Horse Slaughter the other side

October 17, 2007 By Daniel Beatty DVM 15 Comments

In an effort to show that I am not pro-slaughter, but rather I have a concern for the horses welfare after the act passes; I want to post some comments made to yesterdays post. They contain statements that bring questions to the AVMA’s position.

Personally I believe we should not be slaughtering horses for the same reasons we do not slaughter dogs and cats; however, I do see possible problems with banning the slaughter of horses that need to be addressed such as unwanted horses and horses being shipped to other countries which this ban will not stop but rather increase. Unfortunately the largest problem as it always seems to be is money. Money is controlling what occurs with the horse market. One of the things that did shock me is the anti slaughter group saying that unwanted is a bad term that these horses are wanted and yet who is stepping up to take them? In the video from the humane society (http://www.hsus.org) states that horses were being bought up by killers (buyers with the intention of selling them to the slaughter plant) that were outbidding other potential owners. Well what is strange is that the killers have a set price, it is about profit to them. The price of horse meat is at a certain price so the killers can not go over a set price otherwise they would be losing money. The last I knew the price of horse meat was $.50 which makes a horse price $500. If you bid over $500 for a horse it is yours not the killers. If you can not afford $500 for the initial price of the horse how are you going to afford to pay for the up keep on that horse? I have been hearing over the past few months about many horses “no saleing” at auctions, and horses going for less than $200, now that is only a very small sample of my own personal experiences but it seems to me that it is an increase in unwanted horses. Obviously the market will settle down and because prices are so inexpensive it should deter breeders from just breeding anything. However what is going to happen with those seemingly unwanted horses in the meantime?

Here are the comments posted from yesterdays post that do question the AVMA’s stance…

From Joyce -
Please let me add a few things to this discussion. The AVMA has been aware that horses were being shipped to Mexico for brutal slaughter for many years now and have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the situation. Why have they spoken out now? What is their motive? When asked, their response to me and others was “we are concerned about the unwanted horses.” Where has that concern been for all these years? For some reason, they seem to have allied themselves with the pro-slaughter contingent that want to reopen the slaughter houses here in the US. Any idea why?
They claim that they are neither pro or anti slaughter. Well, as my logic works, you are one or the other and their opposition to the ban means they are PRO. If they were indeed neutral, they would remain quiet.
It has always amazed me the way the number of horses classified as unwanted invariably equals the number slaughtered. Most of the horses that are being butchered for their meat are obtained at auction and many are stolen. Bear something in mind–unwanted does not mean useless. If the horses at auction cannot be used by the seller, they could be used by people seeking companion horses, gentle horses for a child to learn to ride, animals for therapy for the physically or mentally challenged or prison inmate and Iraq War veterans’ rehabilitation. But they don’t get that second chance; they are grabbed up by the kill buyers, “people” who make their living trolling the auctions for young, meaty animals. There is a statistic that the AVMA has chosen to ignore in all of their rhetoric: more than 90% of horses sent to slaughter are young, healthy and sound, not the old, crippled and infirm animals they would like us to believe. BTW, the 90% figure comes from the USDA. I have participated in the rescue of many of these animals from the feedlots, the second step in their road to doom.
The AVMA might be better served if, instead of taking the side of brutality, they do two things: 1)speak out for responsible horse ownership rather than advocate
for easy disposal of living creatures and 2) reread their veterinary oaths, “I solemnly swear to use my knowledge and skills…..in relief of animal suffering…. I will practice ….in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics…”

From Vicki -
Thanks for this forum and discussion on this hot topic. Let’s start with the unwanted horses. If they’re unwanted, why do the slaughter houses have to pay for them? Where is the mention of the conservative estimate of the 30,000 stolen horses? They are not unwanted. Past statistics have proven that we absorbed over 200,000 horses when the slaughter counts were reduced to 100,000 from over 300,000. Where is the mention of the horses that would have gone to new owners if they were not outbid by the kill buyers? The 100,000 number is grossly overstated when you account for the above factors. The pro folks just keep throwing out the 100,000 number over and over again. Just because 100,000 horses were slaughtered doesn’t mean that 100,000 horses were unwanted.

Use of Horsemeat. The majority of zoos in the US no longer use horsemeat. A quick google search will give you the info.

California. They failed to mention that the horse thefts dropped 34% when slaughter was banned. No doubt there were horses transported illegally. Where there is money to be had, there will be crime. After all, slaughter is about one thing and one thing only – the almighty dollar.

Neglect as it relates to slaughter. This article will give you all the facts and statistics proving there is no correlation between abuse/neglect and slaughter. http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/features/horseslaughter-123.shtml People abused their animals when slaughter was an option. The abusers are not going to send their horses to slaughter. Abuse and neglect are criminal activities and an entirely different issue.

Yes, I am passionate about this issue. It’s very frustrating to see the same tired arguments published over and over again. When they are challenged and given facts, they just keep spewing the same dribble, over and over again. Slaughter breeds more slaughter. It was nothing more than an outlet for owners that didn’t take responsibility for their animals. Why should the horses suffer because owners don’t know when to stop breeding? They cry they can’t afford their horses, yet, they keep breeding. Why aren’t these pro slaughter groups addressing that instead of coming up with reasons we need it? Why not be part of the solution? The majority of horses going to slaughter are quarter horses. The AQHA foals counts were 144,000 compared to 23,000 Thoroughbred. What does that tell you? The Friends of Barbaro have rescued over 1,000 horses and raised over $500k. That money could have gone to the rescues to maintain horses but instead, it was spent pulling the horses from the kill buyer’s trucks. Is everything going to be perfect? Of course not. There will be issues but individuals that take ownership of a horse need to be responsible and care for their animal in life and death. Death meaning a humane death; not being butchered for an industry that is not welcome in or needed in the US. You cannot buy or sell horse meat in the US for human consumption. Horses are not part of our food chain so we certainly do not need kill houses.

@Vicki on one item about horse counts because you asked – the foal count statistics of AQH vs Thoroughbred tells me that the breeding program that the Thoroughbred Association has in place is working, meaning they do not allow artificial insemination. So of course their numbers are going to be lower. I guarantee you that if Thoroughbreds were allowed to be artificially inseminated there would be more Thoroughbreds probably the same number as AQH which then would mean more of them would be unwanted and going to slaughter. In turn it does prove your point that unwanted horses comes from irresponsible breeding. I know a long way around to explain that you are right in the first place about irresponsible breeding…LOL. Irresponsible breeding should take care of itself if there is not a market for horses going to slaughter in Mexico and Canada however there is going to be at this point in time which I believe is the AVMA’s stance and the AHSPA does not address.

http://www.vetsforequinewelfare.org Chris Heyde

http://www.vetsforequinewelfare.org/avma_stop.php

America’s Leading Vets call on AVMA to Stand Down on Horse Slaughter

For Immediate Release:

Washington, DC (October 9, 2007) – Veterinarians for Equine Welfare, a group opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption, today called on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to end its opposition to the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, a bill that will prohibit the domestic slaughter of horses for human consumption as well as their export for slaughter elsewhere.

“It is intolerable that our professional association continues to support horse slaughter. The abject cruelty that our horses are being exposed to in Mexican slaughterhouses is beyond imagination and anyone concerned for the welfare of our horses ought to be doing everything he or she can to support quick passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act,” said Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a renowned veterinary behavioralist.

Dodman’s comments come on the heels of recent investigations documenting the brutal slaughter of American horses at Mexican slaughterhouses. The horses are being shipped to Mexico in increasing numbers following recent closure of the three remaining US horse slaughterhouses under state law. Reports of horses being repeatedly stabbed in the spinal cord with a “puntilla” knife by Mexican slaughterhouses workers until they are paralyzed and then hung, drawn and quartered have outraged Dodman and his colleagues, as well as Members of Congress and the general public.

“It appears that the AVMA would rather support those profiting from this cruel industry than work effectively with the welfare community to protect horses. While they profess concern for the welfare of horses their action in this regard falls far short of the mark,” stated Dr. Nena Winand, a leading equine veterinarian and geneticist. “The AVMA has recently been quoted as saying that banning horse slaughter in the US has led to an increase in animal suffering because of the terrible conditions awaiting horses on their trip to Mexico, yet they and the merchants buying and shipping horses to Mexico for slaughter continue to lobby Congress against passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.”

Dr. Dodman, a founding member of Veterinarians for Equine Welfare recently attended a national equine rescue conference hosted by the Animal Welfare Institute and Humane Society of the United States in Washington, DC to discuss ways to engender and further professionalize the growing horse rescue/sanctuary community. The conference brought together organizations from across the US dedicated to ending horse slaughter and ensuring equine welfare. Initial goals from the meeting include development of a comprehensive resource website and an accreditation program for equine rescue facilities based on the 2004 sanctuary/rescue guidelines created by AWI and the Doris Day Animal League.

“It is time for the AVMA and other pro-horse slaughter groups to stop stonewalling and join with the majority of veterinarians, Americans, horse owners, welfare organizations and equine rescues in supporting passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. It is not too late to come clean and make a difference for the horses. If the AVMA truly cares about the welfare of these horses they have the power to make their suffering stop immediately,” said Chris Heyde, deputy legislative director for the Animal Welfare Institute. “I commend Veterinarians for Equine Welfare for truly speaking on behalf of vets across the country.”

While state laws in Illinois and Texas have put a recent stop to the domestic slaughter of horses for human consumption, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/H.R. 503), will prohibit their export for slaughter in Mexico, Canada and further abroad. The bill enjoys broad bi-partisan support with 31 cosponsors in the United States Senate and 186 cosponsors in the United States House of Representatives to date.

##30##

Veterinarians for Equine Welfare (VEW) was created by a group of veterinarians from all disciplines who are concerned about misinformation being transmitted to the public regarding the national debate on horse slaughter. For more information please visit: http://www.vetsforequinewelfare.org/
vicki

Hi, Dr. B! I have one question for the AVMA… Horses were trucked to Canada and Mexico when the kill houses were open here and there wasn’t a peep out of the AVMA. Now they are so alarmed because the numbers have increased. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude it’s because the kill houses are closed in the US. They are so concerned about the inhumane treatment of the horses. Why aren’t they doing everything they can to help pass the federal legislation to stop the transport? I just find it so hypocritical that they are concerned about humane treatment but have no problem with an inhumane captive bolt that was designed for cattle. You’re a vet. Do you euthanize animals with a captive bolt? Why aren’t they targeting their resources and energy to educating horse owners. At some point, all owners have to engage their vet. What an excellent time to discuss what they plan to do when their horse can no longer live a quality life.

I can’t say that I disagree or agree with you regarding the artificial insemination but your comments do seem plausible. If it would bring them additional money, they seem very plausible!

Right on the money! This is not something that is going to correct itself overnight but I think we agree that the horses shouldn’t be subjected to slaughter because an owner didn’t plan for his death. I was at one of the Cavel court hearings at the district court and there was a group that shall remain nameless that still uses horses in their everyday life and abuses the heck out of them. There were two people there from a rescue that asked why they send their horses to slaughter. One gentleman said how much he loves his horses but it hurts his heart to shoot them so he sends them to slaughter. That is what we are dealing with! I’ll bet if he couldn’t make a quick buck off of their death, he’d shoot them.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Buck_Horse_Slaughter/ Susan Pizzini

Dr. Beatty, have you looked at the Veterinarians for Equine Welfare web site? http://vetsforequinewelfare.org/

In all fairness that would be a start and then go to http://www.marynash.org and see the extensive resources there.
http://www.evetclinic.com Daniel Beatty, DVM

Vicki,

You are going to be surprised by my answer about the captive bolt, but the answer is yes I have euthanized animals with a captive bolt before. I had to for two reasons. The first many years ago was when there was a very large backorder on euthanasia solution and we could not get any for several months. There is an appropriate way to use captive bolt and the video I have seen passed around shows a mistake in its use, which is why the horse was not stunned properly.

Give me your reasons why you believe a captive bolt is inhumane for horses? I realize this will probably bring out a very graphic discussion from me, but I would like to know what is being said about captive bolt.

The second reason was in a herd situation in which I had to euthanize a couple of sick animals without the use of solution so it would not compromise any tissues such as the liver or spleen so I could determine why the rest of the herd was dying. There are acceptable methods of killing an animal without using pharmaceuticals that are just as quick or actually quicker and if done correctly with minimal pain.

As for the transportation, there was a bill that was being bantered about a several months ago, I believe it was the Horse Council that pointed out that the wording of it was bad and that it would affect all transport of horses not just those for slaughter. It was trying to be pushed through by an animal rights group to help end the abuse of riding and showing horses. I could be mistaken on this but I believe that is why the bill was not picked up by the AVMA.

As for the gentleman, I do not know him, but I can tell you that I have had to euthanize horses by myself without the owner for the same reason that man gave you. They know what is right for there horse but they can not bring themselves to do it but have no problem with someone else doing it. One of the hardest clients I have ever seen, a cattle farmer, I have done some really gruesome things on his farm with his cattle that he helped with. I even stitched up one of his horses that had gotten caught up in a wire fence which was very gruesome; however that man had to have his wife hold his horse when I put it down he could not even be there. So I believe there are people out there that do not want to pay or can afford to pay a vet $300 to put an horse down and can not bring themselves to do it themselves.
http://www.evetclinic.com Daniel Beatty, DVM

Chris,

First welcome to my blog.

Second, I believe this press release to be a little misleading. First the title “America’s leading vets”?? a little presumptious and the statement that the majority of veterinarians are in support of the bill is inaccurate, but I am nitpicking.

The actual problem I have with the press release is the following statement – “will prohibit their export for slaughter in Mexico, Canada and further abroad.” Is there actual language that will actually prohibit transport to other countries? I do not believe so, in fact I believe there will be more transport to Mexico after this bill is passed. Which will mean more American horses will be inhumanely transported and inhumanely killed in Mexican slaughterhouses after the passage of this bill. This bill has no teeth to regulate transport to other countries. Sure they can make it illegal to transport for slaughter but how about transport to a ranch or a riding stable in Mexico? Once in Mexico the US law has no effect and that riding stable can take the horses they want and sell the others to a slaughter house and there is nothing we can do about it.

Currently with the price of horses being so low, even with the gas prices it becomes profitable to ship and sell horses to ranches in Mexico. I would suggest an admendment to include some transport rules such as limiting the amount of horses that can be transported across the border in one truck. This will make it more costly for export for slaughter, the problem is it will also increase the cost of export for legitimate reasons however not by much since most of those horses are transported in low numbers anyway and not packed into a semi trailer like sardines.
vicki

Dr. B, my understanding is that the horses brains are set further back than cattle. For the bolt to be effective it has to be a direct hit. Horses are flight animals and as I’ve seen in many of the videos, they try to flee the chute and are hit several times before being stunned.

The federal bills are specific in banning the transport of horses to slaughter for human consumption. I believe the language you are referring to was in the Ag Budget. The original language would have banned the transport for anything. In the 11th hour, the language was rewritten and the Ag bill was passed as written. The president was threatening to veto the bill, not because of the horse language but because the bill was over the dollar amount he recommended. There were several pro articles circulating on trying to lead the public to believe the threat was because of the horse language. It was strictly because the budget was over the dollar amount and nothing to do with the transport ban.

As for your last paragraph, I’m sure there are many stories other vets could share with the same experiences. I have always contended that $300 is a small price to pay for a peaceful death. Many of these animals earned money and to not provide for a humane death is despicable. That to me is taking responsibility of stewardship of your animals.
http://www.evetclinic.com Daniel Beatty, DVM

Vicki and others,

Remember my heart is with yours as I believe horses should not be slaughtered, but as I am thinking about this there are several problems with the arguments that are presented for banning slaughter.

Please correct me if I am wrong but the major argument is that the horses are being inhumanely treated in transport and using the captive bolt correct? That is the main problem with horse slaughter, SO why can we not fix the problems rather than just ban horse slaughter?

The problem I have with the use of the captive bolt is that it is being used incorrectly – by the way has anyone shown that video to OSHA? Besides from the torture the horse is going through I see two other problems with the video one is of a business nature the other is an OSHA problem. Business – how horribly inefficient that process is, taking that long to knock the horse down is slowing the entire line down and would be unacceptable in any other slaughtering plant. The OSHA problem is the guy hanging over the edge of the platform without being tethered and then leaning over the edge to try and hit the horse better is completely unsafe. I am sure if that guy fell into the chute with the thrashing horse and was hurt something may change.

Back to the problems with the captive bolt – it is an acceptable tool to stun an animal with prior to exsanguinating (bleeding them out) them; however the animal needs to be properly restrained and that would solve the problems with using it including the business and OSHA issues. The plant would need to install a squeeze chute with a head catch designed for horses. No more hanging over the chute, it would be much quicker and more efficient and above all else it would make using the captive bolt a much more humane tool. A simple idea to solve the majority of the problems.

As for transport, an inspector at the facility would be in charge of transport and giving out citations to offenders that over crowd trailers and calling the authorities for obvious abuse cases. It seems to me that fixing these items would squelch all the arguments of support for the slaughter bill, save one.

The Vets for Equine Welfare brought this to my attention and that is the use of Bute in horses. I would guess that the majority of American horses have had bute at sometime in their life which is banned from food production. The obvious answer to this is to establish withdrawl times which have not been established. Otherwise that argument is by far the best one for preventing horses from slaughter for human food, there are already laws enforcing that one and with some teeth provided by the FDA.

Anyway good discusion thank you for participating. I will keep a watch for more information regarding this bill and most importantly the back lash that may occur in regards to unwanted horses if the bill passes.
http://www.evetclinic.com Daniel Beatty, DVM

Forgot one thing Vicki I completely agree with you about your statement that “I have always contended that $300 is a small price to pay for a peaceful death. Many of these animals earned money and to not provide for a humane death is despicable. That to me is taking responsibility of stewardship of your animals.”

Unfortunately that is not always the case and people are irresponsible and animals do suffer because of that and my heart goes out to them.
http://SaveDaHorses.com Thomas Lee Trevino

I must say there are alot of facts that show its the Almighty buck controling horse slaughter it has nothing to do with unwanted horses just unsold horses at high prices. This is a problem that can be fixed slowly and surely. first elimate horse slaughter in the US including the Exports. Then knowing abuse and neglect is against the law fine and punish theses criminals. You can surely bet if it were a child it would be a different story,and the dept that handles that is Child Protective Services. Now if the Goverment would remove the Livestock statics on horses to Pets the crimes would be more stiffer. With the word spreaded out that these crimes will no longer be excepted in life. You bet they will watch there steps. 20 years ago I would of never thought that Madd could change the laws and the bad habits of Drinking and Driving. Now this is proof it can be done. With continuously working with Rescues to becoming a 501c and working together thru fund raising it could happen. Horse slaughter will die out and a bunch of killer buyers will have to get off there butts and work real American Jobs that includes get an education. Or Goverment has ignore so many laws they also should be held accountable. This War that is going no where, Illegals coming to America everyday with the local authorities hands tied behind there backs. Our Taxes paying for more border patrols,The Beef,Pork,Horse,Poultry Slaughter industries welcome them jobs. USDA that we suppose to trust yet ignore Texas laws to slaughter horses. and I have personely witness no USDA agents at Cavel during slaughter days. Lies,Lies and more Lies. To think these business would even try to sue Oprah for her free speach about beef.They will stop at nothing to decieve the American people for there own profits. There even having a hard time convincing Korea and Japan about buying our beef and pork products. USDA cannot be trusted AQHA ,APHA makes millions off of papers and ignore polls taken about the ban. These Orgs have lost many members and will continue until they make the right choice for the horses and responsible horse owners. Even the AVMA ignores there own vets opinon to ban horse slaughter. what next Dogs and cats for exported slaughter.
John Holland

Dr. Beatty,

First of all, let me say you seem to have the right attitude about the issue. You have already noted that market forces will equalize the supply over the long term as the prices for loose horses drop. In fact, the whole auction class of loose horses will probably go away or be greatly diminished.

Let me put your mind at ease at what will happen over the short term. Last year I did a study and white paper on what happened when Cavel burned in 2002. At that time the plant was slaughtering about 40% of the horses killed in this country. When it burned the slaughter rate dropped by that much, but unlike this year the exports did not increase. In fact they decreased slightly. The plant stayed off line for just over two years.

My study looked at the Illinois Department of Agriculture figures for the number of cases of abuse and neglect over a six year period from 2000 through 2005 when the plant came back into production. During that time about 50,000 fewer horses were killed than would have died if the plant had remained in operation.

I looked for the relationship between the rate of change of slaughter and the rate of change of neglect. I did this calculation four ways, including year to year, abuse year to previous slaughter year, base year to year and finally on the basis of total accumulated unslaughtered horses. With all four methodologies, the relationship was a positive number and not a negative number. In other words, more slaughter brought more cases of abuse and neglect by a factor of from about one to three.

I have offered this study to the AVMA and The Horse. It has been rejected or ignored in all cases. In contrast, a letter is currently being circulated from the AVMA at this time begging for anyone who has data showing an increase in abuse and neglect to provide them with that data.

Note that they are not asking simply for data, but only for data that would prove abuse and neglect has gone up somewhere besides Georgia which is in one of its worst droughts in living memory. Even if they find figures that appear to substantiate this, it will be meaningless since slaughter has dropped less than 16% when exports are factored in (compared to the 40% drop in my study).

With my study and years of other statistics available, the fact that the AVMA is still fishing for figures that fit their claims speaks to their motives. They know all this, they just don’t want the public and more importantly the Congress to know it.

With this underhanded action, the AVMA has gone from promoting unsubstantiated theories to actively trying to distort the evidence. It is just another dirty little secret about horse slaughter. The VEW letter hit it right on the nose!
vicki

Dr. B, you have provided excellent solutions but those of us wanting this industry gone for good still contend that horses are not food animals and should not be butchered. Our culture does not eat horse meat. I equate the kill houses here to the US setting up shop in India to slaughter their cows. Do you think they would stand for it? What is next here, letting China set up shop to butcher our dogs and cats? Many have blasted us saying that we only try to protect horses because they are cuter than cows. We are trying to protect horses because of what they represent to this country and deserve a better end to their lives. They run in the Derby, they perform, they carry our mounted police, they are used in therapy and most importantly, they are companions. In days gone by, they carried our soldiers into battle and helped build this country. Take a look at statues of soldiers. Almost every statue has a horse. The position of the horse tells us if the soldier was killed in battle, injured in battle or died a natural death.

For the past several years, the kill houses have known the anti slaughter movement has been gaining momentum. They had every opportunity to make adjustments but did nothing. Since I live in Illinois, I’m most familiar with Cavel and will use them as an example. They were shut down several times this year. I believe it was after the second time they reopened when within a two week period, two foals were born on the kill house floor. Regulations do not allow late term pregnant mares to go to slaughter. The inspectors were paid by the kill houses and quite often, just turned away from blatant violations. We noted several times that a vet was not present during the slaughters. They were noted several times accepting double decker trailers full of horses. Double deckers were banned last December. The list goes on and on and nobody did anything. There was too much money at stake to take the time to be certain the horses were properly stunned. Most recently there was an accident with one of the trailers. It took several hours to drag it out of the ditch. Instead of inspecting the horses, the compassionate Tucker, moved the trailer to the front of the line and slaughtered them immediately. You know there had to be broken bones but there was no concern for the horses. Microchips were not checked for ownership – only removed because they tainted the meat. A friend of mine adopted a colt born to a mare that was rescued from Cavel one of the times they were shut down. The only horses to go to Cavel and walk out alive. The mare was blind (another violation). We recently did some fund raising to raise money to restore the sight in one eye so the mare could see her baby before he was sent to his permanent home with my friend. There are countless stories of how rescued horses have gone on to lead productive lives with caring owners proving once again, they are not all unwanted.

Tucker used to use the term processing but as of late, called it recycling. Recycling? The horses are no more valuable to society than a tin can or plastic bottle? It was all about money and greed. Cavel always stated their capacity was 500 per week. In their last several months, when they knew they were on their way out, they ramped up to 1,000 per week. Dare we even venture a guess of how many of those poor horses were “recycled” alive to keep up with the pace?

Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss this topic. I look forward to future blogs and discussions. You inject comments and thoughts, not to provoke but to promote discussion from all angles. This is a very volatile subject and hard to discuss without passion and emotion taking over. Your discussions are one of the very few that stay on topic and remain civil. For that, we thank you!
Cindy

I can not say I am pro slaughter or anti slaughter there is a huge grey area.

As Dr Dan stated a simple use of a head squeeze would alliveate the repeated bolts that are shown in the widely circulated video. The are in use at cattle slaughter houses…. why not equine slaughter houses?

As a breeder it is a plain truth that when the Texas houses closed, the average priced dropped, when Cavelle was suspended and now closed the prices have dropped even further.
We breed 2 “rare” breed pony breeds as defined as breeds producing less the 3000 new registrations a year. Although artificial insemination is helpful in expanding the choices for a mare owner, it also makes it easier to breed irresponsibly. Also registries allowing cloning (AQHA) and those allowing multiple embryo transfers to be registered also are adding to the number of equines on the market.

The American Shetland Pony for example.. auction prices at breed auctions are an average of $150 for a yearling colt and $200 for a filly. At public auctions I have seen well bred ponies bid on at prices as low as $25 for decently aged stock that has some level of usability (broke to ride or drive)

The cost of gelding also puts too many stallions out in the general population in the hands of those that may be tempted to breed. I firmly believe that 80-90% of colts born need to be gelded. In Illinois where I live the average cost to geld is between $300-$700 depending on the vet….therefore I haul to Indiana where an excellent vet will geld, pull wolf teeth, and a coggins for under $225.

You would not believe the number of calls I get or offers of free ponies, that are rank, foundered, well into their old age past their useful lives or otherwise unwanted. I can not financially afford to “rescue” these animals as I have my own herd to feed and care for. Now if these were usable ponies I could find homes for them and perhaps even pay a litle for them. I refer the “freebies” to the rescue organizations as I have always taken back what I have bred if the owners could no longer afford to feed/care for their ponies and I know I can place them in homes again.

Personally I do not see why we do not eat horse meat, as it is higher in protien and iron and lower in cholosterol and fat then beef. (USDA website provided the comparison) When I was overseas I ate some horsemeat not knowing what it was until after I had eaten it. It was rather good. I was a little grossed out at first but nontheless it wasn’t bad.

I have had to have a couple of horses shot because they were suffering and I could not get a vet out to euthanize them, and I could not be present to witness it. I do however hold the horses when I have had the vet out to euthanize, as I did not want them to die in the hands of a stranger.

Breeding responsibly and limiting embryo transfers and banning cloning of equines would be a great start to bring the market back. I would reccomend that if you belong to a breed association that you read your rule book and if your association allows mulriple embryo transfers that you submit a rule change proposal to help limit the number of animals produced unnaturally, and alleviate the chances of shrinking the gene pool and concentrating genetic materials.

The economy on the whole is in the toilet right now and I believe that, with the hay shortage, has also driven down prices.
vicki

Cindy, we do not eat horse meat because we do not eat our pets. Horses are viewed no differently than dogs or cats. Yes, a head squeeze would or should eliminate the bolt issue but again, why do we need slaughter houses for horses when they are not part of our food chain? There is no justification for them other than an out for irresponsible owners/breeders.

Yes, the economy is in the tank – or headed there but slaughter houses will not correct that. Responsible breeding and taking ownership of your animals is the answer. Without slaughter, owners will think twice before bringing more horses into the world. Your comments on breeding responsiblity are right on the mark! I hope someone fromthe AQHA read them.
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