Save the Ponies!

I'm going to talk about something today that some people might not like.

 Horse Slaughter. It's kind of a hot topic today and I have an educated opinion that I would like to share with you all.

Being involved with the horse industry for a long time, I have seen some things that have shaped my opinion over the years. I used to be completely against horse slaughter but once I saw the suffering of horses that don't get humane slaughter in the US, my opinion has changed dramatically.

My first point is that slaughter in the US is the most humane and painless process in the entire world. No other place in the world takes the care that we do to ensure the animals feel no pain during the slaughter process. I'm not sure what comes to mind when people think of American slaughter houses but I assure you that the facilities are top-notch and that those that do not follow code are quickly shut down. Please don't let the few bad apples in the industry shape your opinion. 

Secondly, if the US doesn't have horse slaughter, where do they go? They have to go somewhere. Guess what. They're shipped 25 hours to Mexico (illegally) where there are no rules no restrictions and no humane slaughter. The animals are handled and killed in horrific ways that trust me, you do not want to know about.

But why have horse slaughter if we don't eat horses? With the recent downturn of the economy, there are thousands and thousands of unwanted horses that cannot be sold. The shelters are full up and people can no longer afford to feed their animals. What makes it worse is that there has been a horrific drought the past few years. Animals are literally starving to death in their own pastures. People will drop off their horses in stranger's pastures because they can't feed or water them. I've even heard of horses being let loose in national parks because there's simply no grass and no water and no money. 

Many people also don't realize the cost of owning and feeding horses.  If you can spend $3000 a year you're doing pretty well; most people spend $5-$6000 a year and that's on a horse who does not need medication or extensive care. When people say "don't open up slaughter! They all deserve homes!"-- I think "are you going to pay for these animals?"-- I don't think so. 

Please don't misunderstand me. My horse is my child and I would do anything for her. But animals should never bring down the welfare of human life. If your children are starving and your horse is getting fed, something is wrong.

Horse slaughter is the most humane and most effective way to ease the pain and suffering of these unwanted horses. I would much rather see the horses go to the slaughterhouse then to starve in pastures where there's no food and no water but their owners can't do anything about it.