that you had sent to the Governor,
and each showed your passion and truth for this subject. Maybe one of these days I will
write a book of all those e-mails and letters – there are some pretty interesting ones to say
the least.
I also would like to thank the Montana Quarter Horse Association and its Board of
Directors for letting me represent them in this endeavor. It was at a meeting of these
folks on Sunday, February 8th that the whole idea was born. At that meeting it was
decided unanimously that we would support the Horse Processing bill, and I agreed to
write a letter and Cali would send it to our members. The effort and e-mail list just grew
from there.
This whole process just shows how important it is for us to get involved and do
what we can. It is a different world than it was in our grandparent’s day or even our
parents. Now days there are people who sit in an office in Washington, D.C. or New
York City, or Los Angeles and they have never calved a wild heifer or had to suckle a
chilled down calf. They never had a colt buck every time they jumped him out , and knew
they had to be hand enough to ride him or end up walking back to the house since there
was not a horse trailer and pickup close by. Yet, these people feel that we have been
doing this wrong for generations and they are sure that if they legislate their ideas it will
force us to abide by them. We must be aware of what goes on around us and we must
become active in preserving our way of life. I was contacted by several animal owners
that have different issues with the legislature this year. I feel that before the next
legislation there will be some sort of animal owners or animal/agriculture coalition to
help fight and support bills in the 2011 legislation. The tide is turning.
Our next big push will be HR 503 before the U.S. House of Representatives. This
is the bill to criminalize the transport of horses that will be sold for human consumption.
It is scheduled to be heard this fall. The AQHA and several of its affiliates (including
Montana) will work hard to defeat this bill. I will keep you all informed as to its process
and when we need to make our move and become involved.
Again, thanks for all your support and your commitment to getting HB 418
passed. You all take care and may God bless each of you until we talk again.
Best Regards,
Stan Weaver, President
Montana Quarter Horse Association
digusting....
CHICAGO, (EWA) – In the aftermath of Montana Governor Schweitzer’s non-action, HB 418, a bill that bars Montana’s citizens from taking court action against the building of a horse slaughter plant, became law. This action has left many Montana legislators and citizens shocked that their state might soon be known as the new “home of horse slaughter”. Montana has enacted a probably unconstitutional statute that denies due process under the United States Constitution.
Horse slaughter will tarnish the “Big Sky” brand and everything it stands for from cattle to tourism. History has shown that such plants bring nothing but pollution and controversy. Montana law makers failed to ask themselves why Texas and Illinois, and now Saskatchewan Canada, have rid themselves of the industry. Who is to gain?
The Equine Welfare Alliance has obtained a document that answers this question. The mass e-mail was from Stan Weaver, president of the Montana Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) and is titled “HB 418 Final Comments – Success!!!!. Rejoicing in the news that Montana may be home to a horse killing plant, the MQHA president boasts that the MQHA was the driving force behind the passage of the law.
Weaver praises members for pushing the legislation while bragging about the haste with which it was put together. Weaver describes how the MQHA and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Ed Butcher, had come up with the idea for the bill just weeks before it was introduced. After that introduction, the bill was ridiculed widely as the “Montana Butcher Bill.”
Indeed, this is cause to rejoice for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the organization leading the effort to continue the slaughter of American horses for foreign firm’s profit. This magnificent breed, touted as the most versatile of all horses, is being sent to slaughter in record numbers. In fact, half of all horses sent to slaughter each year are American Quarter Horses.
Meanwhile, the AQHA continues to promote indiscriminate breeding.
Weaver is apparently so enamored at the prospect of a slaughter plant to butcher Montana’s Quarter Horses that he ponders writing a book that will contain all the emails and letters in support of horse killing.
Last year, when other businesses were reducing production, AQHA management and its member breeders continued their mad quest to grow revenues by registering 140,000 new foals, an increase of 5,000 more horses over 2007.
In his speech before the 2008 annual convention, Bill Brewer, the AQHA’s then executive vice-president said, “Our challenge becomes looking at ways to introduce an equine economic stimulus package that will boost registration numbers.” Apparently, that package includes killing off existing Quarter Horses to make room for more.
The AQHA and its allies have promoted unfounded stories that the nation is being flooded with tens of thousands of abandoned horses. It was a salient point made by supporters of “The Butcher Bill” and was picked up by the Montana media and repeated without question, even though county officials reported a total of only fourteen abandoned horses in 2008.
Yet the group and its apologists fail to mention the indiscriminate breeding encouraged by the AQHA and ranchers such as Weaver. Weaver’s ranch alone produces and registers 100 horses per year and helps fill the AQHA treasury with registration fees.
According to Weaver, the next major AQHA effort will be to try to defeat the federal legislation that will end the slaughter of American horses; HR 503, The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009.
In their zealous quest to defeat HR 503, EWA expects more of the elaborate disinformation campaign from the AQHA and its lobbyists.
EWA wholeheartedly supports humane and responsible animal agriculture and is prepared to respond.
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
here is also a copy of the email/letter the President of the MQHA sent around:
From: Stan Weaver [mailto:stanweaver1@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 2:03 PM
To: (names removed to protect the recipients)
Subject: HB 418 Final Comments - Success!!!
I am sure you are all aware that HB 418 has become law. Although Governor
Schweitzer did not sign the bill, he still had a hand in it becoming law. The Montana
Horse Industry owes him a big “Thank You.”
I think each one of you can take credit in the fact that we got this bill passed. It is
because of all of your phone calls, letters, faxes and e-mails that you took the time to do
in order to show your passion for this cause that produced such a positive outcome.
Being involved made all the difference. This was a true grass roots effort and
Representative Ed Butcher told me that at the end of our campaign, calls from just
Montanans were 80% in favor of the bill. That is outstanding - and really shows what a
grass roots effort can do.
I would like to personally thank all of you that sent me e-mails and made phone
calls to me in support. Many of you copied me letters that you had sent to the Governor,
and each showed your passion and truth for this subject. Maybe one of these days I will
write a book of all those e-mails and letters – there are some pretty interesting ones to say
the least.
I also would like to thank the Montana Quarter Horse Association and its Board of
Directors for letting me represent them in this endeavor. It was at a meeting of these
folks on Sunday, February 8th that the whole idea was born. At that meeting it was
decided unanimously that we would support the Horse Processing bill, and I agreed to
write a letter and Cali would send it to our members. The effort and e-mail list just grew
from there.
This whole process just shows how important it is for us to get involved and do
what we can. It is a different world than it was in our grandparent’s day or even our
parents. Now days there are people who sit in an office in Washington, D.C. or New
York City, or Los Angeles and they have never calved a wild heifer or had to suckle a
chilled down calf. They never had a colt buck every time they jumped him out , and knew
they had to be hand enough to ride him or end up walking back to the house since there
was not a horse trailer and pickup close by. Yet, these people feel that we have been
doing this wrong for generations and they are sure that if they legislate their ideas it will
force us to abide by them. We must be aware of what goes on around us and we must
become active in preserving our way of life. I was contacted by several animal owners
that have different issues with the legislature this year. I feel that before the next
legislation there will be some sort of animal owners or animal/agriculture coalition to
help fight and support bills in the 2011 legislation. The tide is turning.
Our next big push will be HR 503 before the U.S. House of Representatives. This
is the bill to criminalize the transport of horses that will be sold for human consumption.
It is scheduled to be heard this fall. The AQHA and several of its affiliates (including
Montana) will work hard to defeat this bill. I will keep you all informed as to its process
and when we need to make our move and become involved.
Again, thanks for all your support and your commitment to getting HB 418
passed. You all take care and may God bless each of you until we talk again.
Best Regards,
Stan Weaver, President
Montana Quarter Horse Association
digusting....
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The TRUTH Behind the PUSH for Horse-Slaughter
I thoroughy enjoyed this article.
Excellent TRUTH in reporting!
"Telling it like it is,"...and wonderfully!
------------------------
Originally appeared in:
http://www.zootoo.com/journals_j_currentevent/keepyourfriendscloseandyourene_rtfitch
posted by RTF
(is that you, Jerry?)
Apr '09
7
12:41am
http://www.horseraceinsider.com
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer: the Ag Lobby’s Dirty Little Plan, Revealed
Monday, April 06, 2009
Cattle Grower Network
“It has been shown that horsemeat is low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in protein- overall a better quality of meat than beef. If horse meat were readily available in the U.S., would you be inclined to try it?”
It pays to be on enemy email lists: I received the above link this afternoon, to a website promoting horse slaughter. A faux poll, and several misled people who are contemplating dining on "lowfat" horsemeat. The Ag lobbyists have convinced cattle "growers" that, hmmm, horsemeat might be a yummy thing--I'm thinking that it's a significant part of Ag lobby's push for horse slaughter plants--that if horse slaughter is brought back into the United States, cattle "growers" can get into the biz of "growing" horses specifically for slaughter.
This disgusts me. But I'd rather know what they're up to than not. Ignorance is NOT bliss.
Ah, every now and then, the Good Guys catch a break.
Just when you thought that the battle to keep equines safe from slaughter was a losing effort—an email drops into your Inbox that qualifies as a gift from Heaven. A miracle. Hundred-dollar bills dropping from the sky.
Today was just such a day.
Allow me to elucidate. I am a member of American Horse Publications, a terrific organization that brings together every equine publication, website and freelancer in the country. I cannot stress strongly enough how much I enjoy being a member of AHP.
But today I appreciate it perhaps more than ever before, for I got an email from a website that turned the horse slaughter thing around for me. Refreshed me. Renewed my resolve.
[AHP regularly sends out press releases for its members: some days I get upward of 20 press releases. This is a great service that the organization provides to members. Most days I hear from Missy Wryn, or The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Times—the ones I’d expect.]
But, ah, today. Today I was frustrated. Today I had a headache, from beating my brains against a post. I’ve been trying for several days to write a follow-up to Montana’s Big, Bloody Sky, but have been stumped. Not that I’ve run out of words—I’ll be yammering on my way to the grave. I’ve run out of patience with the system, a system that allows Governors to play footsie with Ag lobbyists and to disguise death sentences for horses as concern for their welfare.
You see, Friday was a day of jubilation for we anti-slaughter people. Well, it was a minute of jubilation.
We’d heard, first, that Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer had vetoed the horse slaughter bill.
Friends and colleagues emailed me to send up the first flares. Start the bonfire, we’re havin’ a weenie roast!
That ecstasy lasted about three seconds. I read Schweitzer’s letter to The Butcher (Ed Butcher, that is: the most appropriately-named politician in America.) The letter of “veto” was really a letter filled with amendments. IF the bill is amended in ways that Governor Schweitzer find to be appropriate—he will sign the bill into law.
And the reasons for his amendments are to write in protections for those who would build the slaughterhouses—NOT because he’s concerned about the horses’ welfare. Sure, his letter of amendment is filled with language that sounds like he’s concerned for equine welfare—all the “unwanted horses” ya-ya.
But the bottom line of it is that he’ll be delighted to sign the bill into law, as long as the amendments are written in—and those magnanimous Belgians are protected. Schweitzer wants to make sure that, once the slaughterhouse is built in Montana—no one can step up to the plate (or courthouse) and close it down.
So I’ve spent several days trying to write about something that is on the surface so vague that anti-slaughter folks were tempted to think we’d won. But knowing that we’ve not won, the battle continues, and—if anything—is more frustrating than ever. At this point, it’s out of our hands. Phone calls to Schweitzer’s office will not change a thing. Now we sit and wait to see if/when the Montana State Legislature tosses it back to him.
If they do, he’ll sign it.
If he signs it, Montana license plates can read, “The Slaughter State.”
So today I felt stumped. Defeated. Not sure what to write.
Now I know. Today we were given a gift, that of insider knowledge. This is a valuable tool—knowledge. The Truth shall set you free. The light of Truth, shining in the darkness—can turn it all around for the horses.
We have the ammo we need now: the email I received via AHP today carried the subject line, “Would You Eat Horse Meat?”
I turned on my mental heel. They had my attention. I had to peek inside, and see behind the curtain.
This email was from a website that identified itself aswww.CheyenneOutlaw.com
I’d never heard of them before. I thought it might be a group of cowboys, perhaps a newsletter of cowboy poets.
Not quite. Cheyenne Outlaw Ranch is—you guessed it—a cattle ranch in Wyoming.
Their mission is to “grow” and sell—beef, (as shown in the pic below of a Canadian "Horse Meat Farm. Notice they pick the larger, draft style horses to "grow" as they bear more meat.)
Why, you might ask yourself, would they wish to contact those of us who work in publishing in equine industries? Hmmmmm…tap yourself on the chin. Think about this a minute.
It all became wildly clear the minute I read the email: supposedly, The Cattle Grower Network had conducted a poll. Uh, yeah. And in that poll, they asked if readers would eat horsemeat if it were available to them.
Uh-huh. A rigged poll. People who are members of Cattle Grower Network, answering a question that, on its surface, seems simple.
Disgusting, but simple.
The underlying implication is enormous.
Finally--the Truth behind the push for horse slaughter plants.
The Truth, that those who are proponents are no more concerned about “unwanted horses” than a bald man is about unwanted hair.
The Truth is that the Ag lobby is working with the “cattle growers” not only to re-introduce horse slaughter into the United States—the underlying reason for doing so is that the next step after reintroduction is to create a market for horsemeat IN the United States.
The beef industry has been hurting lately. Too many people actually concerned about silly things like, oh, I don’t know—cholesterol. Fat. Colon cancer.
What, oh, what, can a “cattle grower” whose profit margin is flagging do? Hmmm…got land. Got grass. Got fields fenced in. Beef, fatty. HORSE…not so fat.
Horsemeat = a marketing strategy that could save the necks of the ranchers who’ve invested millions of dollars into an industry that is threatened by a growing American concern for health.
Read the link above, to the “poll” and those who agree with the results of the poll—that, supposedly, horsemeat just may be an acceptable addition to the American diet. Read the words, then let them set in.
Realize that this is a well-calculated campaign. This is NOT random people who happen to think that horse slaughter is a good thing.
This, my friends, is every bit as insidious a campaign as the tobacco industry creating chocolate cigarettes for children.
This campaign was hatched in the boardrooms of The Beef Council. This plan is being executed by the Ag lobbyists and the ranchers. This, they believe, will be the plan that saves the ranchers.
All this time, we anti-slaughter people thought they were merely executing the “slippery slope” argument, that, if horse slaughter is taboo in America—they’ll come for the beef industry next.
That passive-aggressive approach—that’s what we thought they were up to.
But today’s email revealed the Truth—Hallelujah, the Truth will set the horses free.
The real motivation of the Ag lobby and the Beef People is not to prevent beef slaughter from being outlawed—for that would never happen. The real motivation is to open wide the door to horse slaughter so that RANCHING HORSES for meat will not only become acceptable—it will become an exciting, viable new market for the cattle ranchers. “Branching out,” as it were. Creating a new market, and giving it the old hard-sell.
Once horse slaughter plants are put in Montana and the Dakotas—it’s all downhill from there. They think that we anti-slaughter people will just give up, and go away with a whimper. That we’ll shrug our withers, and give in.
No doubt they even aspire to converting Willie Nelson: their clever marketing wonks envision Willie as a potential ally, the face of The American Horsemeat Council. Once that door to slaughter is flung wide-open—the possibilities are endless.
I am not arguing in slippery slope here, friends. All you need do is read this nonsense from the cattle “growers,” this email they sent to their allies, to see through their transparent motive.
If we open that door—if we let Governor Schweitzer amend so vile a bill as to make it palatable, and pass it into law—then the Ag lobby and beef “growers” can institute Phase II: the cultural and governmental acceptance of horse ranches.
If you don’t want to see billboards for “Secretariat: the Other Red Meat”—you must work with us. You don’t need my vivid imagination to see that this is the real motivation for the push for slaughter: all you need is eyes to read; a brain to comprehend and a heart to give a damn.
Ag lobby—we are finally on to you. We’ve got you in our scopes. You’re goin’ down. No Alydar Alpo for me—and no Filly Filet at Peter Luger’s.
Not now. Not ever.
Click on title above to vist the authors blogspot;
I am putting her in my favs.
http://www.zootoo.com/journals_j_currentevent/keepyourfriendscloseandyourene_rtfitch
Excellent TRUTH in reporting!
"Telling it like it is,"...and wonderfully!
------------------------
Originally appeared in:
http://www.zootoo.com/journals_j_currentevent/keepyourfriendscloseandyourene_rtfitch
posted by RTF
(is that you, Jerry?)
Apr '09
7
12:41am
http://www.horseraceinsider.com
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer: the Ag Lobby’s Dirty Little Plan, Revealed
Monday, April 06, 2009
Cattle Grower Network
“It has been shown that horsemeat is low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in protein- overall a better quality of meat than beef. If horse meat were readily available in the U.S., would you be inclined to try it?”
It pays to be on enemy email lists: I received the above link this afternoon, to a website promoting horse slaughter. A faux poll, and several misled people who are contemplating dining on "lowfat" horsemeat. The Ag lobbyists have convinced cattle "growers" that, hmmm, horsemeat might be a yummy thing--I'm thinking that it's a significant part of Ag lobby's push for horse slaughter plants--that if horse slaughter is brought back into the United States, cattle "growers" can get into the biz of "growing" horses specifically for slaughter.
This disgusts me. But I'd rather know what they're up to than not. Ignorance is NOT bliss.
Ah, every now and then, the Good Guys catch a break.
Just when you thought that the battle to keep equines safe from slaughter was a losing effort—an email drops into your Inbox that qualifies as a gift from Heaven. A miracle. Hundred-dollar bills dropping from the sky.
Today was just such a day.
Allow me to elucidate. I am a member of American Horse Publications, a terrific organization that brings together every equine publication, website and freelancer in the country. I cannot stress strongly enough how much I enjoy being a member of AHP.
But today I appreciate it perhaps more than ever before, for I got an email from a website that turned the horse slaughter thing around for me. Refreshed me. Renewed my resolve.
[AHP regularly sends out press releases for its members: some days I get upward of 20 press releases. This is a great service that the organization provides to members. Most days I hear from Missy Wryn, or The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Times—the ones I’d expect.]
But, ah, today. Today I was frustrated. Today I had a headache, from beating my brains against a post. I’ve been trying for several days to write a follow-up to Montana’s Big, Bloody Sky, but have been stumped. Not that I’ve run out of words—I’ll be yammering on my way to the grave. I’ve run out of patience with the system, a system that allows Governors to play footsie with Ag lobbyists and to disguise death sentences for horses as concern for their welfare.
You see, Friday was a day of jubilation for we anti-slaughter people. Well, it was a minute of jubilation.
We’d heard, first, that Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer had vetoed the horse slaughter bill.
Friends and colleagues emailed me to send up the first flares. Start the bonfire, we’re havin’ a weenie roast!
That ecstasy lasted about three seconds. I read Schweitzer’s letter to The Butcher (Ed Butcher, that is: the most appropriately-named politician in America.) The letter of “veto” was really a letter filled with amendments. IF the bill is amended in ways that Governor Schweitzer find to be appropriate—he will sign the bill into law.
And the reasons for his amendments are to write in protections for those who would build the slaughterhouses—NOT because he’s concerned about the horses’ welfare. Sure, his letter of amendment is filled with language that sounds like he’s concerned for equine welfare—all the “unwanted horses” ya-ya.
But the bottom line of it is that he’ll be delighted to sign the bill into law, as long as the amendments are written in—and those magnanimous Belgians are protected. Schweitzer wants to make sure that, once the slaughterhouse is built in Montana—no one can step up to the plate (or courthouse) and close it down.
So I’ve spent several days trying to write about something that is on the surface so vague that anti-slaughter folks were tempted to think we’d won. But knowing that we’ve not won, the battle continues, and—if anything—is more frustrating than ever. At this point, it’s out of our hands. Phone calls to Schweitzer’s office will not change a thing. Now we sit and wait to see if/when the Montana State Legislature tosses it back to him.
If they do, he’ll sign it.
If he signs it, Montana license plates can read, “The Slaughter State.”
So today I felt stumped. Defeated. Not sure what to write.
Now I know. Today we were given a gift, that of insider knowledge. This is a valuable tool—knowledge. The Truth shall set you free. The light of Truth, shining in the darkness—can turn it all around for the horses.
We have the ammo we need now: the email I received via AHP today carried the subject line, “Would You Eat Horse Meat?”
I turned on my mental heel. They had my attention. I had to peek inside, and see behind the curtain.
This email was from a website that identified itself aswww.CheyenneOutlaw.com
I’d never heard of them before. I thought it might be a group of cowboys, perhaps a newsletter of cowboy poets.
Not quite. Cheyenne Outlaw Ranch is—you guessed it—a cattle ranch in Wyoming.
Their mission is to “grow” and sell—beef, (as shown in the pic below of a Canadian "Horse Meat Farm. Notice they pick the larger, draft style horses to "grow" as they bear more meat.)
Why, you might ask yourself, would they wish to contact those of us who work in publishing in equine industries? Hmmmmm…tap yourself on the chin. Think about this a minute.
It all became wildly clear the minute I read the email: supposedly, The Cattle Grower Network had conducted a poll. Uh, yeah. And in that poll, they asked if readers would eat horsemeat if it were available to them.
Uh-huh. A rigged poll. People who are members of Cattle Grower Network, answering a question that, on its surface, seems simple.
Disgusting, but simple.
The underlying implication is enormous.
Finally--the Truth behind the push for horse slaughter plants.
The Truth, that those who are proponents are no more concerned about “unwanted horses” than a bald man is about unwanted hair.
The Truth is that the Ag lobby is working with the “cattle growers” not only to re-introduce horse slaughter into the United States—the underlying reason for doing so is that the next step after reintroduction is to create a market for horsemeat IN the United States.
The beef industry has been hurting lately. Too many people actually concerned about silly things like, oh, I don’t know—cholesterol. Fat. Colon cancer.
What, oh, what, can a “cattle grower” whose profit margin is flagging do? Hmmm…got land. Got grass. Got fields fenced in. Beef, fatty. HORSE…not so fat.
Horsemeat = a marketing strategy that could save the necks of the ranchers who’ve invested millions of dollars into an industry that is threatened by a growing American concern for health.
Read the link above, to the “poll” and those who agree with the results of the poll—that, supposedly, horsemeat just may be an acceptable addition to the American diet. Read the words, then let them set in.
Realize that this is a well-calculated campaign. This is NOT random people who happen to think that horse slaughter is a good thing.
This, my friends, is every bit as insidious a campaign as the tobacco industry creating chocolate cigarettes for children.
This campaign was hatched in the boardrooms of The Beef Council. This plan is being executed by the Ag lobbyists and the ranchers. This, they believe, will be the plan that saves the ranchers.
All this time, we anti-slaughter people thought they were merely executing the “slippery slope” argument, that, if horse slaughter is taboo in America—they’ll come for the beef industry next.
That passive-aggressive approach—that’s what we thought they were up to.
But today’s email revealed the Truth—Hallelujah, the Truth will set the horses free.
The real motivation of the Ag lobby and the Beef People is not to prevent beef slaughter from being outlawed—for that would never happen. The real motivation is to open wide the door to horse slaughter so that RANCHING HORSES for meat will not only become acceptable—it will become an exciting, viable new market for the cattle ranchers. “Branching out,” as it were. Creating a new market, and giving it the old hard-sell.
Once horse slaughter plants are put in Montana and the Dakotas—it’s all downhill from there. They think that we anti-slaughter people will just give up, and go away with a whimper. That we’ll shrug our withers, and give in.
No doubt they even aspire to converting Willie Nelson: their clever marketing wonks envision Willie as a potential ally, the face of The American Horsemeat Council. Once that door to slaughter is flung wide-open—the possibilities are endless.
I am not arguing in slippery slope here, friends. All you need do is read this nonsense from the cattle “growers,” this email they sent to their allies, to see through their transparent motive.
If we open that door—if we let Governor Schweitzer amend so vile a bill as to make it palatable, and pass it into law—then the Ag lobby and beef “growers” can institute Phase II: the cultural and governmental acceptance of horse ranches.
If you don’t want to see billboards for “Secretariat: the Other Red Meat”—you must work with us. You don’t need my vivid imagination to see that this is the real motivation for the push for slaughter: all you need is eyes to read; a brain to comprehend and a heart to give a damn.
Ag lobby—we are finally on to you. We’ve got you in our scopes. You’re goin’ down. No Alydar Alpo for me—and no Filly Filet at Peter Luger’s.
Not now. Not ever.
Click on title above to vist the authors blogspot;
I am putting her in my favs.
http://www.zootoo.com/journals_j_currentevent/keepyourfriendscloseandyourene_rtfitch
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Nutrena "in bed" with AQHA, AHC
Nutrena Feed Supports Horse Slaughter
We must not suppot any companies that support horse slaughter. Do not buy from them.
Hello Patricia,
Thank you very much for sharing your concern with us, and I do apologize for the delay in responding to you.
We stand behind our partnership with the AQHA. We at Nutrena, alongside the AQHA, are partnering with the American Horse Council, the governing body of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, to help solve the bigger issue of educating horse owners to be responsible so that someday we can achieve a point where slaughter does not even need to be considered as an option. If you are not familiar with the UHC, I encourage you to visit their website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org to learn more about what they are doing to help with this issue.
Thank you,
Gina Thesing
Nutrena
----------------------------------------------------------
My email to them:
Species:
Equine
Topic:
Other
Comments:
Just so you know I do not support horse slaughter for human consumption. I will not buy anything from Nutrena because you have AQHA on your feed bags. AQHA is a major supporter of horses being slaughtered and American quarter horses are the largest breed on the trucks going to slaughter in Canada and Mexico. If you want anyone to buy your feed then I suggest you not be pro slaughter.
Patricia
We must not suppot any companies that support horse slaughter. Do not buy from them.
Hello Patricia,
Thank you very much for sharing your concern with us, and I do apologize for the delay in responding to you.
We stand behind our partnership with the AQHA. We at Nutrena, alongside the AQHA, are partnering with the American Horse Council, the governing body of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, to help solve the bigger issue of educating horse owners to be responsible so that someday we can achieve a point where slaughter does not even need to be considered as an option. If you are not familiar with the UHC, I encourage you to visit their website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org to learn more about what they are doing to help with this issue.
Thank you,
Gina Thesing
Nutrena
----------------------------------------------------------
My email to them:
Species:
Equine
Topic:
Other
Comments:
Just so you know I do not support horse slaughter for human consumption. I will not buy anything from Nutrena because you have AQHA on your feed bags. AQHA is a major supporter of horses being slaughtered and American quarter horses are the largest breed on the trucks going to slaughter in Canada and Mexico. If you want anyone to buy your feed then I suggest you not be pro slaughter.
Patricia
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
They Dont Love Horses, Do They?
Or,..."My Beef with the Pro-Slaughter Folk"
Last revised April 23, 2009 9:02 p.m.EST
It never fails to rile me when I hear people from the so-called horse-loving community argue in favor of slaughtering them. They scream about all the “unwanted” horses and claim that slaughter is a necessary “evil” to control their populations. However, they confuse slaughter with actual “humane euthanasia.” Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia in any way. Slaughter is a horror we reserve for food chain animals only, and the slaughter is never humane. It is violent and traumatic by its very nature. They argue that there is no difference between a horse or a cow, a pig, a sheep, a chicken or any other traditional food-chain animal. What they ignore and/or “skirt over” is the fact that the horse is not and has never been considered a food animal in the United States. Yes it is true that throughout history at certain times and under certain circumstances, Americans have turned to consuming horsemeat, but those were hardship cases where other kinds of meat were not available. Today, Americans are not starving and there is no shortage of other kinds of meat. Meanwhile, the USDA keeps a list of “officially approved” animals for us to eat, and the horse is not on that list. That is what makes the horse different or special from any other food animal, and people who really love or care for Americas horses want to keep it that way.
Can these so-called horse-loving people actually believe that slaughter is humane? Are they that out of touch with reality? Apparently so, cause they are standing up in Congress and lobbying for their “individual rights” to send their horses to slaughter, and are crying that a prohibition against horse slaughter will go against the concept of “free enterprise.“ The really interesting part is that those who are doing the loudest yelling for horse slaughter are the very ones responsible for producing or promoting the breeding of all the so-called “unwanted” horses. Breed registries like the American Quarter-Horse Association (AQHA) and the racing industry are responsible for over half of all horses being sent to slaughter. No wonder they are crying a need for horse-slaughter. If they didnt have the slaughter option they would have to get their breeding under control and take more responsibility for the lives of the animals they bring into this world. They would have to pay to humanely euthanise them. So why do they so strongly support slaughter over real humane euthanasia? The truth of the matter is this. Slaughter PAYS while real humane euthanasia costs.
Anybody who claims to love something and would intentionally cause it harm for any reason, is a hypocrite in my book. If you love something or even remotely have a care for it,....you do not wish it harm in any way, nor contribute to its infliction. If you love or care for something, you protect it and wish it well, always.
Actually, its not about “loving horses” so much above all other animals. Its not even about "caring deeply" for them or any other animal. What it all boils down to is this: Having a healthy respect for all living things and a good sense of right and wrong, and a determination to DO NO HARM if and when possible. This is Basic Human Understanding 101, something I guess they didnt teach in their schools.
Oh, the pro-slaughter folk may “love” their horses alright, as far as they are capable of in their pea-pickin narrow-minded compassionateless little brains, ... its just that they dont “love” them as much as they do the blood-money to be made off of the peddling of their flesh when they are no longer profitable or useful to them.
These people need to evolve out of their moral primitiveness, use their brain to educate themselves,..grow a heart and JUST SAY NO to un-necessary evils like horse-slaughter.
Christine A. Jubic
Last revised April 23, 2009 9:02 p.m.EST
It never fails to rile me when I hear people from the so-called horse-loving community argue in favor of slaughtering them. They scream about all the “unwanted” horses and claim that slaughter is a necessary “evil” to control their populations. However, they confuse slaughter with actual “humane euthanasia.” Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia in any way. Slaughter is a horror we reserve for food chain animals only, and the slaughter is never humane. It is violent and traumatic by its very nature. They argue that there is no difference between a horse or a cow, a pig, a sheep, a chicken or any other traditional food-chain animal. What they ignore and/or “skirt over” is the fact that the horse is not and has never been considered a food animal in the United States. Yes it is true that throughout history at certain times and under certain circumstances, Americans have turned to consuming horsemeat, but those were hardship cases where other kinds of meat were not available. Today, Americans are not starving and there is no shortage of other kinds of meat. Meanwhile, the USDA keeps a list of “officially approved” animals for us to eat, and the horse is not on that list. That is what makes the horse different or special from any other food animal, and people who really love or care for Americas horses want to keep it that way.
Can these so-called horse-loving people actually believe that slaughter is humane? Are they that out of touch with reality? Apparently so, cause they are standing up in Congress and lobbying for their “individual rights” to send their horses to slaughter, and are crying that a prohibition against horse slaughter will go against the concept of “free enterprise.“ The really interesting part is that those who are doing the loudest yelling for horse slaughter are the very ones responsible for producing or promoting the breeding of all the so-called “unwanted” horses. Breed registries like the American Quarter-Horse Association (AQHA) and the racing industry are responsible for over half of all horses being sent to slaughter. No wonder they are crying a need for horse-slaughter. If they didnt have the slaughter option they would have to get their breeding under control and take more responsibility for the lives of the animals they bring into this world. They would have to pay to humanely euthanise them. So why do they so strongly support slaughter over real humane euthanasia? The truth of the matter is this. Slaughter PAYS while real humane euthanasia costs.
Anybody who claims to love something and would intentionally cause it harm for any reason, is a hypocrite in my book. If you love something or even remotely have a care for it,....you do not wish it harm in any way, nor contribute to its infliction. If you love or care for something, you protect it and wish it well, always.
Actually, its not about “loving horses” so much above all other animals. Its not even about "caring deeply" for them or any other animal. What it all boils down to is this: Having a healthy respect for all living things and a good sense of right and wrong, and a determination to DO NO HARM if and when possible. This is Basic Human Understanding 101, something I guess they didnt teach in their schools.
Oh, the pro-slaughter folk may “love” their horses alright, as far as they are capable of in their pea-pickin narrow-minded compassionateless little brains, ... its just that they dont “love” them as much as they do the blood-money to be made off of the peddling of their flesh when they are no longer profitable or useful to them.
These people need to evolve out of their moral primitiveness, use their brain to educate themselves,..grow a heart and JUST SAY NO to un-necessary evils like horse-slaughter.
Christine A. Jubic
Monday, April 20, 2009
PRCA Elects Animal Abuser to Executive Council
Friday, April 17th, 2009
This is sad news. In January of 2006, David Morehead pled guilty to 36 counts of horse cruelty. Last week the PRCA elected Morehead to its 2009 PRCA Executive Council. Further proof of exactly how much (or how little) rodeo folks love and respect their animals.
Click on title above to go to Sharks page where you can read the story about Morehead’s convictions and to see the videotape and election results, or cut and paste the link below into your web-browser;
http://sharkonline.org/
This is sad news. In January of 2006, David Morehead pled guilty to 36 counts of horse cruelty. Last week the PRCA elected Morehead to its 2009 PRCA Executive Council. Further proof of exactly how much (or how little) rodeo folks love and respect their animals.
Click on title above to go to Sharks page where you can read the story about Morehead’s convictions and to see the videotape and election results, or cut and paste the link below into your web-browser;
http://sharkonline.org/
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