Top Stories
Horse Slaughter
HB 1496 was approved by the Senate on Monday 23 March 2009. This was the bill that will allow ND tax payers money to do a study for Horse Slaughter Plants in North Dakota.
Yes, Horse Slaughtering is illegal in the United States. However, many midwest states believe that Horse Slaughter shouldn't be illegal and that they can prove it by showing a demand for horse slaughter through studies. Why? Because it is a way to put money in some ranchers pockets. Not because there is "A great number of unwanted horses".
HB 1496 is on it's way to Governor Hoeven's desk to be signed in to law. Please take a moment of your time and send Governor Hoeven and email or even call and leave a message for him, to please VETO HB 1496. Below is his contact information.
Thanks for your time. And please pass this info on to your friends and family members to please contact the Governor.
Office of Governor John Hoeven
State of North Dakota
600 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0001
701.328.2200: phone
701.328.2205: fax
governor@nd.gov
Your support is greatly appreciated!!
For those who are writing to their legislators about the Federal bills that would shut this business down, please be sure they know of this information. The lobbyists for the slaughter industry have been very busy with their little misinformation campaign, but reality shows that slaughter does not have anything to do with animal welfare.
http://www.harnesslink.com/www/Article.cgi?ID=72491
We can't slaughter our way to horse welfare
Harnesslink Admin 05:59 AM 27-May-2009 NZTCOMMENTS(1)TRACKBACKS(0)
By now everyone is familiar with the subject of horses being neglected or starved, along with the claims from those in agricultural circles that slaughter is "necessary" to prevent horse neglect and that it is a way to dispose of unwanted horses.
I've been hearing that litany from all of the agricultural publications and blogs, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), various state Farm Bureaus and from a group of clueless politicians including Illinois' Rep. Jim Sacia, Sue Wallis of Wyoming and former Texas congressman and paid slaughter lobbyist, Charles Stenholm.
I find it odd that they see slaughter as being the solution for horse neglect, but when it comes to neglected or starving cattle, they are stumped. In this USA Today article Starving cattle amid high prices for feed in Neb, Steven Stanec, executive director of the Nebraska Brand Committee, a state agency that helps police the cattle industry stated that "Neglect cases are on the rise, and what's causing it, I'm not sure. We're having whole herds of hundreds of cattle being neglected."
In doing a simple Google search I found other related headlines which show that cattle starving to death is a fairly widespread problem - Officials raid farm with 30 dead, 100 plus starving cows, Starving cows rescued near Paisley on road to recovery and Starving cattle seized in Lake County.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 34.4 million cattle were slaughtered in 2008, that's an average of 94,247 cows slaughtered per day. According to Cattle Network, beef production is up over last year.
Now with all of those cattle going to slaughter, one would wonder why cattle neglect is happening. Using the logic that the AQHA, AVMA, NCBA, Farm Bureaus and the other proponents of the horse slaughter industry apply to starving or neglected horses that "slaughtering prevents neglect", one would think that we wouldn't have problems with starving or neglected cattle. Yet guys like Steven Stanec aren't sure why cattle neglect cases are on the rise.
What further weakens the argument that "slaughter is needed to prevent horse neglect" is that while all of these articles have been written about neglected and starving horses, the option of horse slaughter has been available in the United States. Horse owners can take the horses they no longer want to keep to the local livestock auction and the neighborhood friendly kill buyers will happily take the horse off their hands. According to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 134,059 American horses have been slaughtered at the European owned plants in Canada and Mexico in 2008. American horses still continue to go to slaughter as you read this, so the slaughter pipeline continues to function despite the claims to the contrary.
The reality is that slaughter has nothing to do with animal welfare. Since slaughter apparently doesn't magically solve the problem of starving and neglected cattle, it is fallacy to think that slaughter will solve the problem of starving and neglected horses. The problem of cattle being neglected is due to the current economic crisis, that same economic crisis is making it difficult for horse owners.
In fact, a study released in June of 2008 showed there was no correlation between horse slaughter and neglect, but a clear linkage between unemployment and neglect. Prophetically, the study warned in its conclusions that if economic conditions continued to deteriorate an upward trend in neglect could be expected.
The AQHA, AVMA, NCBA, Farm Bureaus and all of their political allies put a lot of time, energy and money into supporting horse slaughter. If these special interest groups were to focus all of those resources on solving the nation's economic problems rather than supporting a foreign owned industry that doesn't even pay their taxes, we might be able to get something done.
It is a pity they are so narrow minded.
Duane Burright is a software engineer by trade, aside from horses and their welfare he's also interested in American muscle cars, vintage electric fans, computers and software design. He has been involved in the campaign to make the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA) law since 2003 and is a supporter of a nearby wild horse sanctuary.
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
540.268.5693
john@equinewelfarealliance.org
Vicki Tobin
630.961.9292
vicki@equinewelfarealliance.org
CHICAGO, (EWA) – A fight is brewing in Washington over equine issues, including slaughter (HR 503), Mustang protection (HR 1018) and humane transport (HR 305). Now a group calling itself the “Center for Consumer Freedom” (CCF) has joined the barrage of disinformation campaigns with a new twist. While other groups such as the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) are circulating disinformation on equine issues, CCF is hiding behind their non-profit status and attacking the messengers that oppose their agendas.
The most recent target of their attack is the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HSUS, through their legislative arm, has been extremely successful in promoting animal welfare through legislation as well as litigation. EWA considers the CCF attack as a blatant attempt to discredit HSUS, a mainstream organization supported by an overwhelming number of Americans in backing the federal legislation to end the slaughter of American horses.
CCF recently circulated an email soliciting funds to create a $75,000 documentary targeting HSUS. This email was conveyed to EWA by dues paying AQHA members who are opposed to horse slaughter, but whose voices are drowned out by unscrupulous breeders within their association.
“… We are seeking one-time contributions to finance the production and distribution of our own short online documentary about the Humane Society of the United States. It will be similar to the news coverage HSUS has managed to bully off the Internet, but the group will not have any legal right to impact its distribution.
We are trying to raise $75,000 during the next week to finance this project, and we need your help today! Click here to make a tax-deductible online donation to assist with our efforts.”
In past reports, major news outlets, including USA Today, and the Washington Post have gone on record condemning CCF for misleading the public. ABC News exposed CCF as a “front” group for lobbyists hiding behind a non-profit.
In response to the CCF attack, 7 Things You Didn't Know About HSUS, HSUS refuted all seven allegations. In a response, HSUS states, “The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), while organized as a 501(c) (3) charity, is a flack agency and industry front group for tobacco, alcohol, and agribusiness interests.”
Contrary to CCFs allegations, HSUS has never portrayed itself as a “rescue” nor the umbrella organization for local humane societies but as an organization that is involved in animal welfare on all fronts from dogs, to cats, to gerbils and to horses. Their emergency services team was recently instrumental in the rescue of Mustangs from a ranch in Nebraska and did indeed provide a home for eighty-four of the Mustangs as well as saving thousands of dogs from life in a puppy mill.
With President Obama taking a strong stand against lobbyists, EWA anticipates an increase in lobbying organizations masquerading as non-profit advocacy groups to hide their real agenda.
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!
~ Albert Einstein
Here is the link to take action > Here <
Urge Congress to Pass Anti-Horse Slaughter Bill!
Dear Lucille,
Every year, more than 100,000 American horses are cruelly slaughtered to satisfy the markets for horsemeat in Europe and Asia.
Since the last horse slaughter plants in the U.S. were closed in 2007, unwanted American horses are commonly shipped to Canada and Mexico for these killings.
Click here to stop the transport of American horses for slaughter today >>
The methods used to kill these horses once they arrive at a processing plant can be exceptionally inhumane. In Mexico, slaughterhouse workers commonly use small, thin knives to stab horses into a state of paralysis (by severing their spinal cords), and then slaughter them while still fully conscious.
The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, recently introduced to Congress, would put an end to this practice by prohibiting the transport of America's horses across state lines and international borders for slaughter.
Please contact your representatives and urge them to support this anti-horse slaughter bill now >>
Thank you for lending your voice,
Click here to sign your name
Stop the transport of horses for slaughter today! 
- The Change.org Team
Subject: NJ Ag Holds Up Governor Corzine's Executive Order Banning Horse Slaughter & More
This is a follow up to my last newsletter regarding the investigation of Bravo Packing located in Carney's Point, NJ. On October 2, 2008 I requested an Executive Order from the Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine, banning the slaughter of any members of the genus 'Equidae'' for any purpose. One of his aides, Misty Brown, sent my multiple requests to the Department of Agriculture. There are two known backyard slaughterhouses operating in New Jersey. Bravo Packing (pronounced 'Brave O' Packing) is operated by Monte J. Merola. The other is owned and operated by Frank Carper who also owns the Camelot Livestock Auction in Cranbury, NJ. As and investigation conducted by Amanda Sorvino and myself was infiltrated by RescueInk (who should stay with rescuing the Pit Bulls as they know nothing about horses at all) and Humane Society of the United States NJ attorney Sherri Ramsey located in Monmouth County we could not continue gathering evidence and rescue more of the horses Merola was going to slaughter in the most barbaric way imaginable. I sent Amanda's short video to the Governor's aide (which contains more than enough evidence to arrest Merola, a convicted felon who is not permitted to own, operate or be anywhere near any firearm). He blatantly uses a .22 caliber rifle with a scope to 'target practice' his 'sharp shooting' skills on the horses he starves as he is convinced that his zoo clients prefer 'lean meat.' By the time the starved horses are so malnourished, (some literally drop dead) he is providing Grade 4-D horse and pony meat to his clientele. When they have been starved for up to three years, he eventually puts them on the 'list.' The Governor has not seen Amanda's video as my web analytics application tells me which organizations view the media I have on my web site. Oh yes, I get visits from the USDA at least twice per month, as well as Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and other governmental agencies. If Governor Corzine was aware of the situation he would issue the order immediately. When he was our Senator, he always supported the horse legislation. The aide tells me that they are waiting for Ag to reply! Merola claims to have NJ Ag as well as the State Police in his 'back pocket' and a rapid response from Ag is not forthcoming. As Governor Corzine is up for reelection in November, they are probably waiting to see the outcome. I reported a cruelty case in January of 2008 and when NJ Ag got around to paying a 'surprise' inspection, in the fall of 2008, Merola was tipped off by Robert of RescueInk. Ag and other authorities arrived and there was not a single horse or pony on the property as Merola had spent the day and night before slaughtering all of the equidaes on his foul lot. Furthermore, in NJ, horses are considered livestock and not service animals, therapy animals, athletes, or companions. The American Veterinary Mediacal Association classifies horses, pony's, donkeys and mules as companion animals and not livestock. See their brochure on Equine Euthansia. The NJ statute for cruelty to livestock carries a fine of $250.00. The Salem Prosecutor's office has yet to arrest Merola. The call to action is this: please contact the following persons at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and tell them that what Merola and Carper are doing is illegal - they must be stopped - and to release their report to the Governor of NJ. Amanda Sorvino and I are sending notarized statements to NJ Ag and FSIS concerning horse slaughter in New Jersey. In a twist of fate, the horse is New Jersey's state animal. Governor Corzine made a proclamation that June is the Month of the Horse. If he makes a proclamation for horses, there is not a chance of Governor Cozine failing to issue an Executive Order IF he sees the evidence Amanda and I have provided, which he has not.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture contacts:
Media Inquiries
Lynne Richmond
609-633-2954
609-610-3526 (cell)
State Board of Agriculture
Linda Walker
609-633-7794
Publications
Nancy Wood
609-292-8896
Governor Corzine's Aide Misty Brown
Fax number: 609-292-3454
On a lighter note, our guests for Howling Ridge Radio are Senator David Wanzenreid and Dr. Lisa Jacobson who truly is a wonderful equine veterinarian. Both are from Montana. The program now begins at 9:30pm EST. The link to the show page is here. The call in number is: (718) 664-6596. Please note that this is a Brooklyn, NY telephone number and you need not call it to hear the program. Past shows are archived on the Radio page of the Manes and Tails Organization web site. One last note, I sent this newsletter out on Tuesday, June 2nd, however it did not deploy properly, therefore, if you are receiving this a second time, my apologies.
We hope you will join us!
Until next time, Be well.
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
President
Let it be known that both these groups (along with other groups) spread lies and propaganda.
Sue Wallis is the Representative from Wyoming who has started the issue that horse slaughter is wanted and needed in the United States. She, also, along with others believe that Horse meat is the next red meat here in the U.S. Contact your Reps and Senators and ask them to support the bills that protect the horses.
Joint Press Release
June 3, 2009
For immediate release:
Contacts:Sue Wallis, Founding Leadership Team
United Organizations of the Horse
(307) 685-8248
Sue.Wallis@UnitedOrgsoftheHorse.org
Chase Adams, Chief Executive Officer
American Horse League
(605) 347-1730
ceo@americanhorseleague.com
The American Horse League has teamed up with the United Organizations of the Horse in order to further their common goals. Both believe the collaboration will prove to be a winning combination with the United Organizations of the Horse's nation-wide network of equine industry supporters; their already proven track record of effective political action at federal, state, and local levels; and their ability to communicate with the public-combined with the American Horse League's determination to focus on pro-active court action and legal defense to protect private property rights, and the continued right to manage, use, and enjoy horses.
The American Horse League is dedicated to the responsible management of horses nationwide, and looks forward to combating assaults on agriculture as a whole, private property rights, and the humane treatment of livestock. Their mission includes taking this fight for our livelihoods and our rights to the Courts, the media, and to our Nation's Capital.
The American Horse League will hold its first fundraiser at the St. Onge Livestock's Horse Sale in St. Onge , South Dakota, Sunday, June 14, 2009 with an aggressive membership drive to follow. A horse rescued from neglect and starvation will be auctioned. "This horse typifies the need for a humane and responsible option for the marketing of unusable and unwanted horses," said Chase Adams of the American Horse League.
The United Organizations of the Horse was formed in response to the growing number of public policy challenges facing American horses, their owners, and horse-related organizations. "Our main objective is to be a voice for horse owners at every level, and to every audience...we need a voice that is capable of coherently and articulately communicating to a misinformed and emotionally manipulated American public, and to policymakers," said Sue Wallis, a Wyoming state legislator and United Organizations of the Horse founder. The United Organizations of the Horse seeks to unify all like-minded equine associations and individuals in support of its mission-to promote the humane care and management of horses, and the continued viability of the equine community in the United States of America.
Besides the American Horse League, the United Organizations of the Horse has recently teamed up with the United Horsemen's Front, the National Tribal Horse Coalition, and the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada. To learn more visit their web site, http://www.UnitedOrgsoftheHorse.org, and subscribe to their free e-newsletter. The United Organizations of the Horse will hold their first annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 14th at the Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill, and are looking forward to communicating their message to horsemen and women gathered for the American Horse Council's annual meeting, as well as lobbying on the Hill on behalf of the horse owners of America.
a non-profit corporation
Advocates for Horses
Turning a Blind Eye
The idiom "turning a blind eye" is used to describe the process of ignoring inconvenient facts or activities. Among all the many things we are really good at in America, few come close to our profound ability to turn a blind eye to what we don't want to know or see. There are more horses in America per capita than anywhere else in the world. We love horses. Horses, we proclaim with patriotic pride, are part of our national heritage. We so love and revere horses that we've made it illegal to slaughter them or sell horsemeat in America.
When advancing equine rights, we must be careful not to offend people with the truth. They will become angry for showing them things they don't want to see. Despite our professed love for the horse, America exports more horses for slaughter than any single nation on the planet. But don't show the pictures because it might make someone cry.
But we should cry. We should scream. Try to imagine the horror of a horse made to ride in a cramped and crowded truck for days without food or water. When she arrives at the slaughter house, she's poked hard in her flanks by workers using long poles who could care less about hurting her because, after all, she's about to die. They force her and other horses toward the 'Kill Shute.' She's scared and her adrenaline is coursing through her body as she hears the anguished screams of the horses ahead of her as they're stabbed repeatedly in the neck one by one until their spinal cords are almost severed.
She's so frightened she urinates where she's standing. She smells the blood and every single fiber of her being is screaming at her to run, get free, survive. She rears up, pins her ears back, kicks, bucks, fights until she's moved into the Kill Shute and feels her own neck being stabbed over and over. The pain is excruciating; her blood flows and she loses control of her legs, falling into a pool of blood and urine. She's dragged into the slaughter house and her back legs are attached to a hoist. She's still alive but that doesn't matter. She's lifted upside down so she's suspended into the air. She's even more terrified now because she doesn't have a clue what's happening but she knows undeniably that she's in mortal peril. A knife slices deep into her throat and through her jugular vein. She tastes and smells her own blood and convulses a few more times She isn't dead yet but the workers are impatient. They cut open her belly and she's disemboweled. Those are her last moments. That's how her life ends. And it happens in the thousands each and every week. It's happening today. It's happening now.
In law, someone who knows that a wrongful act is occurring and does nothing to stop it is an accomplice. We are all accomplices when we turn a blind eye.
Copyright 2009 Equine Justice, Inc., a non-profit corporation
www.equinejustice.org
Dear Friends,
The following horses are at a feedlot in NV, and will be heading to a Canadian slaughter house, if not rescued by Monday, 6/15/09.
| Black & white paint colt | 1yr | $130 |
| Sorrel filly | 1yr | $150 |
| Black & white paint colt | 2yr | $160 |
| Palomino colt | 1.5 yrs | $170 |
| Sorrel arab cross gelding | 15yrs | $200 |
| Appy mare | 4-5 yrs, w/foal | $350 |
| Preg paint mare | 8-10yrs | $425 |
| Paint mare | 4yrs | $450 |
| Preg bay mare | 6yrs | $465 |
| White TB mare | 12 yrs, w/ foal | $470 |
| Preg dapple gray TB cross mare | 9yrs | $505 |
| White draft cross mare | 12-14yr, w/foal | $530 |
| Bay TB gelding | 5 yrs | $600 |
| Bay TB gelding | 8yrs | $600 |
| Roan gelding | 4yrs | $600 |
| Sorrel mare w/blaze face | 4yrs | $600 |
| Total for Horses | $6,405 |
*Transport costs - TBD
We are working diligently to save them, but need your help. Funds are required to buy them from the feedlot, and transport them to safety. To help, please go to www.paypal.com and send funds to equineangel22@yahoo.com.
The deadline to save them is Monday 6/15/09
The horses & I thank you for your support!
Shirley Puga
P.S. Together we have saved over 600 equine lives since 4/06. Please help us save these too.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.Margaret Mead -- Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com purchase online at Horse.Com (Country Supply) put in code V V R E R and 5% of your purchase will be donated to Valley View Ranch.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
John Holland
540.268.5693
john@equinewelfarealliance.org
Vicki Tobin
630.961.9292
vicki@equinewelfarealliance.org
CHICAGO, (EWA) In a move reminiscent of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the Arabian Horse Foundation has gone on record supporting horse slaughter with the passage of a resolution. According to reports, the move was prompted by the elevation of AHA president Lance Walters to the American Horse Council board.
In an attempt to mitigate this announcement and ease the ultimate betrayal of their breed, the AHA and foundation also voiced support for equine rescue and responsible horse ownership. EWA questions how AHA can promote slaughter and responsible ownership since they contradict each other. AHA did not name any rescues or programs that are currently supported or planned by the AHA in support of their breed, saying only that they promote slaughtering the magnificent horses they purport to represent.
Walters stated, "Since Arabian horses are involved in racing, showing, competition, and recreation, our owners and events are greatly affected by federal actions".
Walters did not describe how horse slaughter comes into play with racing, showing, competition and recreation events.
The AHA foal count was only 6,500 in 2008 a commendable example of responsible breeding, and AHA bloggers have recently been discussing how well Arabian prices are holding up in the sagging economy. The only explanation for this move would thus appear to be stunning political self interest.
Scores of AHA members have told EWA they plan to discontinue membership in their breed association because of Walter’s and his board’s shameful toadying to advance his position within the pro-slaughter AHC.
Both the Arabian Association president and his board are far out of the mainstream of American’s opinion where more than 70 percent consistently say in polls that they are opposed to horse slaughter.
The Equine Welfare Alliance asks the Arabian Horse Association for its membership list in order to commission polling by an outside agency to determine whether Arabian owners really support the brutal and painful killing of their breed to supply foreign markets with a meat Americans don’t even eat.
EWA’s John Holland, himself a proud owner of Arabians, said of the action, "It is high time the members of these organizations let their management know just who they work for!"
Horse Slaughter/PETA "exposing" Japan
The wonderful blog Equispace brought to my attention an ESPN interview with the founder of Old Friends (a thoroughbred rescue group that specializes in saving high profile race horses) and PETA. At issue is whether PETA's "investigations" of Japanese slaughter houses just distributed Old Friends' attempts to bring home horses such was War Emblem and Charismatic. Curiously Silver Charm was not mentioned. He was a better race horse, is older than both of them and also is in Japan thanks to his former owner (Bob Lewis) who allegedly loved him more than anything.
On their blog, PETA doesn't call out slaughter industry, they call out the horse racing industry for being cold and cruel. The founder of Old Friends correctly points out that PETA has never personally saved one animal while groups like Old Friends are doing something about it.
It must be pointed out that racing thoroughbreds only make a small fraction of the horses sent to slaughter. Far more show horses are sent to the plants than racing ones. The thoroughbred racing industry has actually done more to save its breed from slaughter than any other horse organization. So, lets stop with the "cold and cruel" industry comments.
I am somewhat perplexed why PETA went to Japan to "expose" them, when it has been known to those of us who care for sometime that Japan sends horses to slaughter (most infamously the sweet Ferdinand). PETA usually is off the mark in their views, but in the case they really missed the boat as some Western states in America are thinking about firing up the slaughter mills.
At the same time, I will say that the finger does need to be turned on us, the owners, when it comes to horse welfare. When you buy a horse, I passionately believe you have a responsibility to take care of it, even when it is no longer financially useful.
Vicki | A Voice for Our Horses
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do
evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!
~ Albert Einstein
Hi, folks. Please cross post to your groups and ask that contact their legislators for support of the GAO investigation and to cosponsor HR503, S727 and HR1018. We have a short window here before the summer breaks start so let’s take advantage of the time we have!
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/06/prweb2525324.htm
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/horse-slaughter/article/958
Vicki | A Voice for Our Horses
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do
evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!
~ Albert Einstein
Please cross post - plans still moving forward for round-ups in Cloud's herd on August 30.
PRESS RELEASE June 11, 2009- for immediate release
Documents Reveal BLM Secret Plan to Destroy Wild Horses
Documents obtained from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) via the Freedom of Information Act by a Phoenix-based non-profit, The Conquistador Program, reveal shocking and detailed plans to destroy healthy wild horses in government holding facilities as well as those still remaining in the wild on public lands.
BLM employees as well as a USDA veterinarian held weekly Implementation Team meetings beginning in July of 2008 in which they discussed and developed strategies aimed at ridding BLM of thousands of mustangs. In October they completed a 68 page document entitled Alternative Management Options. Tactics included in this document are reminiscent of those used to wipe out Native American tribes in the 1800s.
The BLM team created scenarios for killing mustangs using barbiturates, gun shots, or captive bolts. Bodies would be disposed of through rendering, burial or incineration. They discussed killing 1200-2000 wild horses per year. The document states that the general public would be prohibited from viewing euthanasia. Additionally, the Team felt that increased support from public relations and management staff would also be needed to insulate those doing the actual work from the public, media and Congressional scrutiny/criticism.
Minutes from these meetings as well as the Draft Plan reveal what amounts to the final solution for the American mustang, states Ginger Kathrens, filmmaker and Volunteer Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation. Despite a huge outcry from the American public last year regarding BLM plans to kill wild horses in holding, the agency is still pressing forward with a plan to destroy our American mustangs both on and off the range. Division Chief of the Wild Horse and Burro Program Don Glenn told The Cloud Foundation that no decision has been made to move forward on a large scale with this plan, yet.
BLM meeting minutes speak for themselves. Security at facilities and at gathers would need to be increased to combat eco-terrorism. Having the people that are willing to put down healthy horses at gather sites could be a problem. Having vets putting down healthy horses at preparation facility[ies] could also be a problem. Meeting minutes reveal the psychological toll that employees would pay have counseling for employees and contractors that have to euphemize the healthy horses because it is very stressful.
The report created an option in which wild horses of all ages could be sold without limitation. In other words, horses could be sold directly to killer buyers in unchecked numbers. The Team admitted that some wild horses will go to slaughter.
Once they are gone, they're gone says Karen Sussman, President of the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros. To lose this incomparable species would be a travesty.
Team Members formulated ways in which they could circumvent the National Environmental Policy Act, asking How many (wild horses) could be euthanized during a gather (roundup) without having NEPA? BLM discussed ways to circumvent the federal carcass disposal law (43 CFR 4730.2). Conversations included how many wild horses could be rendered at the Reno Rendering plant or disposed of in pits. The Team concluded that there will not be large numbers of horses euthanized during gathers or in the field. This is due to state environmental laws.
Recommendations include the creation of gelding herds, and sterilization of mares to create non-reproductive herds in the wild in place of natural herds. The team recommended changing the sex ratio from the normal 50% males and 50% females to 70% males and 30% females. Then the experimental two-year infertility drug, PZP-22, would be given to all mares that are returned to the wild. Plans call for rounding up the wild horses every two years to re-administer the drug.
Mares on the drug will cycle monthly and, with the altered sex ratio, the social chaos will be dangerous and on-going, Kathrens explains. Any semblance of normal wild horse society will be completely destroyed.
Kathrens has spent 15 years in the wild documenting mustang behavior for her PBS television documentaries which chronicle the life story of Cloud, the now famous pale palomino stallion she has filmed since birth. Even Cloud and his little herd in Montana are in serious danger if BLM implements these options, she continues. The BLM plans a massive round up in Clouds herd beginning August 30, 2009.
The BLM will not guarantee that Cloud and his family will remain free.
The BLM documents referred to above and photos of wild horses are available from The Cloud Foundation.
The Cloud Foundation, Inc.
107 South 7th St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-633-3842
719-633-3896 (fax)
info@thecloudfoundation.org
www.thecloudfoundation.org
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/06/111.shtml
Welfare group comment on arabian slaughter position June 17, 2009 by John Holland
I found the justifications of their pro-slaughter resolution put forward by the Arabian Horse Association officials in the Jurga Report, and cited in Horsetalk.co.nz, to be most enlightening. They give a graphic indication of the true nature of the "extensive research" mentioned in the original AHA pro-slaughter resolution.
Glen Petty is quoted as saying: "Compelling reasons for passage of the motion were conditions at Mexican slaughter facilities and at a growing numbers of farms in the US." I would agree about the conditions in Mexico, but most other slaughter proponents do not. These proponents site the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) which claims to have inspected the Mexican slaughter plants recently and found them to be humane. This was also reported in the Jurga Report. So which is it?
But the second part of this statement is clearly an attempt to associate the effects of the economic downturn with the closing of the US slaughter plants. The linkage could only be true if the number of horses being slaughtered had significantly decreased.
However, exports simply replaced domestic slaughter and the number of American horses slaughtered in 2008 (over 134,000) was the second highest of any year since 1995. It is therefore impossible to assign any effect to a decline in slaughter that never happened.
The study we did last year established that there had been no observable increase in abuse and neglect through the beginning of 2008, but it did find a linkage between unemployment and neglect. Prophetically it warned in the conclusions that a downturn in the economy could cause an increase in neglect nationwide.
This would all be questionable enough, but Petty continued: "It was felt humane slaughter and government regulation was a better alternative to the growing inhumane conditions that have occurred as unintended consequences caused by the passage of HB503."
This is the most illuminating statement of all. First, the bill number was not HB503, but H.R.503, and more tellingly, it passed only the House of Representatives in the 109th Congress and did not become law. A bill with the same number is pending in the current congress. So again, Petty is using the effects of something that did not happen as a justification for their resolution.
If there was any lingering doubt about the nature of the "extensive research" upon which the AHA's resolution was based, Mr Petty has certainly removed it with his explanation.
Vicki | A Voice for Our Horses
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do
evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!
~ Albert Einstein
