No, not a pretty subject. But one that needs to be addressed at so many levels. The only reason I write about this today, is that I regularly read the "Fugly Horse of the Day" blog, and it's discussed there a lot! Especially when the latest blog concerns some jerk in Montana that has over 800 horses running around, that could have been registered, but probably aren't; could have been handled, but probably weren't; could have had shots, worming, foot trimming, but probably didn't. He didn't "sell" them because the market was down so now his horses have been seized by the government and/or the people who owned the land the horses were running on, and they'll probably sell for $100 or less, at an upcoming auction, and go for dog food.
I'm not against horse slaughter. IF it were done humanely! And it is not! No, we don't have horse slaughter in the U.S. any more. The haulers just drive their trucks across the border into Canada and/or Mexico, where they DO have slaughter houses. But even the hauling is inhumane. Newborn babies are shoved together with mature horses, getting trampled, or worse. Stallions are thrown together, fights break out, horses are grievously injured, but no matter, they're gonna die anyway. If we did this with all the unwanted cats or dogs in the U.S., there would be such a hue and cry, the Supreme Court would get involved!
Suffice it to say, we overbreed everything that we could possibly call a "pet." With cats and dogs, and other small animals, when we can't find them homes we just "let them loose in the countryside." Not so easy with a horse.
I overheard someone talking recently about the glut of horses and there should be slaughter again. Hey...how about NOT BREEDING!!! If there's a glut, buy one of those, rather than try to breed your own "speshul" baby. Same with dogs and cats. If you don't need a show-quality dog, because you do not show, go to the pound, or try a rescue. There are purebreds all over the place, living in shelters, waiting for a new home, or the needle. But at least they "go to sleep" peacefully!
People in Missouri voted for a better puppy mill law. How about voting for a better horse breeding law? How about better pet ownership laws altogether? I don't have any quick or firm answers. I just think the "informed public" needs yet more education on the issues!
As for me, my horses will live their final days in my care.
I'm not against horse slaughter. IF it were done humanely! And it is not! No, we don't have horse slaughter in the U.S. any more. The haulers just drive their trucks across the border into Canada and/or Mexico, where they DO have slaughter houses. But even the hauling is inhumane. Newborn babies are shoved together with mature horses, getting trampled, or worse. Stallions are thrown together, fights break out, horses are grievously injured, but no matter, they're gonna die anyway. If we did this with all the unwanted cats or dogs in the U.S., there would be such a hue and cry, the Supreme Court would get involved!
Suffice it to say, we overbreed everything that we could possibly call a "pet." With cats and dogs, and other small animals, when we can't find them homes we just "let them loose in the countryside." Not so easy with a horse.
I overheard someone talking recently about the glut of horses and there should be slaughter again. Hey...how about NOT BREEDING!!! If there's a glut, buy one of those, rather than try to breed your own "speshul" baby. Same with dogs and cats. If you don't need a show-quality dog, because you do not show, go to the pound, or try a rescue. There are purebreds all over the place, living in shelters, waiting for a new home, or the needle. But at least they "go to sleep" peacefully!
People in Missouri voted for a better puppy mill law. How about voting for a better horse breeding law? How about better pet ownership laws altogether? I don't have any quick or firm answers. I just think the "informed public" needs yet more education on the issues!
As for me, my horses will live their final days in my care.
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