AVMA position on Horse Transport for slaughter
December 7, 2007 by Daniel Beatty DVM · 1 Comment
OK here is an interesting take from a news article from JAVMA (the AVMA journal) in support of the transportation bill. OK it is not direct support just kind of a weak implication that they are supporting the Department of Agriculture’s “looking into” its commercial horse transportation regulations. The press release–> Changes proposed to horse transportation rules Here is a quote from the press release -
While the AVMA doesn’t have a policy regarding the use of double-deck trailers, the Association was supportive of the phaseout of the trailers for transporting horses to slaughter when APHIS established the transportation regulations in 2001.
So they are in support of removing the in humane double-deckers, but what is their thought on the inhumane way the captive bolt is used in the slaughter facilities? (specifically no head restraint) It makes no sense. Someone help me out with this…LOL
In any case look at the bottom of the press release to see where you can send your comments to the USDA about this topic until January 7th.
Hi, Dr. B! You caught that, huh? No policy on the trailers but a policy on what happens to the horses on the trailers.
You hit the nail on the head with the captive bolt (no pun intended). They specifically said that it is only effective when the horses head can be restrained. The slaughter houses never found a way to restrain the heads so they conveniently removed that point. It is nowhere to be found on anything they spew on horse slaughter. I find it rather disturbing how they distort and twist their own material to suit their stance. How unethical can you get? It’s no wonder so many vets don’t want to be associated with the AVMA. I think it’s time they reread the Veterinarian’s Oath and make some changes.