By Duane B. on 02-13-09

These people whine about “unwanted horses” due to the US based slaughterhouses while over 120,000 American horses went to slaughter (the same # slaughtered when we had 3 slaughterhouses). The pro slaughter types like Butcher are using the same BS for years.

The American Quarter Horse Assn favors horse slaughter, all while pumping out 140,000 foals annually. The AQHA whines about unwanted horses, then contributes to the so-called problems.

One last point. When the federal bill banning horse slaughter passes (and it will eventually), the state of Montana will have wasted this effort. State legislators need to focus on getting our country out of the #######, not wasting time on a predatory foreign industry that siphons its’ profits overseas.

That’s what Montana’s legislators need to be told.

I urge people to read this article showing that horse slaughter is about supply and demand, not horse welfare.

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/horseslaughter-139.shtml

By Terrygean on 02-13-09

It’s time to put the on board recorders (little black box) in livestock haulers.  Most livestock haulers have very back safety records.  I know the slaughter horse trucking company’s I have checked on the safe stat website have very bad safety records.  Driving under the infuence of drugs, no log books, falsifing log books, unsafe equipment.  Contact your reps & ask for the black box in Bull Hauler trucks.  Support safe trucking. You may save a loved one or someone elses loved one.
http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SafeStat/SafeStatMain.asp?PageN=results

By Ramona Foxworth Gypsyheart on 02-15-09

Horse slaughter is the cruelest and most abusive form of killing ever developed.I have seen this industry with my own eyes.It is EVIL,cruel,nasty and abusive.It is a reward for irresponsible people who breed without regard for the market.I am sickened that such a gorgeous state would even consider such a bloody and cursed idea .It is an abomination.Horses are magnificent creatures that have given their whole existence to making mankind better.Please do not activate this unholy and horrible industry.I Do not do it ever.

By Ramona Foxworth on 02-15-09

The whole horse slaughter industry is greedy,dishonest and abusive. . At least a 48 slug to the head is a clean kill and fast.This is a part of the responsibility of owning a horse. Maybe you should not own one if you are not responsible and not willing to see them to the end of life.I have seen horses loaded shoulder to shoulder in double decker,,the whites of their eyes showing through the narrow air vents. I shall ROAR at this obscenity that your fine state is considering.I am praying for a hero to stop this madness.There are many great,responsible and honest horse rescues out there,mine is one . I have seen this industry with my own eyes and it is nasty and pure evil.  http://www.gypsyhearthorserescue.net

By Gypsy Heart on 02-15-09

The whole of the slaughter industry is wrong.I have seen it with my own eyes,,it is horrible..  Montana is so beautiful,just gorgeous.It would be a shame to poison it’s soil with such bloody,dishonest,evil.The horses I saw in the double decker were sitting for HOURS in the hot Texas sun,while the stupid driver went in for a long drink .The Morton feedlot I live close to, is a terrible place .No shelter there- disease runs rampant.There are pregnant mares ,orphan foals and magnificent healthy horses there..Many horses seem to die there for no apparent reason except for neglect. The dead ones are thrown into a pit and left to rot.  http://www.kaufmanzoning.net/  The truth about this horrible industry needs to be told,and no I am NOT done speaking the truth.. Gypsy Heart

By Gypsyheart on 02-15-09

Just to let you know,most of us are horse owners,farmers,ranchers ect.We have more savy than most cause we have seen the evil that men do with our own eyes.The people who breed these horses are the ones who need to step up.

By Gypsyheart on 02-15-09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEFJTUYOgOw  I believe in Montana and USA’s heros.Montana men are too handsome and rugged to approve of slaughter.I believe that the truth will win out.It is a brutal and abusive way to do your horse. Slaughter plants need to stay shut down forever.It is my prayer to God Almighty. Gypsy

By Gypsyheart on 02-15-09

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/horseslaughter-123.shtml  Mr Heelerman,It is common sense to expect cruelty and abuse to stop.The horse slaughter industry brings people into a state that are 1. illegals from Mexico(cause who else would ever work there!) 2.mentally unstable 3.severely depressed 4.a mafia of killer buyers. Just ask the fine folks of Kaufman ,Texas .Do you know what they went through?The smell of the town was death and blood clogged up their sewer systems. The slaughter houses need to stay shut.They are evil.Gypsy

By Gypsyheart on 02-15-09

————————————————————————————————————————
In order to meet the demand for the foreign horse meat industry, kill buyers, and horse dealers who act either as kill buyers or work directly with kill buyers, have become quite adept in acquiring horses from unsuspecting sellers who assume their horses are going to good homes. And while Cavel - a horse slaughter plant in Illinois which closed in 2007 - was rebuilding from its fire in 2002-2004 there were about 51,000 fewer horses slaughtered but the number of abuse cases in Illinois quit rising and actually fell.Most horses sent to slaughter from North America are sent to slaughter houses via kill buyers who hold contracts with the slaughter houses to supply a certain number of horses.This is evident at horse sales when kill buyers are willing to overpay for a horse in order to fulfill a contract, or sell back a horse to a rescue, for a markup, for horses that are not needed for the current contract.Slaughter houses need to stay closed now and forever.  Gypsy
—

By redhawk on 02-15-09

There IS another solution.  Reinstate “knacker trucks.“  They come to where the horse is, humanely put it down without chemicals via bullet or whatever, then transport the carcass to a local plant to be processed.  That’s what we had done with our pigs and cows when we raised our own meat about 15 years ago.  The animals did not have to endure shipping or holding pens.
  The problem with chemical euthanization is that the chemicals are lethal.  An 800 to 1200 lb carcass is usually taken to the landfill.  Wildlife and the water supply are contaminated, and large amounts of protein go to waste in a starving world.  The meat could be donated to zoos, or to people who do not find eating horses distasteful.
There are way too many horses, and some of them need to be put down one way or another.  To fob an old, in pain, congenitally malformed or vicious animal off on the public, or to ignore the issue is also cruel.  Too many horses suffer needlessly because humans will not address this problem in a logical manner.

By Julie on 02-16-09

Former Mayor Paula Bacon
City of Kaufman
Kaufman, TX 75142

Dear State Legislator:

You will soon be asked to vote on ... legislation regarding the commercial slaughter of American horses of which you probably have very little firsthand knowledge.  No doubt you have heard from lobbyists and organizations who want you to support the practice, but before you do, you should ask yourself why the residents of Texas and Illinois worked so hard to rid their states of their horse slaughter plants. The answer may surprise you.

As a mayor who lived with this plague in her town for many years, who knows what the horse slaughter industry really is and what it does to a community please allow me to tell you what we experienced.  The industry caused significant and long term hardship to my community which was home to Dallas Crown, one of the last three horse slaughter plants in the United States.

All three plants were foreign-owned, and since the market for horsemeat is entirely foreign, the industry will always be dominated by these foreign interests. The corporations involved in this industry have consistently proven themselves to be the worst possible corporate citizens.

The Dallas Crown horse slaughtering facility had been in operation in Kaufman since the late 70’s and from the beginning had caused problems both economically and environmentally.  I have listed some of the specific issues below.

I will gladly provide you with detailed reports from my former City Manager, Police Chief, and Public Works Director regarding odor and wastewater effluence violations at the Dallas Crown horse slaughter plant in the City of Kaufman..  The reports reference “decaying meat [which] provides a foul odor and is an attraction for vermin and carrion,“ containers conveyed “uncovered and leaking liquids,“ there are “significant foul odors during the daily monitoring of the area,“ and “Dallas Crown continually neglects to perform within the standards required of them.“

Therefore, in August of 2005, our City Council decided by unanimous decision to send the Dallas Crown issue to the Board of Adjustments for termination of their non-conforming use status.  In March of 2006, the Board of Adjustments voted to order Dallas Crown closed, but the plant was able to tie the enforcement up in the courts until they were finally closed under state law in February of 2007.

Dallas Crown repeatedly described itself as a “good corporate citizen.“  I will be straightforward in asserting that they are the very antithesis of such. 

  * Dallas Crown had a very long history of violations to their industrial waste permit, ‘loading’ the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant.
  * Dallas Crown denied the City access to their property for wastewater testing beginning October 1, 2004 until July 6, 2005 , despite requirement by city ordinance, city permit agreement, and court order.
  * City staff reported that a $6 million upgrade to our wastewater treatment plant would be required even though the plant was planned and financed to last through 2015.
  * Odor problems resulting from the outside storage of offal and hides over several days persisted not only in traditionally African-American neighborhood known as “Boggy Bottom”, but at the nearby Presbyterian Hospital , the daycare center, and surrounding areas.
  * Transport of offal and fresh hides on City and state thoroughfares is conducted in leaking containers without covers.
  * City documents reveal an extended history of efforts to have Dallas Crown address various environmental issues.  Reports include descriptive language including such as “blood flowing east and west in the ditches from your plant,“ “It has been over 45 days [it had been 59 days] and no apparent cleanup has occurred,“ “Your system has not improved and subsequently it has gotten a lot worse,“ “Words cannot express the seriousness” of recent violations and the “adverse effects on the wastewater treatment plant,“ and “Please be sure trailers are secured before leaving your premises to prevent spills,“ noting also “bones and blood laying in front of the facility,“ problems with bones and parts in neighboring yards and the attraction of “dogs and other animals.“
  * In response to 29 citations for wastewater violations, each accompanied by a potential fine of $2,000, Dallas Crown requested 29 separate jury trials, potentially causing yet another economic strain to the City’s budget.  We could, of course, not afford to litigate in order to extract the fines
  * Dallas Crown took 11 months to submit a mandatory “sludge control plan” to assist efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant though City staff requested it orally and in writing many times.
  * The City Manager advised me that the City would have to spend $70,000 in legal fees because of Dallas Crown problems, which was the entire legal budget for the fiscal year.
  * During this period, Dallas Crown paid property taxes that were less than half of what the City spent on legal fees directly related to Dallas Crown violations.
  * Generally, Dallas Crown has the economic ability to prevail, to exceed the constraints of the City’s budget.

Dallas Crown had a negative effect on the development of surrounding properties, and a horse slaughter plant is a stigma to the development of our city generally. I have since learned that these problems were mirrored at the other two plants.  Fort Worth’s Beltex horse slaughter plant also violated Ft. Worth’s wastewater regulations several times, clogged sewer lines, and both spilled and pumped blood into a nearby creek (San Antonio Current, June 19, 2003 ).  Texas State Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, whose district includes Beltex, and Rep. Toby Goodman, R-Arlington, fought hard against legislation that would have legalized horse slaughter in Texas in 2003.

The horse slaughter plant in DeKalb , IL had a similar pattern.  It was destroyed by fire in 2002, and rebuilt in 2004.  It was charged and fined by the DeKalb Sanitary District almost every month from the reopening until its closing in 2007 under a new state law for consistently exceeding wastewater discharge guidelines.  I can provide you with the documentation of those violations.  Like Dallas Crown, Cavel refused to pay their fines for years.

During this time, I learned that an estimated $5 million in Federal funding was being spent annually to support three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants!  And when the Dallas Crown tax records were exposed in the city’s legal struggle, we found that they had paid only $5 in federal taxes on a gross income of over $12,000,000!

Moreover, the parent company of Cavel has since moved its operations to Canada and continued to slaughter American horses.  In Canada they have apparently become even more blatant, dumping huge untreated piles of entrails onto open ground and even using a tanker truck to discharge blood and refuse into a local river.

I have mentioned only the pollution issue, but this is but one negative aspect of horse slaughter.  I have subsequently learned of a USDA document containing 900 pages of graphic photos that show the horrors that the horses were subject to.  Behind the privacy fences of these plants, trucks arrived continuously and on those trucks was every form of inhumane violation one can imagine from mares birthing foals to horses with eyes dangling from their sockets and legs ripped from their bodies.

The more I learn about horse slaughter, the more certain I am: There is no justification for horse slaughter in this country.  My city was little more than a door mat for a foreign-owned business that drained our resources, thwarted economic development and stigmatized our community.  Americans don’t eat horses, and we don’t raise them for human consumption. There is no justification for spending American tax dollars to support this industry at the expense of Americans and our horses.

Sincerely,
Former Mayor Paula Bacon
Kaufman, TX

By redhawk on 02-16-09

To round up wild horses and keep them in pens for years is inhumane.  To allow animals that are in pain to suffer is inhumane.  To pass off a genetically screwed up horse that is violently dangerous is unethical.  Chemical euthanasia is a massive pollutant.  The chemicals are deadly (who knew!), and poison groundwater, birds and wildlife.
  Once again….reinstate “knacker trucks” that would go to the farm, put the horse down, and use the carcass for whatever.
Public opinion is not a reliable indicator when it comes to the welfare of animals, since most of the public has no contact with animals except as pets, or their own idealized and unrealistic version of nature developed by fictional books and movies.  The people who take care of the herd of captive wild horses are the first to say that most of them should be put down, but they know that the public would have a fit, even though it would be best for the horses.

By redhawk on 02-16-09

Or, that’s exactly it.  If there were humane ways to put down horses that need to be put down, there would be room for the good horses.  The problem with slaughter is shipping the horses.  Let’s figure out how not to have to ship long distances.
  The rescues are frequently part of the problem instead of the solution.  I have seen people hurt and get out of horses entirely because a rescue stuck them with a dangerous horse.  I’ve also seen well intentioned people spend thousands of dollars on a horse that is never going to improve enough to live a good life.  I’ve also seen rescue operations that are nothing but money machines for the rescuers.
  Breeders need to be held accountable, especially breeders that produce horses that are not suited for general use.  The homely back yard breeder horses are frequently easier to find homes for than the extremely “typey” show horses that cannot be ridden safely because of genetics that only allow them to win in their specific classes.

By heelerman on 02-16-09

Yeah, local killers is the key. Once the two plants in California were closed in the 80s’ (Chino in the south and Holister in the north) abandoned horses became an almost immediate issue. Now wirh no where to take them they are being turned out in record numbers. The only problem I see with Knacker trucks is cost. If a guy cant afford to keep a horse and is willing to abandon it. He likley wont’ pay a couple hunderd to ship it off.
I again will ask Gypsey or any here. How many head do you want. shipped where and what method of payment will you use for shipping?
No takers? what a suprise. Gypsey and her ilk make far to nice a living off selling the story off the poor horsies.
Horses are livestock folks. Worthy of every humane treatment, but livestock just the same.
As to the feral horses. If you took all the mustang blood in the whole bunch it wouldn’t fill a cup. They are inbred, defective, not worth much dinks. Once they were a resourse, now they are pretty much junk. Yet, not one rancher I know, and I know hundreds, want him removed all togeather. Rather lets infuse some blood, shoot off the trash and make those horses the prize that they could be
And quit sending money to scam rescues.

By Marjorie C on 02-16-09

Horse slaughter is unethical; that’s a fact.  If you don’t believe me, look at what it truly is:  http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000528 and this: http://www.hsus.org/video_clips/horse_slaughter_cruelty.html

Now, are the people who condone such brutality the ones that you want running your government?  Are these the entities that you want making decisions about what is being done in your city or state?

I know that I would not want them to be able to make one decision for me, ever. 

Only those with no conscience can condone such brutality.

Horse slaughter is unethical and barbaric; it must end. 

Vote out people who are self-serving and greedy!

By heelerman on 02-16-09

Marjorie,
A big Kumbya to you to . “companion animal” ahhh PETA speak. You might scroll up through your tears to my earlier posts. I would prefer no horse was ever sent to slaughter, but it aint’ a perfect world. There are to many horses for to few homes. I would prefer that a horse not be packed all over the country to be killed. It should be done locally. However we are also infested with those that rant and cry but think that meat comes neatly wrapped and Brown cows give chocolate milk.
Marjorie. I make you the same offer I have made with no takers.
So,, how many head do you want?

By heelerman on 02-16-09

Marjorie,
Animal abandonment is against the law in most states, enforcement is kinda tough though, as the abandoners usually leave.
Your claim that 100k head can be absorbed is perposterous on its face. the BLM cant’ find enough suckers to take on 10000 head of inbred, faulted wild horses. Then you have all the aged horses that people are forced to keep due to “companian animal” laws, then there are the culls from racing. Not to mention the back yard breeders.
But I will join you Marjorie!! I will send you as many horses as you care to have and they can be your “companions” for the next thirty years. WE,  will listen to John Denver records, wear Berkendorfer shoes and bake bread! We can save all the horsies!
But likley as not you are yet another urban transplant that has never been off the pavement and would much rather cry about it than do anything. But Hey theres money in “horse rescue” you might talk with Gypsey and take that up.

By Marjorie C on 02-17-09

heelerman, since you want to discuss the wild horses, lets.

The BLM are decimating our wild herds, all in the name of “cattle ranchers”. They are removing our wild horses from our wild lands, so that ranchers can graze their cattle.  There are 9 million cattle on our federal lands. Did you know that?

And, even as they cry that they have no money to feed these captured horses, they are rounding up more!  Now, please tell me what’s wrong with that picture.  If they don’t have the money to feed what they have, why are they taking on more wild horses? If this was any other circumstance in this country, they would be called “hoarders”.

And, just fyi, I have lived on a ranch and I have learned my horsemanship from the people who ran that ranch.  One hundred head of horses, all were kept until they died naturally or were euthanized by a vet.  Their philosophy was that the horses worked for them, therefore, the horses deserved their retirement and humane death.  That is responsibility and honor.

I hope that you watched the videos I put in my first post, because that is the horror that is horse slaughter.

As for the 100,000 horses being absorbed, yes it can happen.  There are 9 million owned horses in the United States; you can figure out that percentage. 

Again, if you really don’t want horse slaughter, then join us.

By Marjorie C on 02-17-09

Heelerman, I never said that I was ranch raised, I said I “worked” on a ranch.

You don’t slaughter your companion animals - it’s disgusting.  Would you slaughter your dogs? I asked you that earlier.  Should we send off our dogs and cats to China for food?

I’m off to work now, but I wish you and your horses a good day.

By Heelerman on 02-17-09

I just took a second (thats all it took) and went to Gypseys website. They are on bare ground. They have, are ya ready?Three , count em three head of horses, Two minis and a mini donkey. All being boarded!!
So, heres my thinkin.‘ Gypsey would like it very much if you would donate some money to pay for her pets and to build her house and barns.
Yeah we need to be lookin’ at Gypsey.
But being ever the optimist,, my offer stands to any and all “How many head do you want?

By Heelerman on 02-17-09

Hi Bonnie,
Of course I’ll answer your question. Unlike so many here…
I am not now and never been a breeder. We wont’ have a mare on the place. we have four working horses here, all geldings.
No need for me to breed. Horses are like broken glass. They are everywhere you look. Want some? Or like marjoie do you just talk? Or perhaps you are more like Gypsey, who would like for you ro pay for her pets and to build her a place?
As to the killer plant in Kaufman. You bet it is a mess. It is over burdened with horses from several states. I bet its a regular house of horrors. One must bear in mind where it is. Texicans can screw up a two car funeral ya know.

By Freedom on 02-17-09

To Steve:  Get real!  The horse problem we face in this country is just ANOTHER example of the HUMAN problem.  How many of these “unfortunates” have YOU fed!  How many homeless have you taken in.  Have you tried to solve the unsolved murder.  No?
Well, I don’t believe you will try to solve the “horse problem” either.  You are another blowhard that does nothing!

To Heelerman:  Your name suggests that you are the typical “horse know-it-all” that rides and trains cutting horses.  I would bet you are the first one out of the pen in the events around town.  The macho attitude you display is incredible.  You don’t want to breed you just want to show how great you are in the ring.  You don’t care about the animal, so if it doesn’t quite live up to your expectations you probably shoot it and bury it in your back yard.  Yeah you are a true American Cowboy, living the American dream, as long as it doesn’t take any EFFORT on your part to save that American Dream!  I am 66 years old and have ridden and raised horses all my life and have watched idiots like you treat horses with that “manly” approach…hard and tough and mean!  Your attitude shows this clearly.  No matter what you say Heelerman it is obvious you are a loser!

By Steve on 02-17-09

By Freedom on 02-17-09
To Steve:  Get real!  The horse problem we face in this country is just ANOTHER example of the HUMAN problem.  How many of these “unfortunates” have YOU fed!  How many homeless have you taken in.  Have you tried to solve the unsolved murder.  No?
Well, I don’t believe you will try to solve the “horse problem” either.  You are another blowhard that does nothing!
************************************************************************
Not true once again you dont let me down seems when ever some1 has a differnt stance on the issues that go against what others think the first thing you do is belittle. You know nothing about me or who I am or what I do. To answer yr questions and your attack on my opions. If by “unfortunates’ you mean horses than you are wrong I have “fed” my uncles hores out of my pocket I donate time and money to the human socity. I have worked on food lines for the homeless. I have givin money and food to the homeless and I have taken more than 3 different famlies into my home rent free and feed them everyday and givin them money to help them find a job. And as far as Darlene goes I have been very involved and supported in this case. When you see us on the coner holding signs asking “who killed Darlene” thats me so “freemdom” once agine b4 you flap yr gums like a horse maybe you should stick to the facts or find the truth about someone b4 you try and knock them. until people like you learn that this is how the world is there are going to be morronic people like voicing their stupodic views.. Maybe we can give them horses to the homeless. and once agin you have skated around “hellerman’ were you want the horses ship and how ya going to pay for it…...rectum crevice

By Bonnie on 02-17-09

Mr. Heelerman:

Every city, three, in this country that has hosted a horse slaughter house despised having such a place and hated the damage done to the reputations of their cities and the damage done to the infrastructure and the horror of hearing horses screaming, while they knew the reason why.  I have been lucky, in that I worked with anti-slaughter advocates in these three cities and had first hand knowledge.

My parents were horsekeepers (not breeders), I am a life long horsekeeper and my children are also horsekeepers - “keeper” being the key word.  We never bred any of our horses.  Like you, I prefer geldings and have two 17 hand -1800 pound horses, in addition to a rescued Shetland pony.  I spend my days taking care of my horses, the barn and the paddock.  I know the work, like I know the back of my hand. 

I maintain that horse slaughter is despised by 90% of the American people.  It boggles the mind that anyone could support horse slaughter or that the subject of more slaughter houses would be broached, with legislation pending to outlaw this unthinkable practice.  Do you not understand what is involved, from the auctions to double-deck transport to the actual slaughter of the horses?  The vast majority of American horsemen are far better than this.  We are responsible people.  I can only count three pro-slaughter enthusiasts in my entire state and they are all breeders who no upstanding horseman will touch with a 10 ft pole.  These people are seen as pariahs who represent the dark under-belly of the horse keeping community.

The honorable and correct solution is not the slaughtering of this country’s horses.  May God forbid.  The answer is education.  Teach responsible horsemanship.  Ensure that people know that sanctuaries and rescues and euthanasia programs are options that should be explored.  If dollar signs in the eyes have blinded - this is a sad and sorrowful commentary on our society.

By Bonnie Oliver - AWI ALERT......... on 02-17-09

The Montana State House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that would enable the construction of horse slaughter plants in Montana – and which would severely restrict citizen action to oppose their construction.  Introduced by Representative Edward Butcher (R-Winifred), H.B. 418 flies in the face of American public opinion and fiscal responsibility. 

Horse slaughter is a brutal and un-American trade in which our horses – animals not raised for slaughter – suffer enormously to satisfy the whims of high-end diners in Europe and Asia.  So horrid is the trade that the country’s sole remaining horse slaughter plans (all European-owned) were shut down under state law in 2007.  Meanwhile, the United States Congress is considering a federal ban that would permanently end the slaughter of American horses here or abroad.  Montana Representative Edward Butcher and his supporters are seriously out of step with current thinking, yet the Montana House Agriculture Committee, which held a hearing on the bill last week, is poised to move the legislation out of committee as early as the end of this week. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you live in Montana, please take a moment to contact members of the House Agriculture Committee TODAY – with the exception of the bill’s sponsor - and ask them to OPPOSE H.B. 418.  Contact information is shown below.  Respectfully let them know that:

·      The establishment of a horse slaughter plant in Montana would be fiscally irresponsible.

·      There is currently a federal restriction in place – passed by the United States Congress – that would prohibit the federally required inspection of horsemeat, thus preventing its sale outside of Montana state lines.

·      The United States Congress is expected to pass a federal ban on horse slaughter in the near future making this state bill irrelevant.

·      H.B. 418 contains language, which would severely restrict the ability of American citizens from challenging the construction or operation of a horse slaughter plant.  The restrictive language sets a dangerous precedent that could impact other sectors of civic life.

·      Horse slaughter is a cruel and predatory business that purposely seeks out healthy horses; it does not provide a humane outlet for so-called “unwanted” horses as its proponents would like the public to believe.

·      Americans don’t eat horses, nor do we raise them for slaughter.  The vast majority of Americans oppose horse slaughter – and passage of H.B. 418 will be a proverbial black eye for Montana.

Montana House Agriculture Committee

Jopek, Mike (D) (Chair)
Butcher, Edward (R) (Vice Chair) (H.B. 418’s sponsor – Do Not Contact)
French, Julie (D) (Vice Chair)
Bean, Russell (R)
Belcourt, Tony (D)
Caferro, Mary (D)
Dickenson, Sue (D)
Fleming, John (D)
Furey, Timothy (D)
Hoven, Brian (R)
Howard, David (R)
Kerns, Krayton (R)
MacDonald, Margaret (D)
McClafferty, Edith (D)
Randall, Lee (R)
Regier, Keith (R)
Roundstone, J. David (D)
Taylor, Janna (R)
Wagner, Bob (R)
Warburton, Wendy (R)

How to Contacting Legislators

By Telephone

Call the Session Information Desk at 406-444-4800 to leave a message for as many as five legislators or one legislative committee per call. Your message will be delivered directly to the legislators. The TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number is 406-444-4462.

By Fax

House 406-444-4825

Online

You may send a message by clicking here:  http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/61st/legwebmessage.asp.

You may also use the e-mail addresses provided with the legislative http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/61st/roster.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=94  and published in legislative guides.

By Mail

Address letters to:
Rep. XXXX
Montana House of Representatives
PO Box 200400
Helena, MT 59620-0400

Please be sure to provide your Representative with your name and mailing address, and as a constituent, request a response on this issue. Please also share our “Dear Humanitarian” eAlert with family, friends and co-workers, and encourage them to contact their legislators, too. As always, thank you very much for your help.

By STEVE on 02-17-09

Thank you Freedom.

By Heelerman on 02-17-09

Redhawk,
Do you think that might work on wolves….?

By heelerman on 02-17-09

Gypsy,
At the bottom of your site is a donation button. If all you have gleaned is fifty bucks, that must mean that your site tells the story pretty well. If its your money do what ya want. As to your “battles” save it. All this may be new and high adventure to a transplant to the west but its an old story. Yuo don’t try to duck questions, you ignore them. I will submit that you have a yard full of pets. Lucky horses!
There has been no debate . You rave and rant and snivle . Thats not debate.
On your site you show 6 head. Now you have 8. Not findin’ many homes for them dinks? Are those other horses shown not yours? why are they included? A tug at the purse, uhh,  heart strings perhaps?
Give me an alternitive! A better solution. Admit that the 120k horses can not be placed and show me another way. You would be a hero in the industry.
Oh, is Gertys still open in Helena? It’s hard to get excited about ground dead cow on a bun , but lordy Gert built a fine burger. See, time was I lived in Montana myself. 100 degree days there only last from about 1pm till 4 as I recall.
Here, a 100 degree day drops down to 96 at night.

By Freedom on 02-17-09

Now “heelerman” I am mad.  With all that land why haven’t YOU set up a place for these animals.  Why aren’t YOU taking in more than four and HOW DARE YOU degrade someone else that IS trying to help.  You are just a jerk Heeler or is it Heller!!!

By Bonnie on 02-17-09

Gypsy - I have known you for a long time and have worked in our network, placing thousands of horses in good homes and spending our own money to take care.  Have a good look at what Hellman wrote.  This is what we fight - the lowest common denominator.

Speak English Hellman or hang up.

By vicki on 02-17-09

Gypsy Heart, we all applaud you for taking in the cast offs that have been abused and neglected by pro slaughter supporters. It takes a special person to care for animals that others chose to buy or breed without the intention of taking the responsibility of ownership. We know our rescues do without so they can take in just one more abused horse.

Don’t lose faith. Heelerman is one of the owners of 1.4% of the horse population. The owners of 98.6% of the horse population are responsible owners and will care for their horses and provide a humane death when the time comes. It is Heelerman and the small percentage that are bottom feeders and profit from abuse and cruelty to equines. They claim the abuse and neglect that is inherent with slaughter is in the welfare of the horses.

You notice, they never address the cause of slaughter, only promote it. That speaks volumes.

http://www.vickitobin.com

By Aslan's Girl on 02-17-09

After more 15,000 comments on the possible passage of this bill, you’d think the legislators pushing it would take the hint.  Too, they would do well to inform whatever unfortunate taxpayers inheriting this hellish place, that they’d better brace themselves for the financial hit they will take on the infrastructure of their town and in fact, the reputation of their state.

Take a look at former Kaufman, Texas Mayor Paula Bacon’s letter (above) to get a sense of what they can expect.  If Montana is not ashamed and embarrassed enough at being a state that symbolizes the great American West, gone completely “Judas: to American horses, then maybe the idea of the actual, true cost to them might give them pause. Just ask the taxpayers of in DeKalb, Illinois or Kaufman, Texas. 

We don’t eat our horses here and don’t appreciate having this crammed into our country by foreigners who will operate their dirty business on the backs of American taxpayers.  There is a reason there are no more operating horse slaughterhouses in America:  Americans don’t want them here.

I have spent many beautiful, happy summers in Montana.  If they disgrace this country by bringing this, I don’t believe I would want to spend my tourist dollars there anymore.  I’d be willing to bet I am just one of many.

By Lori H. on 02-17-09

So my question is, if Montana builds a horse slaughterhouse who are they going to sell to? By law the USDA cannot inspect the horse meat, which is required if it is to be shipped outside of the state. Americans do not eat horse meat, and frankly, I can’t see us starting any time soon. On a Federal level with HR 503 having so much support, including President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton and Senator McCain, why on earth would they waste this money?

By Heelerman on 02-17-09

I was callin’ names, scrool up and see whre the hostility is. Yeah Im a rancher and proud of it. Yeah and I am a cowboy. you know, part man part beast and all son of a b1tch.
Freedom knows squat about me but he made all maner of assumptions. I wonder if he is a big hit with all the sweet boys at the arab shows. I have saved a few horses I guess. My masin horse is a BLM “Mustang” from northern Ca. 16.2 shows morgan, TB and Perch. Yep he looks like he was made out of a box o parts. I refer to him as being handsome in an"unorthodox” kinda way. he has a club foot, a donkeys butt, is sheep withered with a head like a bath tub. His name is “Alpo” We get a giggle out of it and it keeps his mind right.
there is a Morab, an appendix QH (that was a good idea that didnt’ work) and a grade horse we cant’ figure out.
I would really like to see a workable realistic alternative. But theres no ideas here.
As to cows on YOUR National forest. The whole of the National Forest is dying. All of it. There are no animals in the “wilderness areas” because they are dying. Then they burn.
As absentee land lords you should be mightily pissed at the Forest Service. For the shape of the forests.
What is needed is more cows and more timber harvest.
Multiple use ya know.
Marjore. what whining? point it out.
Bommie I speak english, of a western sort. if you no savy, learn or pack your pilgrim ass back to Boston.
I have been called a killer buyer , unetical, cruel, a show boat roper, the list goes on. As I recall I was civil until attacked.
Freedom and bonnie come in late and run thier collective yaps.
My offer still stands. How many head fdo you want, where do you want em shipped and how do you prefer to pay for shipping?
Again all wind! No takers

See Marj. You ask what I am doing. I am offering to locate and ship as many horses to a home as I can and YOU wont’ take any . Is that my fault?
I dont’ breed and add to the problem . I buy four and five year old horses and they stay till they cant’ pay thier way. I cannot afford to keep pensioners. Nor can most people. If I had to out feed. I would have one horse. Thankfully I have ggod grass most of the time.
As I have stated repeatedly. Show me a better way and I’m right there. But any solution has to be reality based.

By gregg on 02-17-09

The word is out that Butcher and his buddies want horse to be the next red meat.

I say lets support the American cattle rancher instead of these foreign corporate thugs.

That plant in Kaufman, Texas made all those millions and paid only 5 dollars in Federal income tax? I’d say they had a very creative accountant.

Can someone tell me where most of those horses up in Shelby come from and who owns that place?

EAT MORE BEEF!

By Heelerman on 02-17-09

Gyp,
Great we agree! responsable ownership is vital. We both dont’ much care for the killer market. Agreed. but what do we do with the horse we have? Or puppies and kits for that matter.
It isnt about me. Some here would like to make it so it seems.
Marjorie, Sorry you had a bad experiance with my kind. Well chalk it up to education and marry an accountant.
Where did I say i sent my horses off to a terrible horrific death? I sent two horses to the canner years back, One was just stupid. He was what we refer to as a “star gazer” he would go along and seemed ever to be looking up. He would have walked someone over a cliff. he didnt’ pay attention. the other had been through many hands and was just dangerous.
I live in the Gila NF. We have basiclly two directions here, up and down. and are at 8000’+ . I wont’ try to explain the work load on the equine lung at altitude since you are still waiting to own your first horse. (I can help with that) But when they cant’ go they have to go. You cant’ afford a horse. I cant’ afford to keep a horse that cant do the work. if they are still sound I try to find them some Pet home situation, but most in the rural west are in the same boat as I.
I ahve never sent an honest horse to the killer. My method, I walk em to a place where I know there are large preditors. We have more now since our Gummnt has saddled us with the stinkin’ wolf. I take along a coffee can of sweet feed and pour it on the ground. Mr. horse goes right to it. Then I slide a .45 behind his ear. ( I would use a 48 if Qypsy would part with hers) hes dead before he hears the bang and the last thing he remembers is “yummy”. is that brutal too? I dont relish doin’ it. Killing is nasty busness.

By redhawk on 02-18-09

Wilson, what products are euthed cats and dogs rendered into?  I will admit that it has always puzzled me that it’s okay to make fake kitties out of bunny fur, but not fake bunnies out of kittie fur.

By redhawk on 02-18-09

Gyp, the point here is how to humanely deal with unwanted horses.  No one advocates brutality.  The slaughter of any animal should be as humane as possible.  Temple Grandin has done a wonderful job for the cattle industry by improving holding and kill methods.
The fact still remains….there are huge numbers of horses that need to be put down.  For instance, one of my horses was attacked and almost killed by a friend’s ‘rescue horse.‘  The truth finally surfaced that he was crazy mean, even to other horses.  My friend had rescued him from the auction and tried to retrain him.  And yes, she’s an incredible trainer.  The horse was out of a vicious showhorse bloodline, and the whole line is messed up genetically.  After putting 3 people in the hospital, back to the auction he went, because my friend needed money for hospital bills.  This horse could not ethically be passed on to anyone.  If you’re into rescue, do you place mean horses with unsuspecting amateurs?  Others are better than me at finding websites.  What is your rescue called, and what is the site?

By Julie on 02-18-09

Gregg-the horses up at the Shelby feedlot are trucked in from all over the United States. The feedlot in Texas is the same way. 

Just recently it had been found out that the feedlot in Texas has been running all these years without the proper CAFO permit. (concentrated animal feeding operation)

Hope this information helps..

By whoa, nellie on 02-18-09

I wouldn’t have the guts to tell horse people that they are just wrong about the slaughter issue. 
While I keep saying there must be an answer, a way to dispose of this problem without making anyone cry, I know better than to compare a food source with a pet.  I grew up on a ranch, you see.  Can’t say I really loved any one particular horse as much as I did my tractor.  Tried to love a cow once when I was about fourteen but it was useless, she didn’t appreciate that I kept her alive and healthy for a year. Cows do not like people.  The money from the 4H sale bought a new dirt bike and it was very good to me…
The abortion issue causes a LOT more stir than this whining and carrying on.  I love my children and lots of other people’s but I’m not against abortion.  There’s too many people in the world, and apparently too many horses, too.
I wonder.  If I started up a “knacker center” to handle the problem, and an abortion center across the street, which would get protestor pickets first?
And the answer is…????

By Julie on 02-18-09

I look at this as a cultural issue. We DO NOT eat horse meat in the United States and they are not raised for food like other animals.

While some might like to see horse as the next red meat, there will never be a demand for this product in the US, just like there will never be a demand to eat dogs and cats. It simply is to repulsive.

What I propose for the people that think it is OK to turn their horses loose, is jail time. It is a crime and law enforcement needs to be called. Although, I’d have to say that an investigation was done on these so called abandoned horse stories and most of them came up as either false or possible estrays. They could not for sure state that these were cases of abandonment.

Right now there is an organization that will give anyone up to $1,000 for a prosecution of equine abandonment. If you hear of horses being let loose, I’d be happy to give you the contact information so you can collect the reward.

Right now just as many horses are going to slaughter as before. If people are letting their horses loose it ain’t because the slaughter industry doesn’t exists. You all have a feedlot in Shelby and slaughter plants just north of you.

The answer to a horse that is not longer wanted or needed is a well placed slug in the head or a vet call. Either one will do. Horse slaughter is not a humane option.

Looking at the records on http://www.kaufmazoning.net really made me want to be sick. How can anyone say that this type of treatment is OK?

Oh and I do eat animals that we raise for food in the United States, as I am an American and that is my culture. If the French want to eat horse meat than let them eat their own.

By Bonnie on 02-18-09

Julie - The pro-slaughter lobby becomes very emotional, but the emotion has nothing to do with the suffering of horses.  It is about the desire to pad out their wallets and the fear that this bit of extra cash is going to dry up.  These people are a symptom of a sick society.

Even the total of 100,000 horses slaughtered is less than 1% of the total U.S. horse population.(2) Think about that for a minute. Less than 1% of any commodity is statistically insignificant and easily absorbed by the marketplace. Why, you may ask, are the slaughter supporters so emotional about this non-issue?  I have already covered this point.

~“Don’t be the rider who gallops all night and never sees the horse that is beneath him” – Jelaluddin Rumi~

By Commonsensical on 02-18-09

There are a lot of people with a lot to say about this issue, but never has the simple axiom “Talk is cheap” been so applicable.

But, lets cut to the chase, rather than go over all the semantics of loving animals, hating cruelty, respecting animals (until they’re too expensive), etc.  Lets face what passes for the truth in this country.

There is money to be made on killing horses.  Where there is money, there is lobbyists.  Where there are lobbyists, there are easily convinced people who will take up the charge without understanding the depth of the problem and make it worse (Gypsy) with their vitriol and hatred of anyone who doesn’t simply agree with them on principle.  Then these people push and push and push until some idiot in government (not difficult to find) picks up the issue and parades it around collecting taxpayer dollars to “fix it”.  Because we have such a wonder history of fixing things we don’t even understand. (see examples: Economy, extremism, middle east, education, horse disposal)

I never thought I would read such agitated extremism in commentary about an article on…. horses.

If you (read: the people who love horses and don’t want to face reality) want to save them, read what Heelerman is saying.  You can have as many horses as you can save, as long as you pay shipping (same deal Angelina Jolie gets on foreign children, and no one complains…)

And I dare say in response to MJNYC… we aren’t better than this.  Look at the world around you?  Here we all are, devoting how much time to reading this childish bickering, while people around the world (not non-sentient species used as pets) suffer countless tragedies, war for profit, etc.  Yet much thought (or at least what passes as thought for some) goes into trying to find a human way to “dispose” of horses rather than shipping them cross country to die (even though it seems to work with our elderly and the state of Florida). 

The irony is endless.  Perhaps you should simply consider that you are on the wrong side of the argument.  Or modify your argument…. start paying some lobbyists to popularize the consumption of horse meat in the US.  Shouldn’t be hard with the large numbers of soon-to-be-poor-and-homeless-but-proud-to-be-americans.  No one cries about cattle being slaughtered so maybe if you start thinking of horses like livestock (as mentioned above by someone else) instead of pets… you can rationalize all these hurt feelings right into happy horse burgers that someone will surely be happy to eat.

Good luck with the crusade.

By heelerman on 02-18-09

Marj,
You are making it worse for horses. Horses are being shipped over the borders for slaughter. I have no clue what a killer plant in Canada looks like. However in Mexico there are virtually no, humane considerations at all. Mexico is the third world. I have never been to a slaughter house in Mexico, but I have to think that those animals really have it bad. The companion animal laws you so ardently support have led to wide spread equine abandonment. I think that as the economy continues its downward spiral it will get worse. Its called unintended consiquences. You mean well, your aim knoble, your metodology flawed.
Most people deplore cruelty, they mean well. What few understand is that outfits like PETA, The Humane Socity of the United States and others are NOT about animal welfare. They are about makin’ money!
Like many so called “horse rescues” . I had a hand in shutting down one such busness here, and a busness it was. The operator now has a new place to live. The afore mentioned hypicrites are as guilty of animal exploitation as any killer plant.
AS soon as a rescure or “equine therapy” facility goes for tax exempt status, I get real curious. Thankfully, after the great surge in Arabian horse breeding in the late 70s and early 80s where Drs. Lawyers and indian Chiefs became “Arab Breeders” as a tax dodge, the IRS got curious too. During the investigation of the scam we scuttled here, I made some real good contacts at the Federal level. Right down to home phone numbers.
Marj, you have said a couple of times that 100+k head can be absorbed. I’ll go slow for ya. No, they cant’. Not even a quarter of that.
The BLM cant’ get rid of many feral horses anymore. Why? because, the “mustang myth” wears off the new (often first time) owner is left with a wild animal that is bigger, stronger and sometimes smarter than he, and that can kill you in less than a second and not even know why he did it or remember that he did. Cant send a feral horse to the killer. So what happens? Abandonment.
The race industry. “Race Training”  is pretty rudamentery stuff. It goes like this. Stand, while we shoe, vet and saddle you. load in a trailer. Get out of the trailer. Load in the race gate. Stand. When the bell sounds, break clean from the gate. Pick up a left lead. Go like hell!  Brakes? who needs em.
So people get a race cull for very little money and can brag on owning a race horse. Till they climb up and wonder how to get him stopped.  You might take that up with the new hero de jour of the horsie heros, Toby Keith, race breeder.
Then we have the QH industry and the worst of all the back yard breeder.
A small number can be given a second chance in rodeo but for centurys we bred as much buck out of horses as possible. To the point that in the 80s buckin horses were bringin a premium. So hard were they to find.
Now many rodeo stock contractors have a “born to buck” breeding program that puts out good good buckers. So that market is only for really talented confirmed buckers. A little help but not much.
Just wonderin. Anyone up to have some horses shipped to em?
No? I thought not.

By MarjorieC on 02-18-09

Heelerman, last time around here. 

I’ve posted these links I believe three previous times.  I’m posting them again with an additional link of what the government found happened while the horse slaughter plants were open in the United States.  This is the link from the FOIA:  http://www.kaufmanzoning.net/foiaphotos.html

This is the horse slaughter video from the United States:  http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000528

This is the horse slaughter video from Mexico:  http://www.hsus.org/video_clips/horse_slaughter_cruelty.html

Please watch, read and then return with your comments.  I would really appreciate your input on this.

In my opinion, which I am entitled as are you, nothing in the entire world can condone this cruelty.  Nothing can condone this immoral behavior.  Nothing can condone this betrayal.

And, for the person who was touting that we should all be vegetarians, as it was mentioned on this thread, horses are not food in this country. 

What’s interesting too is that the beef industry is losing customers, all due to fighting horse slaughter.

I stopped eating beef four years ago, because of the awful pictures of horse meat that I was encountering while doing research on horse slaughter.  I’m not the only one.

By Chris on 02-18-09

Here is a link to slaughtering in Canada.
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/
And your right MarjorieC about horse slaughter negatively affecting the beef industry.  I grew up on a beef farm, my family farmed until my fathers death 2 years ago, morally/ethically I don’t have a problem with eating meat, but when I saw how horses were treated, it made me wonder how bad our ‘food animals’ were being treated.  I was truly disgusted with what I found.  Cruelty to downer dairy cows, chickens, turkeys, foie gras.  There is no reason for that at all!  I have reduced my meat consumption since I first started looking into ‘horse slaughter’.

By MarjorieC on 02-18-09

Heelerman, right, I do not own a horse, because I’m a responsible person.  But, you know nothing about me or how much or how little I know about horses, so please, stop.

I will tell you that I used to work at an auction barn, and I know quite a bit about what goes on and what doesn’t go on.

Horse slaughter is unethical.  You are entitled to your opinion, but 80% of Americans can’t be wrong. You are in the minority.

By Gypsy Heart on 02-19-09

Horse breeders, as well as horse associations,lobbiests,
surprisingly, are some of the most vocal supporters of horse slaughter.I live next door to an idiot that breeds horses for the slaughter market.Each year he sends his yearlings to Canada.He has hundreds of foals each year,If the belgians,french,japanese want to eat horse meat then let them eat their own.

By MJNYC on 02-19-09

Heelerman, no matter what you say and how you try to make this right, it’s not and never will be.

Perhaps you need to look at the videos and the pictures again. 

Honestly, now I’m not sure why you don’t get it; perhaps you don’t have any morals? And, I’m not trying to be mean here, I’m seriously asking the question.

Horse slaughter is no longer America’s dirty little secret, the cats out of the bag and it’s time to end this horror show.

As I said, 80% of Americans are against this, so you are in the minority.

Oh, and the Montana Farm Bureau stands to gain money for all those like you who would rather send their horse to a horrific death than call your vet.  The only fitting name is: Judas.

By steve on 02-19-09

By MJNYC on 02-19-09 Horse slaughter is no longer America’s dirty little secret, the cats out of the bag and it’s time to end this horror show.*****************************************************************************************************************************************
the cats out the bag but is in a box with 30 other cats being sufficated to death while suffering way more than these horses..

By Bonnie on 02-19-09

“Horse slaughter will not come back to the US, because the suppliers of horse flesh have already invested too much money in Mexico, Canada, Brazil and Argentina to waste it all relocating again in the US, where labor costs are higher and there is massive public opposition.”

By well put, heelerman on 02-19-09

yeah, what a clever way to re-say what I keep saying.  I keep asking for answers.  And keep offering ideas.
Okay, how about this one.  Look at your vehicle registration receipt.  Notice you paid the county a few bucks to dispose of junk cars. 
How about taxing horses and using the money to deal with the junk horse problem?  Some money could also create a job or two in each county, some people could be hired to inspect the living conditions of ALL horses, including making sure that they are adequately contained so they don’t stray out on the road and KILL somebody trying to drive to work in the morning.

By Bonnie on 02-19-09

Heelerman - I do not like the word “industry”, when applied to the corrupt and godforsaken business of horse slaughter.  It stinks, for what of a better word.

Concerning MJNYC:  You have insulted this woman.  I know MJ very well.  She is a good friend.  She lives in the city, because her livelihood is there.  However, she spends a part of her summers right here on our farm, working with the horses every day, mucking stalls, bathing and grooming horses, haying and graining, picking hooves and giving me the best help I have ever had, on this place.  She says she must have this time with horses.  She is one of the best horsewomen I know and rides with wonderful expertise.  You owe MJ an apology.  She is a lovely and accomplished woman.  (She would never fit in with your ilk.)

“Put up”, you say!!!!!!!!!  I’ve put up for more horses than I can remember.  And I must focus on equine welfare, because if I allowed myself to think about how our group of “grass roots advocates” have been picking up the bill for your kind, for years, I would probably come to Montana and use all the strength in my 110 lb body to pick you up and throw you through a window.  (Just day dreaming, but such dreams allow me to vent the anger brought on by those who make up the dark and dishonest underside of the horse world.)

Heelerman:  Responsible horsemen are deeply offended by people like you.  You are the problem and play no role in the solution, for horses.

By Heelerman on 02-19-09

Vikey,
You make some very valid points. A novelty here.
ALL horse orgs. need to do whatever they can to eleviate the need for slaughter. None of them IMHO are doing near enough. As to helping out owners that have fallen on hard times. Why? those people put themselves in the position they are in. If you tout responsable ownership, why sould any org. need to help them out? Ya know here in the west we take care of our own problems.Unlike the eastern urban lemmings that need Gumment or someone else to save em. See, thats called personal responsablity, we’re big on that. Mr. Obamas election not withstanding. Its not my job or yours to clean up after other people. Marjorie is at least honest in one area, she cant’ afford a horse so being responsable, she dosnt’.
There are already some retierment homes for old racers, there need to be more. If you are working with those groups, good for you and thank you. If you have been following this thread, tell me how many horses you need I’ll be glad to get em to you…No? ok I’ve heard that before. Yawn…
The reason actual experts, actual horse orgs. and people who actually care about the welfare of horses support slaughter is because there just are not places for all the horses here NOW. this is a reality problem, reality is, that Horse Orgs are not doing enough to curtail breeding, Back yard breeders are not held accountable. (a Stiff tax would help there) Equine abandonment does not carry the penaltys it should. Every legitimate rescue I know of is full near to bursting. Horses cannot be placed and scam outfits like SHARK, PETA and HSUS foment hysteria among the dull whitted.
NYNYC is doing what so many here have done, snivle and cry.
If you take the time to read this long tedious thread you will see where the attcks come from.
I know that I have saved more horses on my place than any of those windys have, without asking donation. Yet I am a Judas, a bottom feeder and a bunch of other stuff I cant’ recall, so popular am I.
So. Vickey with all your work and contacts, How many head can you take, where do you want em shipped and how do you care to pay for shipping?

By Gypayheart on 02-19-09

“”“”“ NYC I would encorage you to scroll back ut and point out where I say horse slaughter is “right”. Show me one comment I made that favors slaughter over ANY workable alternitive.“”“”“” PLLLEEEAAASSSSEE! Turning a blind eye to it’s evils is the most cowardly yellow chicken-hearted thing a person can do. You can’t mention the slaughter industry without these   words as well ,suffering,killer buyers,pay-offs,kick-backs and most of all irresponsibility.ADD up all of the horses registered by the professional breed associations from last year alone and there ya go…What the heck are you telling them about irresponsibility????

By Freedom on 02-19-09

What the heck happened to this comment?  I think this is the BEST IDEA I HAVE SEEN:

Suppose you had to buy a license to own a horse. Ka-ching, and I mean big time. The county then hires people to be sort of the Animal Police who check the well being of horses and make sure all are registered. They also have to make sure they are enclosed properly, so horses don’t kill any more innocent people on their way to work any more. Another thing that might happen is similar to your vehicle registration. Look at it and notice that you pre-paid a fee to the county to have them come and get your junk car and dispose of it.

Absolutely the BEST SOLUTION to this problem!!!

By redhawk on 02-19-09

We do pay livestock taxes on horses.  Where does the money go?  We lost our agricultural property tax status if we work with or raise horses.  Taxed as livestock, but not livestock…our government at work.  Where does the increase in property taxes go?  Once again.  Get over the personal attacking and start coming up with some creative solutions.

By vicki on 02-19-09

Heelerman, I understand what you’re saying but my point is, when are the pro folks going to do something? We have rescued thousands and thousands of horses and all the pro folks do is whine for slaughter. They won’t discuss anything except more slaughter.

Every horse has an owner and the owner, not me, is responsible for the horses care and providing a humane death. We are sponsoring rescues, contributing to the actual rescues and working with organizations and rescues to implement programs. And the pro folks??? They have the deep pockets with Ag and cattle associations, AVMA, AAEP and AQHA. We are all grass roots, using our own money and these days, it’s tight but we manage to help out with whatever we can. The pro side isn’t doing anything. All their money is going to lobbyists, PR firms and PAC. Nothing to help owners and unwillingness to work with us on solutions. It’s time for them to step up to the plate.

http://www.vickitobin.com

By Gypsy Heart on 02-20-09

Australia got tired of excess dogs and cats .They REQUIRE that anyone owning a dog or cat have a license.They also require anyone wanting to breed require an additional licence.I read an article stating this has been a great success.Tremendous success in fact.At first there was a problem with people not taking the new laws seriously and many of the transgressors were fined.Now, the pet population is well under control.  A basic responsibility of the professional horse breed associations to teach it’s members to breed only the best lines and to breed with LIMITED quantity.They will not do it though because they want the money that goes with the registration fees.I have seen with my own eyes the great,healthy,well bred horses going through the slaughter industry.Slaughter is an abomination and should never be allowed in our America.

By Freedom on 02-20-09

We are not talking about “livestock tax” here.  We are talking about LICENSING, just like with dogs.  You are right Gypsyheart, if this country were smart, we would be licensing all “pets” which include horses.  We would also REQUIRE all pets be neutered.  We have no need for more dogs and cats or horses!  We have need for control.  Idea, this is a national problem and this should be the NATIONAL SOLUTION!  It would certainly deter people that are crazy out there (or overwhelmed trying to help) with 80 cats in a trailer!!!
It is time for everyone to send a letter to your congressman and senator regarding this idea.  Let’s get it going now and stop this foolishness!!  (I did yesterday)