Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By Valerie James-Patton on 01-16-09
Merritt is incorrect to blame any increase of abandonment on a ban against horse slaughter in the U.S. No ban on horse slaughter in the U.S. has been passed through congress. There were more horses sent to slaughter in 2008, than when the U.S. plants were operating, and didn’t close down until 2007. The U.S. facilities closed down through state laws, and since more horses were purchased for slaughter in 2008, it is inaccurate to state that horse owners are unable to sell their horses at auction.
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By Barb AZ on 01-16-09
Valerie is correct. There is a lot of misinformation everywhere. It is perfectly legal to slaughter horses here in the US.
There have been so many things written, but here is one of the better ones, proving that there is NO relationship between slaughter, and an increase in abuse and neglect.
Please take the time to read it. It makes a lot of sense.
Yes, the economy is bad. I have horses. But I have found some pretty creative measures to cut back in my own household. My horses are still fat. It’s the rest of us who are losing weight!
We really need to attack the ORIGIN of the problem and that is that breeders are STILL spewing out thousands of foals every spring. Breed registries like AQHA and APHA and the Thoroughbreds, as well, need to educate their members NOT to breed so many horses! They live for well over twenty years, so the foals born in the spring this year will still be a problem twenty years from now, and every year from now until then!
No, slaughter is NOT the answer. It is inhumane, no matter where it takes place. We need to educate people and horse owners to be a little more responsible. The cost to have a horse put down HUMANELY is about the same as the cost of its care for ONE MONTH. If horse owners have not planned any further than a month in advance how they will afford this horse, then they should not have the horse.
Let’s start to EDUCATE people about the REAL Problems. Let’s get creative about the solutions.
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By Mr. Ed on 01-17-09
What the hell?
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By enforce the laws on 01-17-09
abandoning them, sometimes on public land – which is a felony - Oh really?? What happened to those 2 dirty crackers that left the horses to die in the Bitterroot National Forest?
NOTHING!
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By Ann M. Marini, Ph.D., M.D. on 01-17-09
Horse slaughter has NOT ended as indicated by Valerie and Barb. Horse owners still have the slaughter option.
Correspondents that publish this trash should be fired. There is no excuse for any so-called journalist to publish FALSE and MISLEADING information. You should seek other employment. The American public has had enough of fallacious articles about horse slaughter propaganda that has been disseminated by the pro-slaughter lobbyists. Instead of spending this huge amount of money on lobbyists, why don’t you use the money to help horse owners take care of their horses? Why don’t you use this money to teach responsible horse ownership? Why don’t you use this money to have a low cost gelding clinic?
Why must you always waste this money on propaganda that is filled with fallacious information? Where is the editorial oversight? This is nothing but trash!
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By Barb AZ on 01-17-09
I guess I should have added a few things I forgot!
Get involved! Call your US Representative and ask him/her to cosponsor H. R. 503 to END HORSE SLAUGHTER!
some pro slaughter people will continue to lie to promote there abuse and neglect by allowing and supporting irresponsible overbreeders. This artical makes no sinse if there have been 5 cases of abandon horses why is this fella now saying he gets calls every day. Seems they cant get there stories right. The increase of horse slaughter is due to the plants having to pay lobbyist and lawyers and now there taking advantage of the low fuel prices. Its time for new school to teach old school they dont know ####.. The Industry needs to learn to set funds aside for horse retirements and donations to rescues. To date not one of these organizations such as the AVMA,AAEP,AQHA,APHA,Cattle Association and farm bureau does nothing for the horses all they do is cry and cry and make money breeding and more breeding.
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By Michelle Sudan on 01-18-09
As President of a horse rescue group I receive calls everyday from owners looking for a way out for their horse or even horses. Some are sick, some are injured, but the majority of the call are about horses who’s owner can’t afford to care for them any more. They have advertised, but no one is buying, the have even advertised free horse, no one goes there either. They can’t afford to haul the horse to Missoula to the sale or are affraid if they did it would end up in the slaughter pen. I Do get calls every day, not from horses already abandoned, but from owners looking for a way out. I have closed my gates, because I can no longer continue to afford their care. I make a promise to every horse that has come thru our program, they will never suffer again!! I have held that promise to over 130 horses that our organization took in and adopted out in the last 8 yrs. I wish I was independantly wealthy, I would forever continue to look them in the eye and make that promise every day!! God bless those families who have adopted and given an animal a second chance!!
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By Thomas Lee Trevino on 01-19-09
Michelle could you send me the link to your horse rescue website Thanks
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Comments on: As Costs of Ownership Rise, More Horses Left Behind
Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By Valerie James-Patton on 01-16-09
Merritt is incorrect to blame any increase of abandonment on a ban against horse slaughter in the U.S. No ban on horse slaughter in the U.S. has been passed through congress. There were more horses sent to slaughter in 2008, than when the U.S. plants were operating, and didn’t close down until 2007. The U.S. facilities closed down through state laws, and since more horses were purchased for slaughter in 2008, it is inaccurate to state that horse owners are unable to sell their horses at auction.
By Barb AZ on 01-16-09
Valerie is correct. There is a lot of misinformation everywhere. It is perfectly legal to slaughter horses here in the US.
There have been so many things written, but here is one of the better ones, proving that there is NO relationship between slaughter, and an increase in abuse and neglect.
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/horseslaughter-123.shtml
Please take the time to read it. It makes a lot of sense.
Yes, the economy is bad. I have horses. But I have found some pretty creative measures to cut back in my own household. My horses are still fat. It’s the rest of us who are losing weight!
We really need to attack the ORIGIN of the problem and that is that breeders are STILL spewing out thousands of foals every spring. Breed registries like AQHA and APHA and the Thoroughbreds, as well, need to educate their members NOT to breed so many horses! They live for well over twenty years, so the foals born in the spring this year will still be a problem twenty years from now, and every year from now until then!
No, slaughter is NOT the answer. It is inhumane, no matter where it takes place. We need to educate people and horse owners to be a little more responsible. The cost to have a horse put down HUMANELY is about the same as the cost of its care for ONE MONTH. If horse owners have not planned any further than a month in advance how they will afford this horse, then they should not have the horse.
Let’s start to EDUCATE people about the REAL Problems. Let’s get creative about the solutions.
By Mr. Ed on 01-17-09
What the hell?
By enforce the laws on 01-17-09
abandoning them, sometimes on public land – which is a felony - Oh really?? What happened to those 2 dirty crackers that left the horses to die in the Bitterroot National Forest?
NOTHING!
By Ann M. Marini, Ph.D., M.D. on 01-17-09
Horse slaughter has NOT ended as indicated by Valerie and Barb. Horse owners still have the slaughter option.
Correspondents that publish this trash should be fired. There is no excuse for any so-called journalist to publish FALSE and MISLEADING information. You should seek other employment. The American public has had enough of fallacious articles about horse slaughter propaganda that has been disseminated by the pro-slaughter lobbyists. Instead of spending this huge amount of money on lobbyists, why don’t you use the money to help horse owners take care of their horses? Why don’t you use this money to teach responsible horse ownership? Why don’t you use this money to have a low cost gelding clinic?
Why must you always waste this money on propaganda that is filled with fallacious information? Where is the editorial oversight? This is nothing but trash!
By Barb AZ on 01-17-09
I guess I should have added a few things I forgot!
Get involved! Call your US Representative and ask him/her to cosponsor H. R. 503 to END HORSE SLAUGHTER!
Montana info here:
http://montana-aahsbloggingupdates.blogspot.com/
OR—Find your state here:
http://aahsbloggingupdates.blogspot.com/
OR Email me at my blog here:
http://arizona1-aahsbloggingupdates.blogspot.com/
By Thomas Lee Trevino on 01-17-09
some pro slaughter people will continue to lie to promote there abuse and neglect by allowing and supporting irresponsible overbreeders. This artical makes no sinse if there have been 5 cases of abandon horses why is this fella now saying he gets calls every day. Seems they cant get there stories right. The increase of horse slaughter is due to the plants having to pay lobbyist and lawyers and now there taking advantage of the low fuel prices. Its time for new school to teach old school they dont know ####.. The Industry needs to learn to set funds aside for horse retirements and donations to rescues. To date not one of these organizations such as the AVMA,AAEP,AQHA,APHA,Cattle Association and farm bureau does nothing for the horses all they do is cry and cry and make money breeding and more breeding.
By Michelle Sudan on 01-18-09
As President of a horse rescue group I receive calls everyday from owners looking for a way out for their horse or even horses. Some are sick, some are injured, but the majority of the call are about horses who’s owner can’t afford to care for them any more. They have advertised, but no one is buying, the have even advertised free horse, no one goes there either. They can’t afford to haul the horse to Missoula to the sale or are affraid if they did it would end up in the slaughter pen. I Do get calls every day, not from horses already abandoned, but from owners looking for a way out. I have closed my gates, because I can no longer continue to afford their care. I make a promise to every horse that has come thru our program, they will never suffer again!! I have held that promise to over 130 horses that our organization took in and adopted out in the last 8 yrs. I wish I was independantly wealthy, I would forever continue to look them in the eye and make that promise every day!! God bless those families who have adopted and given an animal a second chance!!
By Thomas Lee Trevino on 01-19-09
Michelle could you send me the link to your horse rescue website Thanks