In 2005 over 90,000 horses were slaughtered in the United
States for human consumption in Europe and Asia.
It was discovered in 2004 that the previous year Ferdinand, the
1986 Kentucky Derby Winner and 1987 Horse of the Year, was slaughtered and processed in Japan. A horse that was celebrated
for his speed and heart would be dead and consumed less than ten years after his stunning victory at the most prestigious
of all horse races.
People ask...How can this happen? Aren't there laws to protect
horses?
The answer is NO. In the United States there are three slaughter
houses whose sole purpose is to slaughter and process horses for consumption abroad. These slaughter houses are foreign
owned, they do not even pay their way in our country. Dutch owned Dallas Crown in Kaufman, Texas, reportedly only paid
five dollars in federal income taxin 2004.
This country was explored and settled on the backs of these
noble creatures. Now it seems when they have finished serving their purpose they are sent off to a horrific death.
Many of these horses are obtained from local auctions where unsuspecting
owners take their horses, to be sold to what they assume will be a new loving home. When in fact horses that don't sell
are turned out to the kill pens to be bought up by kill buyers for a couple hundred dollars, only to be sold for $15
to $17 per pound in Europe and Asia.
As in the case of Ferdinand no horse is safe, whether they be a famous
race horse or beloved family pet. In the past, several states have passed legislation to ban the sale of horses to kill
buyers, only to be circumvented by more clever and determined individuals. Live horses have been shipped overseas,
once reaching the three mile barrier are then killed and processed in route. It is reported that sharks follow these
ships due to the carcasses being thrown overboard.
The only way to stop this despicable practice is to pass federal legislation
to stop and shut down the slaughter houses. In addition the shipment of horses to forgein countries must be banned as
well.
In the spirit of 'Wild Horse Annie' who began a grass roots campaign
to stop the harvesting of our wild mustangs; we must use all of our resources to let our senators know that we want them to
support The Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
In addition we must support horse rescue and sancutary organizations
who will provide shelter to these animals. Please call, write or email your senators and let them know that Americans
will not tolerate the practice of slaughtering our horses. In additon please email a link to this website so that more
people can be made aware of what the mayor of Kaufman, Texas calls 'A Dirty Little Secret'
For more information on horse slaughter, transportation conditions and
what goes on inside the slaughter houses, click on any of the following links:
