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H.R. 6598, The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008 (1896 comments ↓ | 11 wiki edits)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 6598 would amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain conduct relating to the use of horses for human consumption.
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Visitor Comments 
Joyce J
September 11, 2008, 9:19pm (report abuse)To Martin and Shelley:
The Federal government has a right and an obligation to pass laws which are in keeping with the safety and protection of the public or in furtherance of accepted community standards. There IS a moral standard in this nation that cruelty to animals is unacceptable and criminal; if horses need to be protected by laws similar to those that protect smaller animals, so be it.
The property rights argument, alluded to by Shelley as a reason to oppose this bill, is moot. I might own my home but I cannot burn it down when I no longer have use for it. I cannot throw my garbage bag in a neighbor's yard rather than pay to have it taken away. I cannot stab my dog to death when I want to be rid of it. I PAY to humanely euthanize it. It is the obligation of all responsible animal owners and horse owners should not believe themselves to be exempt.
Do either of you consider it acceptable to slaughter dogs and cats just because foreign diners eat them? Why?
justme
September 11, 2008, 9:24pm (report abuse)Euthanasia of horses costs money. The drugs used pose problems as to where the body can be disposed. Both cost money. People who sell horses at auction are more likely to dump horses to starve than pay for euthansia and disposal of the body. In a fairy tale world people would not breed crappy horses, leave their horses untrained, and hoard more horses than they can afford to feed. Closing the slaughter plants did not help keep horses comfortable. Now they have to travel across the country in crowded conditions, to slaughter plants we can't regulate, and the life of unwanted horses has become much worse. If you really care about horses, you would agree that slaughter is an option. It would make more sense to design slaughter plants for horses, regulate them closely, and provide a quicker end than starvation or traveling across the borders for these unwanted horses.
Joyce J
September 11, 2008, 9:33pm (report abuse)Nikki, the allegedly educated horse "welfare groups", probably unbeknownst to you, are part of a coalition formed by the foreign owners of the slaughterhouses, whose express purpose is to lobby against the ban on horse slaughter. Rather than take membership fees and use the money to educate owners, assist with affordable euthanasia programs, take steps to perfect and impliment sterilization programs to reduce breeding, they spend those funds to continue the brutality of transport and inhumane slaughter by lobbying efforts and dissemination of information that is either deliberately distorted or outright lies. All of their efforts are designed to frighten the uneducated public into believing that thousands of horses will be set free, rampaging across the country, busting up family picnics, scaring little kids, dyint in the streets and fields; you name it, some slaughter advocate has proposed a doomsday scenario as a result of the ban. People who fall for it are lemmings.
aacres
September 11, 2008, 9:48pm (report abuse)And for the third time with none of you against horse slaughter have answered - WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION TO THE DANGEROUS, LAME, UNUASABLE, UNWANTED HORSES.
Lin
The horse breeders I know are not breeding to feed Europeans. Even the Amish around me that breed their mares yearly are not breeding them to feed Europeans. Where did you get this information - PETA?
Joyce J
September 11, 2008, 10:01pm (report abuse)Stefe: There are many things most of us don't own but to be unconcerned about their welfare is a typical reaction of someone who only wants to take reponsibility for their little part of the world. I don't own a Harp Seal or Polar Bear but I am as concerned about their welfare as well as I am the horses'. I am concerned about the future of your children, if you have any, because of the condition of this country, rampant drug abuse and terrorism that could easily impact their safety and security, their very lives. Should I not be because they are yours?
By your logic, no one has right to express an opinion unless they take action to back it up .
How do you know how many of us own horses, support rescues and have adopted/sponsored those who have been saved from slaughter? You don't. You couldn't. You point fingers with no real knowledge.
What if I said I own a ranch that cares for 218 horses that might have been butchered otherwise? Would my opinion be more valid then?
green manure
September 11, 2008, 10:11pm (report abuse)I have heard the issue was extremely contentious in the committee? Logic would ask why would such an issue be extremely contentious? Are they concerned about starving horses? Do they care how much humane euthanisia costs? Is it really about consuming horse meat in a foreign country?
No, it's about money. BIG MONEY. SOMEBODY IS WORRIED ABOUT LOSING BIG MONEY.
Katherine
September 11, 2008, 10:34pm (report abuse)I do not see how this will go through. It is impossible to tell what intent is. Whether the meat is intended for human consumption.This needs to be fixed from the packaging side of things.
It sounds to me as if someone wants to simply ban the slaughter of horses period. If we call this animal cruelty, then what happens to the beef and pork industry?
vicki
September 11, 2008, 10:49pm (report abuse)TO AACRES: Did you ever hear of euthanasia? If you own an animal you, not us, are responsible for the humane care of the animal in life and death. If an animal is sick, lame or dangerous, you pick up the phone and call the vet and have him euthanized. If you do not want this responsibility, then don’t own an animal. And before you come back with how large horses are and how to dispose of such a large animal, you can ask the owners of over 800,000 horses that humanely euthanize and dispose of their animals each year. They are not whining that they need slaughter so obviously, they have figured it out. There are no unwanted horses – only horses with irresponsible owners.
vicki
September 11, 2008, 10:51pm (report abuse)Martin, the constitution has already allowed animal protection laws. Banning horse slaughter does not interfere with international commerce. Illinois passed a law banning horse slaughter for human consumption. Cavel appealed on those grounds to three courts, including the Supreme Court and lost. The 2 plants in Texas also tried the same argument and lost. Cavel’s attorney made an absolute fool of himself especially when he tried using the argument that we were trying to dictate what other countries can and cannot eat. You can listen to the testimony on my website (www.vickitobin.com) on the Cavel page. We don’t care what they eat. If they want to eat horse meat, they can butcher their own horses. Horses are not livestock (food animals) in this country; we do not eat our horses. There is no market here. We are not responsible for supplying the Europeans just as we are not responsible for supplying dog and cat meat to Asia.
green manure
September 11, 2008, 10:58pm (report abuse)Oh, please Vicki. Humane euthanasia costs money and the drugs pose a problem of where to dispose the body...as if different drugs don't pose a problem to those who eat the meat. Please don't die Vicki, it costs money!!!
green manure
September 11, 2008, 11:01pm (report abuse)For the last time,
there is, was and never will be such a thing as a USDA regulated horse slaughter house. If you want a real education, just educate yourself on this issue. Not for the faint of heart.
vicki
September 11, 2008, 11:02pm (report abuse)Tina, if your comment about PETA is correct, you must be their number one contributor. Before you dismiss the comments, where are your facts? The pro side just loves to throw out comments with nothing to back them. What has been posted that is not correct? This has nothing to do with emotion. We do not eat horses and should not be slaughtering them like livestock. That’s not emotional, that is a fact. The only reason we have slaughter is because of greed. The kill houses pay people to be irresponsible. They pay people to over breed. They pay people to keep the horses coming. What do you think would happen if the kill houses stopped paying people to dump their horses? If slaughter is needed for disposal, why do the owners expect to be paid? Humane facilities don’t pay dog and cat owners to dump their animals. Why should horse owners be paid. Oh, I get it. It’s a way to sell out your horse for a quick $200.
vicki
September 11, 2008, 11:09pm (report abuse)green manure, again, the owners of over 800,000 horses humanely euthanize and dispose of their animals annually. There are no environmental issues for them so why would there be issues for less than 1%? Of course it costs money. If you don’t want to pay it then you shouldn’t own an animal. It is your responsibility to end your animal’s life humanely. If you don’t want that responsibility, then don’t own one.
LBoothby
September 11, 2008, 11:10pm (report abuse)We need to remember the facts about horse slaughter.
1)Slaughter is NOT Humane Euthanasia
2)Horse Slaughter Promotes Neglect. If a horse owner/trainer does not feel responsible for the animal and he can dump him at an auction sick, starved or injured without facing any charges there is no reason for them to be responsible
3) Horse Meat is full of carcinogens. On any feed, supplement or drug used in the equine industry it states Do Not Use On Animals Intended For Human Consumption.
4)Horses Are Not Raised in the U.S. as a food animal.
5)Transport to slaughter is inhumane. Laws are broken on a daily basis. Severely Injured, starved equine, mares heavy with foal delivering on trailers or slaughter house floors, blind horses, and foals under 6 months are transported off of feedlots and from auctions to Mexico on a regular basis.
6)The proponents of slaughter are not thinking of the horses they are thinking of their wallets.
vicki
September 11, 2008, 11:12pm (report abuse)green manure - sorry about that. Misread your comment - LOL!
LauraB
September 11, 2008, 11:17pm (report abuse)Oh I forgot the most important fact. 90% of horses bought for slaughter are healthy serviceable animals under the age 10. Alarge portion of these horses are race horses, TBs and AQHA, they are loaded with drugs, hormones, and other products lethal to humanes.
So the theory that US horse meat is better for you or is safer....well it's just that a theory based in lies not truth.
green manure
September 11, 2008, 11:17pm (report abuse)No problem. It is hard to get past the same old emotional rantings of the proslaughter people so I had to throw in a bit of truthful sarcasm.
To Nikki
September 12, 2008, 5:24am (report abuse)AAEP, AVMA, PVMA, AQHA are against legislation for 1 reason - GREED! They ALL have sold out & have a lack of concern for horse welfare. Big breed organizations are only concerned about registration #s, vet assc. are paid off by big Ag & have long forgotten the oath they took. Greed has blinded them all including the legislators that are preventing needed legislation to pass. There’s no humane horse slaughter - never was.
Responsible ownership & accountability is what this is all about. It’s insane so-called intelligent humans can’t understand when their actions are so obviously cruel & inhumane that laws need to be in effect. The problem - no enforcement.
For those that blame lack of horse slaughter for low horse prices – is that your reasoning for your Hummer or your house not having value too?
The Belgium’s are laughing all the way to the bank at pro-slaughters stupidity – they give you $200 but make $20,000 per horse. Stop the $laughter - Stop the Greed!
vicki
September 12, 2008, 7:22am (report abuse)Nikki, the AQHA brings over 130.000 foals into the population each year. Are you aware that QHs are the number one breed going to slaughter? Just think of the registration fees they stand to lose if their membership starts breeding responsibly. Don’t just cut and paste pro slaughter rhetoric. Find out who started the AAEP. Find out who the AVMA has ties to. Have you done any research? If so, why didn’t you mention the VEW?
There are many outlets but slaughter supporters don’t want to avail themselves to those outlets. I find it amazing that you place the blame on everyone except where it belongs – with the owner of the horse. Why should anyone have to fund their irresponsibility?
There is no humane way to slaughter a horse. Even your pro slaughter AVMA states the horses head must be restrained and that is not possible. The captive bolt was designed for bovines and doesn’t work on horses.
JoAnne
September 12, 2008, 8:23am (report abuse)This is to Barb: I bet your a breeder aren't you? Slaughter horses here in the US so your profits can go up?
chphd
September 12, 2008, 9:51am (report abuse)Amazing how many of you complain about the slaughter but yet offer a solution. Slaughter will happen "behind closed doors" regardless of any bill that's pasted. Keep it legal AND monitored and horses won't suffer the way they are now and always will. Passing a law has never stopped anyone before, why do you think it will stop them now??? Plus it's already proven that horses end up going out the USA fore slaugher. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN? OUT OF SIGHT? OUT OF MIND??? GET REAL people and put a bill on the table that will regulate slaughter, not pass it off to some other country! That or put the your bucks where your complaints are and help support needy horses just like we do our beloved cats and dogs. IT never ceases to amaze me that all of the bleeding hearts can set here and complain but yet have NO solution to our "problem". I have owned horses for 35 years. I'd rather see regulated slaughter then to see yet another herd seized due to being starved.
barnyard
September 12, 2008, 10:23am (report abuse)I wonder if all those who are against slaughter will be willing to take in an unwanted horse and care for it until it's natural death? Sounds reasonable to me.
Ginny
September 12, 2008, 10:25am (report abuse)For the one millionth time...horses are not companion PETS!!!! They don't bark, they don't meow, they don't jump in your lap looking to be pet on and loved on. They have hooves, they can be dangerous and people can make a living off them much like cattle. They are LIVESTOCK for heavens sake!!! As far as I know there are no laws saying we can't eat dogs, so why aren't you all going crazy trying to keep China from eating dogs? You apparently don't want Europe to eat horse. What's the difference?!!!! Let's do something we all agree on. We all agree that the method used for slaughter is cruel, so why don't we just reform the slaughter practice. It may make a difference in the way cattle and hogs are slaughtered too.
Marilyn CA
September 12, 2008, 10:27am (report abuse)We don't live in the ice age. This practice is barbaric and sadistic. Our beloved horses should never have to suffer the excruciating pain, tremendous fear and anxiety that this horrendous practice produces. We are supposed to be compassionate human beings. Allowing this practice makes us all sub-human and no better than the cavemen who subscribed to barbarism. Stop this practice. Humane euthanasia by other means is the only way to go. Vets need to charge a nominal fee to put a horse down. There must be less costly ways of disposing of the horse. If there were, more people would NOT feel forced to sell at auction which inevitably causes our horses to end up in the slaughter pipeline. Stop this practice. Our horses deserve better from us after all their years of service to us.
Veronica
September 12, 2008, 10:34am (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed! If not, it is a travesty & injustice, &... INHUMANE!
So many times, over too many years, there has been a majority vote in Congress & the Senate to pass legislation banning horse slaughter. The government wants it, the VOTING people of America want it.
But over & over, too many times, it is blocked by a misleading amendment/loophole by a legislator with a vested, meaning $$$, interest in slaughtering horses. And *very importantly, most Representatives DO NOT KNOW THE AMENDMENT/LOOPHOLE IS THERE BEFORE VOTING!!
Can we experience an honest, responsible government?! Please, no more deceit by those we elect and trust to pass laws that we need and want.
Bring honesty, compassion, integrity back to our democracy. Vote and pass the ban on the heinous, butchery of our horses for foreign consumption.
Thank You America!
NY
Barb AZ
September 12, 2008, 10:54am (report abuse)How wonderful they are finally doing something about this. We are a civilized society, well sometimes (!), and this barbaric practice needs to end.
Thanks to all who are fighting for this much-needed legislation.
sharon mohon
September 12, 2008, 10:55am (report abuse)Do these posters eat meat? We slaughter animals every day for consumption...if people overseas eat horse meat to stop from starving, and the horses are humanly slaughtered, it is better than letting the poor horses starve to death as that is the alternative.....
Karen
September 12, 2008, 11:12am (report abuse)Please support this bill. It is inhumane. Why can't we come together to do the right thing. It's an industry that does not benefit Americans, and is cruel to our companion animals. Horses work for us, it's time we did the right thing by them.
Lin
September 12, 2008, 11:13am (report abuse)When I see a cow, carry a human, go on patrol with a police officer, participate in sports, pick up handicap off the ground,star in movies, and any thing else a horse can do, that's when I will keep my mouth shut. and by the way I have a horse that plays jolly ball...I'll kick it too him, he runs after it and kicks it back....kinda like fetch don't you think. DEMESTICATED COMPANION PET.
CMN
September 12, 2008, 11:14am (report abuse)Let our American Horses live! I'm personally tired of worring about people in other countries.
True American would never thing about putting a horses throught such a inhumane act. It's about time our goverment did what the people want, not what specials interestes needs.
Be a true American and help stop the slaughter of there poor horses, call your state Rep and Senator. Let your voice be heard.
Rose McCutcheon
September 12, 2008, 11:20am (report abuse)It is past time to end this horrible practice of Horse Slaughter. It is simply unacceptable. I have watched the video's on slaughter of horses and it is barbaric and needs to end. Cows are beautiful too.
Brandi in Nebraska
September 12, 2008, 11:38am (report abuse)This is a very important bill for the horses and for the unsuspecting people who eat American horses. They are not aware that we do not raise horses specifically for slaughter. They believe that the meat they are eating is safe like beef! The fact is that we as a country by supporting horse slaughter are putting people at risk because our horses are treated with chemicals that specifically state not to be used in horses for consumption (check out your fly spray and wound ointments!). A buyer for a slaughter house that picks up horses at auction cannot say that these horses are free of contaminates. We as a country are setting ourselves up for a lawsuit. Not to mention it is just plain inhumane for the horses! These horses are not unwanted, the people who want them often can no longer afford them. We need to consider helping owners to keep their pets!!
BobbiB.
September 12, 2008, 11:54am (report abuse)Overbreeding will stop when horse slaughter stops. Its the old supply and demand theory in practice. Many breed just for the slaughter market, defying the accepted norms and mores of the majority. Take the profit out and they will stop. The remaining number of horses who are truly homeless will be small enough to be card for by the rescues.
sandra
September 12, 2008, 12:00pm (report abuse)Please hear our voices,as the Horse cannot speak! I am now working with disabled children, doing therapy with "recycled horses". It would not be possible if they had gone to slaughter. Please, please vote "yes" for this bill to treat our horses with respect, rather than subject them to the horror of slaughter!
Brandi in NE
September 12, 2008, 12:00pm (report abuse)A few canswers to questions posted:
TX Barrel Racer: What happens to your horses that you don't send to slaughter if something happens to you? Or the ones you sell at auction or to someone else? Can you guarantee that they will never go to slaughter if they are not with you??? No. Whether or not you personally send your horses to slaughter, your horses could go to slaughter.
Shelli: I own three horses, I eat meat, and I support this bill.
Barnyard: Yes I do take in unwanted horses, I have a 23-25 year old horse with cushings. He is on special meds and takes a lot to keep up at his age with his condition. When his time comes I will have him euthanized and buried on our place (we have permission to do so). I purchased a starved horse for $5 at auction when no one else would bid. I paid to have her euthed due to the neglect she faced.
There are places that are working to help set up euthanasia funds for owners...see next post.
Brandi in Nebraska
September 12, 2008, 12:06pm (report abuse)Many places are working to solve the "unwanted horse" issue. Some groups are setting up euthansia funds, hay funds (to help owners who want their horses, but who may have to give them up due to the economy), retirement centers, etc. There are options that we can create to cover the questions raised. We just need to work together!
Look at the TB owners that are using part of the money their horses own to put it aside for when they retire. That is a good start! Why can AQHA or the other registries start something like that.
When irresponsible breeders breed horses that do not fit breed standards, they breed itself is the one to suffer. Before horse slaughter was an open option, AQHA used to make sure all horses bred fit their standards. They no longer do that. They will register anything. In a digital era where people can send pics of their horse from every angle, it would be easy to go back to that! see next post.
arabrescuelady@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 12:09pm (report abuse)This is REALLY about BIG MONEY and the need to stop people from treating horses like used cars. Cars do not feel pain, fear, hunger etc. The slaughter of horses is inhumane and cruel in the way it is carried out to make the meat tastier. We are not feeding starving children in third world countries we are feeding the rich our horses. Out of control breeding needs to stop and horse slaughter needs to stop. People want to compare dogs & cats & cows, okay. Imagine someone taking Spot or Fluffy to a slaughter house where they will fire a bolt into your beloved pets forehead and then stab them multiple times with a small dagger, cut their front legs off and hang them by the rear legs and let them bleed out so their meat will taste better. They are still ALIVE while all this is happening. Cows do suffer too, but does that, justify this? For those with the argument that they are just animals, so are we, all mammals. So I ask if OTHER COUNTRIES WANT to eat your dog/cat will you send them?
Brandi in Nebraska
September 12, 2008, 12:11pm (report abuse)Some things to consider:
Prices for euthanasia are set by the vets. My vet gave me at cost euthanasia for a horse that I took in because of neglect...it was $200 cheaper than regular! Why can't they do euthanisia at cost all the time?
The slaughter houses don't want dangerous horses...why because they increase the risk to their workers and make it even more inhumane. The don't want old and skinny (which is why they end up left at auction houses). They don't take blind because it is against the law if it is caught. they don't take sick because they can't be transported! If they get caught they again get fined. Go to an auction and see what they take.
arabrescuelady@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 12:28pm (report abuse)BRAVO! Brandi you are so right as are many others here today. I was told by a kill buyer that the slaughter hoses turn away the sick, aged and thin horses. They want scale weight and gender, breed and age is of no consequence as long as they are getting scale. This buyer breeds foals every year and sends FAT,healthy horses to slaughter. Many are broke to ride. If this law passes we will no longer have to buy their lives. There are good homes available. I have two slaughter rescues with more coming soon.
Bustercreek@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 1:40pm (report abuse)We do not raise horses for human consumption in this country. With all the chemicals and drugs my horses are given over the years someone would have to be nuts to want to eat them! And imagine what racehorses are given and they are a large portion of horses sent to slaughter when they are "used up." If I was someone who ate horsemeat on a regular basis, I'd be getting my affairs in order!
Melissa K.
September 12, 2008, 2:26pm (report abuse)The United States Congress needs to vote YES for this bill. This bill reflects the opinion of over 80% of the American public. Time to stop giving lip service to the concept of "majority rule" and the will of the American people and start walking the talk: PASS THIS LEGISLATION.
TJ
September 12, 2008, 3:06pm (report abuse)Having owned horses for the past 25 years and being actively involved in the horse industry, I can tell you that this bill will have a very negative impact on the welfare of horses. Already because of the closure of the plants, we are seeing an increase of horses being turned loose in the deserts. People that can no longer afford to feed or care for horses are abandoning them. I see horses daily that are malnourished and lack proper care. What is worse? Having a horse endure months of suffering, or having their life ended by slaughter. Where are the unwanted horses going to end up. Who will feed them? There must be resources to deal with this. People need to truly understand what this bill will mean to the welfare of the thousands of unwanted horses in this country.
LB
September 12, 2008, 3:12pm (report abuse)I am reading many great and logical comments on this issue.
However, I do not understand why those who want slaughter to continue are just now asking for slaughter to be regulated and made humane. Are you telling me that it was inhumane and you knew about it and did not care?
LB
September 12, 2008, 3:18pm (report abuse)And another question, many of those who are arguing for slaughter are asking about what to do with unwanted horses. So many of you state that you have been horse owners for a number of years and have been actively involved in the horse industry. Is there a reason you haven't worked on solving the issues of unwanted horses long before now?
Gale
September 12, 2008, 3:44pm (report abuse)Hi LB, We want slaughter in this country where it can be regulated by our inspectors, instead of the horses being hauled to Mexico or Canada.
DJ
September 12, 2008, 4:20pm (report abuse)BRAVO LB and well said!
The Goverment will not pay for inspectors of horses at the slaughterplants. It's a law that past years ago.
Pass this bill and stop horse slaughter!
arabrescuelady@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 4:27pm (report abuse)We do not want slaughter at all in this country, Mexico or Canada. There are homes for these horses, mine is one of them. Pro-slaughter folks will stop at nothing to keep this bill from passing. Why? Because they will have to become accountable for out of control breeding practices and responsible for the horses they created. The horses did not cause this problem, people did! They need to be held accountable and made to do the responsible thing with their animals. This law will force them to change! I say again this issue is about M-O-N-E-Y!
snaffles
September 12, 2008, 4:44pm (report abuse)Arab - you do not speak for me I am Canadian. I live 30 minutes away from Canada's larget equine processing plant in Ft Macleod Alberta Bouvry Exports. They have one of the best reputatons in the world regarding animal handling and animal care. I have seen the aniamls that come off of the trucks from the US and its sickening. At the plant they receive free choice grain, hay and water in fully bedded pens until its their time. Their workers treat the aniamls with respect - they are not whipped, rushed, prodded. Those animals receive better care in the last few weeks of their life than they probably have in the last few years.
Is it about money - for some it might be - but what about the horses? If the border shuts tomorrow and there are no new markets and the slaughter ones closed and you have at least 4 years of animals that are still to be of riding age. Who is taking care of these 400,000+ horses? That's a minimum of 8,000 more for every state.
snaffles
September 12, 2008, 4:47pm (report abuse)The ideal situation would be a slaughter house in every state. The horse would have to travel no more than 5-6 hours, transport regulations would be strictly enforced. Animals would be unloaded, segregated into clean bedded pens with free choice hay and water. They would be checked for condition and brands/chips/tatoos. They would have to remain on the premise for 30 days to ensure no chemicals remained in the system. At that time they would be herded quietly into the facility and processed. The process would be designed by someone like Temple Grandin to be as low stress as possible.
Despite what groups like PETA would have you believe human slaughter is not crazed horses being whipped in pens being strung up and bled alive. Those videos were taken decades ago in unregulated slaughter houses, or in Mexico. It can be done humanely, quietly and with repsect. Once the animal is dead, what's done with the body is moot, its the quality of life before the death that we need to address.
Old Dust
September 12, 2008, 4:53pm (report abuse)I have read all the comments and I cannot believe how uninformed and completely ignorant about the livestock business and in the case of the horse business. If you don't own one or 100 now or ever have and paid all the costs associated with horses, then please bow out.
Jus Wondering...
September 12, 2008, 4:58pm (report abuse)Roll Call!
In the interests of absolute honesty please list how many horses you actually own in you posts!!!!
arabrescuelady@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 5:31pm (report abuse)Very well "Jus Wondering" I currently have 3, 4 as of tomorrow morning with 2 more coming from Cal at this point. Sorry Snaffles for pushin your buttons, I am not a member of PETA, just a concerned horse owner who knows the truth. By the way did you catch yourself on that "human slaughter" blooper in your last post? Might be folks could get worked up over that!
Steve
September 12, 2008, 5:52pm (report abuse)I don't one a horse. No living breathing animal should be treated this way, EVER!! We dont treat our worst crminal this way. You people are amazing, those of you who think this is ok. It's ok, someday you will get what you deserve.
Dave
September 12, 2008, 5:55pm (report abuse)The real problem here is the consequence of the bill. If you have every seen a starving horse, you would want to solve the problem of unwanted horses before even considering a bill like this. With hay at record prices, people are turning horses loose. I have seen them myself. Come winter, they will slowly die a very miserable death. Very sad. Care of a horse is much more expensive than small pets. I personally think that once a horse is dead, it is better to utilize it than let it rot in the ground. Native cultures such as Native Americans and Bedouins have long learned that taking full advantage of their sacred animals is a way of respecting that animal. Instead, we try to raise donations to feed unwanted horses while millions of children die of starvation. Lets solve starving children first, then figure out what to do with unwatned horses, then do whatever you want.
Terri
September 12, 2008, 6:08pm (report abuse)Steve - why don't you post your address, I'm sure there are a few rescues out there who would be happy to send a few dozen horses for you to take care of. It only costs a minimum of $2200/year to take of each one of them - providing he isn't sick, doesn't need dental care, any additional medications or special shoeing.
Bear in mind that they probably aren't trained to be ridden, maybe be partially halter broke. Might kick or bite. Probably won't be safe to be around children. And with this market they have no resale value - so you'll be caring for them for the next 15 to 20+ years.
How many can we put you down for?
Ginger
September 12, 2008, 6:21pm (report abuse)I own 30+ registered horses. This bill is just another way for our government to regulate and to make it hard on good honest people trying to make a living. I show horses and don't want to be questioned everytime I haul a horse to a show.
RH in Mn
September 12, 2008, 6:45pm (report abuse)I forgot to add in my earlier post AGAINST this bill that I currently own 15 horses. Horses help to make up my livelihood which the uninformed and missguided are slowly stripping me of.
Cassie
September 12, 2008, 6:59pm (report abuse)You people who are for slaughter are ridiculous. Seriously, how can you do such horrible things to those majestic animals? I know what you guys do, because I have seen it with my own eyes!!! And your horrid, I believe you must take sleeping pills to go to bed huh?
Oh, and for Terri there is plenty of people who own property that know nothing of whats going on with these poor horse who would love to take in a some! You had no right to snap at Steve just because he hasnt gotten one yet doesnt mean he later wont!
JillFisher
September 12, 2008, 7:06pm (report abuse)Horses are not raised for slaughter for food for human consumption or any purpose concerning their inhumane death for monetary purposes.
These are animals that have been loved and cared for.
They are animals with intelligence and fear.
We insist that this uncivilized, barbaric, money driven business stopped!
This is the United States of America and we do not eat our horses!!!
LB
September 12, 2008, 7:16pm (report abuse)Many proslaughter comments are saying that slaughter should be brought back if it can be made humane and regulated. Was it inhumane and not regulated in the past?
arabrescuelady@yahoo.com
September 12, 2008, 7:20pm (report abuse)Terri, how many are you offering to provide, if I give you my address? My horses are well cared for, receive regular farrier and vet attention and are if in need of anything it would probably be weight watchers or Jenny Craig! My horses are rescues, I have two so gentle I can put my 6 year old neighbor boy on and he has complete control. These rescues also do 4-H and one had prior experience with barrels at some point in his life, he knows what to do when the rider does not. They don't bite or kick yet one was at a kill buyers and the other left at an auction house. Most horses sent to slaughter are nothing of what you've described Terri! Get your facts straight! Also I have very little costs involved in horse ownership, with one horse I bought a bag of sweet feed every 2 weeks at about $10. a bag, wormers from Jeffers are $2.99 every 8 to 12 weeks, the farrier is $25. a trim every 8 to 12 weeks. Hay is $5. a bale (1 horse = $243.for 3 months approx).
JillFisher
September 12, 2008, 7:21pm (report abuse)HELP STOP THE SLAUGHTER OF GOD'S HORSES
Call your Representatives Today and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 6598.
Write them and Fax them daily along with your calls!
This Toll Free Number will ring into the Capitol switchboard... Ask for your Congressperson and please, try to call them everyday!!!
1-800-828-0498
HELP END HORSE SLAUGHTER!!!
LB
September 12, 2008, 7:22pm (report abuse)Many proslaughter comments are stating that even if this is made law, there will still be those who will "break" the law. Are there regulations regarding horses being sent to slaughter? If so, I am assuming those laws were broken also by people without morals. Is this why advocates are saying horse slaughter is inhumane?
Cassie
September 12, 2008, 7:28pm (report abuse)Wow, it costs me nearly as much to feed my 3 dogs as it would to feed a horse. And really thats not much considering, one dog is an annoying half boston terrier and Blue heeler, one a lab hybred and one older lab/rotwhieler dog and they dont eat much.
MacTosh
September 12, 2008, 7:34pm (report abuse)LB,
Watch the documentation of horse slaughter on the USHS website, you will see inhumane!
This has got to stop!!!!!
The majority of American citizens do not want this practice allowed or tolerated any longer.
Maggie
September 12, 2008, 7:37pm (report abuse)PLEASE DO NOT PASS THIS BILL. Slaughter is a necessary evil. You people who are against it, why dont yall adopt every freakin horse that needs adoption, and see where it gets you! It is better to turn them loose and starve to death?
Jeff
September 12, 2008, 7:40pm (report abuse)PLEASE CALL YOUR REP TO OPPOSE THIS HORRIBLE BILL!!!!
JillFisher
September 12, 2008, 7:43pm (report abuse)Gale,
NO, you are wrong in that statement you made! We do NOT want horses slaughtered in this country or any other country for that matter!
This bill prohibits the transport of horses for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption in this country and across the borders of this country!
Cassie
September 12, 2008, 7:46pm (report abuse)To Maggie! Hey I would love to adopt some infact I got the property to do it, how many you will'n to send my way huh? I have owned and trained horses in the past and wouldnt have a problem doing it again... Slaughter has GOT TO STOP! It is disgusting, and a horrible practice! These beautiful horses have done NOTHING do deserve the treatment of SLAUGHTER! There is NO such thing as a bad horse, there is however such a thing as bad people.
Kevin C.
September 12, 2008, 7:54pm (report abuse)So, we should slaughter our cats and dogs too because there are unwanted animals and China eats them?
Maggie, your thinking is a bit off!
There is no necessary evil... maybe you and people like you should be termed unnecessary evils and taken to slaughter yourselves.
vicki
September 12, 2008, 8:03pm (report abuse)TJ, you are cutting and pasting and not doing research. Since more horses have been slaughtered this year than in the year prior to the kill houses closing, your argument doesn’t make sense. Slaughter is still available through the same channels so if people are turning their horses loose, it is not because slaughter is not available. You are shooting down your own argument!
MuleKist
September 12, 2008, 8:09pm (report abuse)Free enterprise does not mean to allow un-necessary cruel or inhumane practices. Slaughter is for food animals ONLY, and in AMERICA, the horse (or dogs & cats) was never considered a food animal,...therefore their slaughter is un-necessary (and inhumane,) in the eyes of MOST Americans. There is the ONLY difference between a horse or any other slaughter animal. Horses are not "offically recognised" food animals in America and we (anti-horse slaughter folk) intend to keep it that way.
vicki
September 12, 2008, 8:11pm (report abuse)Oh, Ginny for the one millionth time, you are wrong. Even the pro slaughter AVMA classifies horses as companion animals. Horses serve many purposes in our society and none of them are as food animals and none that livestock do or can perform. Horses are not raised or bred as food animals. They are sport, companion, service and work animals. Let’s see a cow run in the Derby. Let’s see our mounted police riding cows. Let’s see cows used in hyppotherapy and on and on and on. There is no way to humanely slaughter a horse. If you would do some research, you would know that. Try visiting my website for information www.vickitobin.com or go to the Vets for Equine Welfare site and then come back here and post.
Dave D
September 12, 2008, 8:16pm (report abuse)I make my living training horses, For anyone to say there are no bad horses is just a very inexperienced opinion. Tell that to all the people with broken bones and plates holding they're faces together or better yet the ones who have unknowingly put they're children in harms way and lost a child. Get real people! Not all horses are great minded, thats just the facts. Just like dogs that decide to bite. I love horses and have never sent one to slaughter, but that doesn't make think there is no need for it. A man was killed in Wyoming yesterday when he hit an abandoned horse in his car on a highway. The epidemic of horses being turned loose here out west will probably yield more dead horses from being hit on our highways than deer this year. How humane is that. For you people who say you would adopt all these horses, I call bullsh*t! Talk is cheap. Go to a sale yard in your area because they are being left there too. Prove you have the balls to take care of all of them.
Shelli
September 12, 2008, 8:16pm (report abuse)With the tension in the world right now Russia flexing its muscles,the mess in the Iraq region are you sure you won't end up in a situation where you might eat a piece of horse meat just to survive?
Just keep the "it won't happen here" mentality. That's how 9/11 happened.
I know whether natural disaster, or something sinister, I am not going to sit and wait for the government to feed me and my kids.
You cannot force others to be responsible.
They are still massively euthanizing unwanted dogs.
People who have bigger hearts than wallets take them on, then can't take care of them, then are charged with abuse.
The same thing is happening with horses.
Go on the Yahoo lists, there are horses posted to give away every day. Sometimes for days on end.
People are losing their own homes, and have nothing to do with their horses. Where do they go? It is an economic problem, but slaughter provides a solution.
Reopen the US plants!!!!!!!!!
Cassie
September 12, 2008, 8:49pm (report abuse)Dave D... I stick to my opinion loud and clear, humans create a quote on qoute 'bad horse'... but there is no such thing as a bad horse just bad trainers, and bad past caused by bad people! I have a horse who went down on a race track and broke both front legs, and they pin fired them hoping he could race again, and all he wanted to do after that was trails so they sent him out to be slaughtered. Now was that his fault? no... and now he lives on my ranch, and I am proud to own him as a trail horse! And Dave you want to bring me some? Give em to me, I am taking in a few already, and I have 90 acers so load em up buddie!
Michelle
September 12, 2008, 8:55pm (report abuse)We need the slaughter plants opened back up, and an extensive program put together by horse professionals to curb overbreeding and the unwanted horse issue.
In Reply To Cassie
September 12, 2008, 9:03pm (report abuse)Cassie 20+ weanlings just went for $25 each. If you have $500 you can have 20 horses!
But then you have to figure in $72,000 to feed them till they are old enough to ride . . . . . . feel free to search for your local auction house :)
Cassie
September 12, 2008, 9:03pm (report abuse)Michelle, Hey we dont need to open slaughter back up if they put together a thing where stallions who are not registered are required to be gelded, that would get rid of half the problem! You know and the state could pay to put together a program like that with half the money they paid those invesigators to inspect the horse meat at slaughter plants!
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