We hear about it all the time. We know it is there, but do we really ever think about it? I mean REALLY think about it? What I am talking about is horse slaughter. Though slaughter houses for horses are now banned in the United States, this does not mean it doesn't happen. Horses are sneaked over boarders to slaughterhouses in Canada and South America. So, even though the brutal practice has been banned from this country, as long as there is a "taste" for horse meat, there will be horse slaughter.
What REALLY happened to that pony your daughter outgrew, that you sent off to a that "nice" auction house and sold to that "nice" man who told you he wanted the pony for his own daughter? What happened to that pretty Thoroughbred race horse you watched on TV who didn't win the race? Or the ex-lesson horse who is no longer needed?
With the economy as it is, more people today are selling horses.
But, what most people don't realize, or don't want to think about, is the fact that many horses sent to auction are bought up by meat companies. Unless you know for an absolute fact that the person buying your horse, particularly from auction, is really who they say they are, that they really do have good intentions for your animal, you would be wise not to trust their word. Please, if you care, know who you are selling your horses and ponies to!
For those of us who adore horses, who understand horses, the thought of killing a healthy equine that has many years of life left is appalling. To us, it's no worse than murdering a healthy human being in cold blood. We know how intelligent these animals are... We know how sensitive they are... We know the pain they feel, the dreams they have... We've seen them play. We've seen them hurt. We have seen them upset and we have seen them happy. Horses have been trusting humans with their very lives for thousands of years. They follow us through the pasture, or come when we call. They walk beside us, un-led, after a ride in the arena. We are their herd leaders, and they are our friends.
And then there's the slaughter itself. If you don't think it's bad enough that these majestic, gorgeous, trusting companions are killed for meat is bad enough, watch the video below! These magnificent horses follow these men trustingly into the cold cement room. If only they knew what was to come, they would fight and kick for their lives! This video is extremely disturbing to watch! I wanted to scream... I did cry. I was absolutely horrified. But, how can we know what is really there if we don't pay attention? If even one horse is saved by the terrible truth embedded in this British video, then is it not worth it? The horse would certainly think so!
WARNING: Very graphic footage.
For more horse issues, please see my other articles
Soring and The Tennesee Walking Horse
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