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October 24, 2007
Dear Friends:
The fight against horse slaughter in America, as I remember it:
Well, it’s soon to be history, so it’s better to write it down now. Last year we came so close to ending horse slaughter when the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act only to see the bill die when the US Senate failed to act before leaving for its holiday vacation. Thanks to the people at Animal Welfare Institute, my family (that’s my daughter Amy pictured with one of the horses we rescued from slaughter) and thousands of compassionate Americans, the states of Texas and Illinois have outlawed horse slaughter for the purpose of human consumption, which in turn, closed down all three U.S. Horse Slaughter Plants. But the fight is not over.
Though our horses have always been sent to other countries for slaughter the incidence of horses slaughtered in Mexico and Canada has risen dramatically over the last year. The US-based foreign-owned horse slaughterhouses continue their cruel industry with US horses by sending them to their plants in Mexico and Canada. In Mexico, the horses are savagely stabbed in the back of their necks with knives countless times, and then hung upside down to have their throats cut. This is after being transported 700 miles plus without food or water. I’m sorry to bring this bad news, but I have faith that Americans will put an end to it once and for all. Surely when the men and women of Congress become aware of this, they will expedite The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311), which will outlaw the transport of horses to other countries for slaughter. So let’s tell them about it. Our horses need your help!
Recently, AWI and other humane organizations and equine rescues met in DC to work for the horses. They are developing programs to protect horses and support the growing number of equine rescues. Sadly, the pro-horse slaughter advocates won’t stop with their misinformation campaign. We just have to put aside the American Veterinary Medical Association’s wild claim of 100k horses a year in need of a home. Again, the slaughterhouse kills what it needs, not what is out there in need of a home. When we have seen such wide fluctuations in numbers there hasn’t been an issue. The numbers dropped from over 300,000 killed the 90′s to 47,000 a few years ago. We had fewer rescues and there was no increase in cruelty or horses running down the streets.
All sizes, breeds and ages of our horses are being brutally slaughtered each year. These numbers include our precious wild horses, an animal that symbolizes the American spirit like no other. Sadly, due to gross mismanagement by the federal agency tasked to protect these amazing animals. If we allow the Bureau of Land Management to continue on its current path unchecked, they will drive these animals into extinction – many having been sent to slaughter. They would have you believe that approximately 24,000 wild horses are responsible for devastating over 300 million acres of public land, while over 8 million cattle and other livestock roam in harmony with nature. It is time to stand up for an animal that evolved in North America before it is too late.
We’ve come too far to let this be our end result. It’s time to flood the phone lines, mail boxes and emails of our legislators again. Ask them to cosponsor and demand a vote on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311). It should be easier than ever for Congress to do the right thing and pass this bill that will end so much suffering. When the overwhelming majority of Americans are against horse slaughter, and we’ve already gone so far as to end it in this country, the obvious next step is to seal the deal with passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and ensure that no more of our horses have to face such an ugly end as brutal slaughter.
For more information on this and other similar issues, visit www.awionline.org and www.compassionindex.org. If you would like to join me in adopting a horse please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.
Aloha and Peace,
Dear Willy, I was so excited to see you on Ellen today and even more so when you spoke on behalf of saving the horses from slaughter. I wrote to Ellen a few months ago hoping to see you on her show. I am 61 yrs and have started a horse rescue concentrating on race horses. We are currently leasing a few acres and I finance the farms work by renting out a few stalls. We have been bringing in and retraining a few horses on our own dime for about two and a half years now but as my lease is about up I have started a non profit, found the property we need, designed our sixty stall barn, have started sending out our letter of inquiry to private funders, and at this time are working with a local drug and alcohol abuse center as a place for there men in recovery to volunteer their time. When our land is bought and our buildings are up we instead will be taking children recognised as bullies in the central Ohio systems and with the help of the horses that are waiting to be placed in new homes will teach compassion . A grass roots program to “take the bully out of as many bullies” as we can possibly reach. Funding is hard to acquire but I would incourage anyone that has the passion to start a rescue. As I said I am 61 years old have raised five children have 16 grand children, and 7 great grand children, I have raised my children on my own, helped raise my grand children, drove truck coast to coast, owned my own bussiness, worked on the docks, had coffee with Waylon and Charlie One Horse in Tenn., Slept beside the Red Headed Stranger (Bus) in Oklahoma, managed two breeding farms in Ohio and have 54 years in loving and taking care of horses. If I can do this any one can. 3 years ago while standing at an auction(Sugarcreek) My husband and grand daughter had to pull me away from the pen where the horses were being run through to be bought by the meat dealers. I have never heard and seen such pain, fear and confusion in so many at one time. It will be with me for the rest of my life…Carolyn Raike, Heavens legend Farms 6755 Lake Dr Rd, Newark, Ohio 43056
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If a horse owner can’t afford to euthanize a horse and dispose of it’s carcass via a licensed vet, at an average of $350. then how could they afford to feed and care for that horse for the next month that they are alive?
Do your research about horse slaughter it is not humane just google it “horse slaughter” and you will see that it is barbaric and un-American.
Please call your legislators and ask them to cosponsor and vote yes to the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act S 311 and HR 503.
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Thank you Willie Nelson for bringing this issue to our attention. I just sent a note to my legislators and made a donation to become a friend of AWI. I hope that enough people are also moved to make a change. I am encouraged by reading the positive responses, and still disgusted when I read replies from folks like Bob who just don’t get it.
Thank you Ellen for using your celebrity to help support animals.
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Very good show and cause.
I believe a picture is worth a thousand words.
If you are interested in what is happening to these beautiful animals that are very aware of their surroundings, intellegent and can think, look at the following video and you’ll see first hand how terrible this is. Can you imagine all of the mistakes and slip ups that occur in the slaughter house that no one will ever see?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_bolt_pistol
http://www.awionline.org/farm/video/hfafootage.htm
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If a horse does have to be put down, why do we have to use the methods that the slaughter house uses? see the video! Of course the reason has to do with contamination of the meat, but putting them down where you don’t have to use a bolt pistol in the head 4 times would be more humane. Can you even imagine what the poor horse was going through after the first shot and then the second shot and then the third shot with then the final fourth shot? Obviously the operator was a poor aim and the poor horse suffered. The operator didn’t care and probably made even worse mistakes that we’ll never know about.
Can you imagine putting your dog down that way? It probably is illegal and animal cruelty. Wonder what Mark Levine would say about using a bolt pistol to put his dog down… MerkLevineShow.com Think I’ll talk to him about the gassly methods used to slaughter horses that can think much more than a hog or a steer.
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I signed the petition a while ago to support stopping slaughter, I am happy to see so many people supporting this effort, Horses were meant to be loved.
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Thank you Willie for caring the way you do, and thank you for bringing this to light on Ellen’s show. Kudos to Ellen – she is supreme person! I will support this cause and wish I could still have horses. I raised and bred two Arabians for 25 years and lost them to a fire. Of course, they would have been with us for the rest of their natural life if this catastrophe had not happened. They were just like my children and were treated as such. It was my dream since childhood to own a horse and my husband made that dream come true. This has always been so close to my heart and will be forever. Horse lovers know what I am taking about and I am sure you do as well. They are the most beautiful of animals! We WILL get this bill passed.
Thank you again.
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Thank you Willie, I love your letter, well said and all true. Our American Horses need to have a happy ending.
Congress and the Senate must step up the plate and pass S311 and HR 503 and save there beautiful animals.
We teach our children to be kind to animals, and our goverment send them to slaughter, what kind of example are we setting for our children?
If people would learn to save a life instead of taking a life it would be a better world.
Thanks to Willie and Ellen
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Thank You Willie for caring about Horses. They are beutiful creatures as all animals are and how sad our society treats them as they do. Most animals are treated like they are a disposable item. I have had and loved animals all my life, my children and I fostered Cocker Spaniels for a couple yrs. until I attempted to get better conditions, a shelter and more options for homeless animals in our small town in the Adirondacks. With not enough financial support and concerned people in our hometown I didn’t get far. While we live in a small nice community in the beutiful Adirondacks there are many who don’t have an interest in animals and are not willing to help. While I found homes for a handful of dogs I couldn’t do it alone financially.
Recently someone has opened a shelter here for cats but because she received financial backing from someone, she was able to make it giving cats here a safe haven. Kudos to her also for something long overdo in this town.
My fiance and I live on his 40 acres of land that has been in his family through many many yrs. We have six rescued dogs , three goats (2 Does and a 10 month old buck who was in need of a home) and Two beutiful QuarterHorse Mares and a Belgian Ghelding who was also in need of a home.
Unfortunately while we financially can’t help as we are not in that position (wish we were). I would be happy to help any other way I can so please let me know if there’s anything we can do.
I never had the experience to be around horses until I moved here and they are just awesome creatures. Loving and kind.
Thank You again for doing what you do for the Horses.
How Sad, ignorant and cruel humans are!!
Sincerly
Linda G
adirondackcockerkids@yahoo.com
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I love horses they are my favorite animal. I can’t believe that people are doing this to the horses, it breaks my heart to see this. I would love to help to stop this. Thank you for caring for the animmals, it’s nice to know that someone actually cares. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Carrie A
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Regarding your consciousness-raising appearance on Ellen’s show regarding horse slaughter, and the material you have posted here at your site:
Wonderful! Thank you so much for getting this great coverage/exposure of this issue out to such a huge public. Bravo indeed.
I am involved with a grass-roots movement to get the federal antislaughter/export bills passed, via http://www.alexbrownracing.com
Asking that you please consider promoting / becoming involved with this upcoming antislaughter lobbying event involving people from that site and many others – the event is Americans Against Horse Slaughter Week – in DC, beginning March 4 & 5. Just around the corner . . .
Here’s a link to an invitation to the Reception the evening of Tuesday March 4th:
http://www.kaufmanzoning.net/horsemeat/AAHSInvitation
and a Press Release (dated Feb. 21) about Americans Against Horse Slaughter Week.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=20134.6
Again, thank you for what you said about the horses on Ellen, as well as what you have been doing all along. Your contribution to the cause is both immense and immeasurable.
Sincerely,
Caroline Jaffe – lifelong horse lover & owner and steadfast Friend/Fan of Barbaro
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Willie,
I went into the Ellen Degeneres site only to find an article about you and horse slaughtering. I have to say ..I am so discusted by what is happening to our horse’s and the cow’s as well. You have a “Great” voice Wille and “Thankyou” for using it. I live in Montana and I do plan to get involved by speaking up and letting more people know. I get so angry with people lately..last week it was the cow’s being slaughterd and today I find this. Thankyou again Willie and to everyone out there that cares. I would get so angry and upset ..that I didn’t know what to do with it all. This helps immensely..Be safe and..God Bless.
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I recently read an article about all the horses that are being trucked to Canada for slaughter. As a Canadian and horse lover, I would like to know what I can do to help stop this. It sickens and disgusts me to think of the terror these animals are going through. Thanks Willy, but so much more work to be done…
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WILLIE….GOD BLESS YOU FOR CARING…….AND AS FOR ROBERT, AKA….BOB….IT’S SAD THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE OUT THERE, THAT IS ONE THING THAT IS WRONG WITH OUR WORLD, UNCARING, COLD HEARTS….I ONLY PRAY SOMEDAY YOU SEE HOW WRONG YOU ARE. WILLIE, WE’RE 100% BEHIND YOU….THANK YOU
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Thank you, Willie.
It’s a shame that every speck of land in this country must be used for someone’s gain, or the ‘unadoptable’ Mustangs would simply be allowed to BE Mustangs, just as the Eagle is allowed to be an Eagle.
It’s ignorant for pro-slaughter folks to cry that those against the practice don’t know squat about horses. Many may not have been around horses…but many own, raise, train, race, show, etc.
Is our neighbor without horses dis-allowed from expressing his or her horror about brutality inflicted upon equines? If that logic holds, no one who doesn’t have children of their own should ever be allowed to speak up on the welfare of children. That’s simply a whack sense of ‘logic’.
The associated propaganda (I’ve yet to see horses roaming the streets here in South Texas) is flat-out sickening. It’s fear-based, not education-based.
The only slipperiness to this downhill slide of humanity (we dare call ourselves civilized?) is the bloodstained cash in the hands of those who think they profit from the grisly mess.
Define profit.
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I had emailed Ellen on this site twice about this back in October/November. Never a response from her staff and it broke my heart knowing what an animal lover she is… I also wrote my congressman. His response was there are more important things to focus on and if horses were not slaughtered, the population would be too much. ?????? After this frustration, I read about Willie Nelson’s efforts to put a stop to this ….. Never listened to his music before, but he has now won me as a life-time fan ….. now I see him on Ellen’s show and was holding my breath to see if they were going to mention the horse-slaughtering, I was so glad to hear it brought up – this needs as much attention as possible. If you were to see a video of this happening (yes, it’s on the net) – it’ll make you sick to your stomach. I emailed everyone I know, I am not one to push stuff on people that they might not want to see, but this made me so upset, I didn’t care. And guess what? Not one person responded to me. That tells me I probably crossed the line, but I don’t care. Again, the more attention this receives (THANK YOU WILLIE), the better (HOPEFULLY). Thank you to Willie’s organization for what you are doing!!!!! BTW, I still have that congressman’s letter and when I come across it when going through my papers, it turns my stomach. I now receive email after email from his office and I just click and delete, which is the same consideration he is giving to this disgusting problem.
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What a wonderful letter! I have so much hope for horses now more than ever. I am so happy Willie that you are helping horses around the globe! Its a cruel world know in days and no one cares any more about our animals so I thank you for the time and all the care you put into this. I hope Ellen speaks out to everyone and I know I will!
Thank you!
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Hello,
I am a volenteer who helps feed and groom neglected and resecused horses. I am blessed to be a part of this indevor not only because I love animals in general but I was afraid of horses since a teen because I was thrown off of one. My work with the rescue horses has helped me and continues to aid me in becomeing a more confident person. The horses are a valuable resource for people like myself and others who are disabled, austic, learing disabled and more. I would like to see more communities rescue horses and help them by using them for therputic means. Its a win win situation that way.
God Bless
Rosepetals@carolina.rr.com
Monroe NC
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Re: Glenda Garroutte’s Comment
WILLIE….GOD BLESS YOU FOR CARING…….AND AS FOR ROBERT, AKA….BOB….IT’S SAD THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE OUT THERE, THAT IS ONE THING THAT IS WRONG WITH OUR WORLD, UNCARING, COLD HEARTS….I ONLY PRAY SOMEDAY YOU SEE HOW WRONG YOU ARE. WILLIE, WE’RE 100% BEHIND YOU….THANK YOU
Let me make myself clear, I am not for this way of inhumane treatment in any way shape or form. I was only stating the fact that shutting the plants was not the best choice. Willie even stated it did not solve the problem. There are other options. Why didn’t Willie propose that all slaughter houses use the euthanization shots instead of the guns. I am just using reason and looking at the years to come, where others cant see past today.
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I, like Bob, am not in favor of slaughtering horses. By the way, Glenda, Bob and I are not the same person… Anyway, what I am wanting to see are some sincere efforts to preserve our horses.
Most people breed their mare b/c they can’t ride her! Or b/c they want her to experience having a baby as if horses have some biological clock. Some of you are blaming our gov’t, but they spend $6 billion a year on unadoptable mustangs. Not to mention what they spend on the adoptable ones with maintenance, vet care, transportation and advertising. I think it was something like 3 million horses were slaughtered in Texas the last year the plants were open. 3 million unwanted horses. You can’t adopt out the millions of horses already needing placement plus the millions more that would be going to slaughter plus the mustangs plus the PMU horses. We can’t euthenize even a small portion of that b/c the EPA says we can’t bury that many without contaminationg our water supplies and we can’t burn the carcasses. We’ve got horses we don’t know what to do with, dogs and cats too, and even children who can’t be adopted! The insanity here is much greater than anyone is willing to admit. Now some of you are wanting to end slaughter all together? So what, we have to adopt out cattle and swine and chickens too?
Willie, I’ve always been a fan of yours but I am very skeptical of celebrity causes. There was no passion in what you said on Ellen. I find it hard to beleive that you really care. I doubt you check this site at all and my words, I know, are falling on deaf ears.
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Hi Robert, People appear to me to take the easy path whenever possible. Most only change when they must. I do feel people are smart though. If we no longer allow the easy way out, people will figure out a new way of dealing. People seem to me to be both smart and lazy so we see much cleverness expended to do something stupid and easy.
History records the advancement of the entire race because of the efforts of a few to do things smarter even if it requires more effort. I have faith in the human race that we are smart enough to find smart ways to deal with other life forms on this planet.
In some ways I feel that the fact that this dialogue takes place achieves as much as any laws. That these considerations now occupy more people’s consciousness will become the long term win.
As people connect and dialogue with each other I notice that everyone wants what is the best solution for all. Robert, you brought up excellent points and it becomes a necessary challenge to address these questions as we work to end horse slaughter.
Both in person and in the media, Willie Nelson gives every indication of following this website including the discussions in the comment areas. You would need to look far afield to find someone who cares as much as Willie Nelson in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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the amrican horses have been in this nation longger then us they have the same rights as us and if we don’t stop this then there will be no more horses we need horses like we need pigs and cattle and i would say to the senet that if you won’t to sloter horses then you should just sloter us to because horses the same thing as humans. and i have my own horses i ride and a friend of ares have horses to and we all help shut down the slotering plant in illinois and the worst thing is that they are slotering race horses at the age of four you can yous race horses for better thing after the done raceing it is the crolist thing they could do and when i get old anof to be a vet i am going to try to stop this crul prosest ones and forall and hoses are are nations monyoument and if brok oboma becomes prestedent he would stop this once and for all i think that horses slotering should be stoped once and forall. sing Brittley Ball
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Horses, like other farm animals, are livestock. They were bred to be used for labor and for food. The view that horse slaughter is wrong is North American viewpoint. Horse meat is widely available in European restaurants and is eaten in many different cultures.
Why doesn’t anybody feel bad for pigs? They are much more intelligent than horse. Horse meat is used to feed zoo animals, such as the large cats and birds of prey.
If the slaughter is done in the most humane way possible, (which it is done in Europe and in Canada) what’s the problem? It’s hypocritical to say horses deserve better than the other animals that are slaughtered. Unless everyone here is a vegan, which I highly doubt.
If you don’t want horses to suffer, reopen the horse slaughter horses so we don’t ship the poor animals thousands of miles to Mexico.
The bottom line is that it’s the breeders’ fault. Raising horses can get quite expensive and requires decades of dedication. Don’t breed them if you don’t intend to take care of them.
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By the way. I am not pro-slaughter, but I am also not anti-slaughter either. I see where both sides are coming from.
Horse slaughter, like any other slaughter, is regulated by certified, highly trained veterinarians when done in the EU and in Canada.
They are not regulated in Mexico, so horses will suffer. Reopen the slaughter houses and stop horse torture in Mexico. Let it be regulated by the vets like it used to be. The closing of the slaughter houses brought on more harm than good. There will never be a 100% ban on horse slaughter. There is still a strong demand for the meat.
Bring it back the US where is can be properly regulated.
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I hate that this is going on in Canada(and everywhere else). I drive by a slaughterhouse about once a month and it sickens me. The atmosphere is very dark and gloomy when I drive by that place… I always wonder if there are horses being slaughtered right that second as i drive by. I saw videos on youtube of horses and the horrible conditions they are left in while waiting to be killed..they don’t get any medical care and it’s just very sad. I feel the same way about all animals. After watching that video on youtube of the horses being slaughtered I decided right then and there to never eat meat again. That was almost a year ago and I still have the images burned in my memory.
To Bob. If your horses were like your children then you would never consider slaughtering them no matter how sick they were.. If you can afford to take care of horse then you surely can afford to have it euthanized peacfully..not ship it off to have it cruely disposed of.
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I cannot believe this is going on on a daily basis!! I totally agree with Willie as with everyone else involved that IT MUST BE STOPPED ONCE & FOR ALL!! I’m with you all 150=% To join in the crusade & help with your cause & just to let you know I will be telling ALL me family & friends which there are alot of to join in also & spred the word!! I”M ON WILLIE NELSON’S SIDE!! & I STAND FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN & THAT IS NOT SLAUGHTERING ANY MORE HORSES EVER!! ty its jus inhumane!!
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We cannot allow such cruelty to animals. By doing so, we are teaching our children that it is ok to do these terrible things to animals. It has been shown that individuals that murder human beings, have tortured animals when they were younger. It is funny that this has not been publisized by any of the animal organizations, ins’t it? Who has put pressure on them to keep quiet? It is not usual for the animal organizations to keep quiet, unless there is something else going on. I appreciate your taking this on trying to rectify such a horrible situation. I am trying to teach my grandchildren that this type of behavior is to be fought against.
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I don’t understand what the difference is between slaughtering, euthanizing, putting-to-sleep, (whatever you want to call it) etc. a horse, cow, dog, pig, cat, etc. It makes no sense to me. I am a horse trainer, breeder and owner. I love all of my animals dearly, but I have seen so many cases of neglect, abandonment, and dangerous (yes I said dangerous) horses that go unaddressed. I try to help all I can, but I do not have the deep pockets to take care of all of them. I do not like the idea of slughter for any animal, but it’s a cold hard fact of livestock. If you have livestock, you WILL HAVE deadstock, like it or lump it. What about the millions of small animals that are euthanized each year? What would happen to the population if we stopped ‘killing’ all the puppies & kittens? It’s the same with horses, just bigger animals. Don’t say call a vet out and euthanize them with dignity. If someone can’t afford to properly feed and care a horse, what makes you think they can afford to pay a vet $300+ to come out and put Ol’ Bessie down and then call a rendering company for another $300+ to come and haul away the carcas or an excavating company to come and bury it? Either way you are looking at upwards to $1000 to do this. Will YOU pay for it for SOMEONE ELSE’S horse? I didn’t think so. And either way, the horse ends up dead.
Until someone can offer a real, viable solution for ALL unwanted animals, not just horses, let us know. We (slaughter advocates) are open for suggestion, until then reopen the slaughter plants so these horses can go somewhere and be slaughtered humanely in a controlled environment and not across the boarder in Mexico.
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Dear Mr. Nelson,
My husband and I have horses and love the life we are able to share with these creatures and what they give to our family in terms of life lessons of commitment and responsibility. We lease a 40 acre horse ranch with good pipe fence, 19 stall barn. It was on the end of a industrial park purchased from the company Terry worked for and I just was moved to ask about it. I just knew we were supposed to be here. We have decided that North Texas does not need another boarding facility and we are taking what little finances we have to obtain a non- profit status and pay a good grant writer to help us secure funds for a horse rescue operation. A real one, not a inadequate facility that just horse trades under the guise of a rescue operation. My dream is to have mandatory education before adoption and home visits. I want to offer the community and families a way to learn how to care for a horse and an opportunity for families to adopt healthy horses that fit thier family. Any direction toward this end would be so appreciated.
God bless you, sir.
Johanna
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Oh my, thanks so much for standing up for the horses. Horses are pets. Not to be maid into dog food. I wish ever single horse in this world never ever had to go through the sloter. I’m so glad that you put that on the enternet. maybe more people will get the word out. thanks so much!!!
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I have never owned a horse and probably rode a horse maybe 5 times in my life when I was a child. I am now 57 years old and I do love all animals and presently live in South Florida which is not considered horse country. I have owned a bird, many dogs, 2 stray cats, a rabbit and they all have brought me so much joy. I became aware of the horse slaughter situation just recently when the dairy cow problem arose at the Chino California slaughter house. I had no idea that the slaughter process was so horrific. I forced myself to watch the videos because I knew that was the only way to enable me to not put the torture of these poor animals at the back of my mind and go on with my life. One picture in particular that stands out in my mind is one of a little white pony who was looking at its killer with its trusting eyes while waiting to have its head pierced with whatever it is that they use to supposedly kill them. From what I have read and watched, many of the horses and other farm animals are not dead when they go through the next phase of slaugher. This is not acceptable in a civilized society-torture to any living being is sadistic.
There has to be a humane way to prepare an animal for human consumption. I am referring to pigs, chickens, cows, turkeys, etc. This also includes the way they are transported. In my opinion, horse meat is not eaten in this country so horses should not be slaughtered nor shipped to Mexico or Canada to be slaughtered and consumed in foreign countries. Let the countires that eat horse meat figure out how they are going to get what they consider a delicacy from another source other than the U.S.
It’s all about the mighty dollar. That seems to be the American Way. I am going to try to do whatever I can to help with this effort.
Thanks Willie for making a difference. I ahve always been a fan and am a bigger fan now.
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Pure Thoughts, Inc Horse and Foal Rescue based out of Loxahatchee, FL went to the town of Sugarcreek, Ohio to the Sugarcreek Livestock Auction that was featured on HBO’s Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel this month. We were able to secure the safety of every horse that was at risk of being shipped to slaughterOver 160 horses were saved this afternoon from a horrific end in a Mexican or Canadian slaughter house.
This is the largest one day save of horses from slaughter ever organized in the United States. The save was made possible thanks to a anonymous donor who is funding the purchase of the horses and the ongoing care until each horse finds an adoptive home.
Several former thoroughbred race horses were saved from slaughter. With the recent tragic deaths of high profile race horses such as Eight Belle’s the Racing Industry as a whole has been put on notice to reform by the public and even members of it’s own industry. The welfare of the horses in the racing industry has been held under the microscope for many reasons like medications, steroids, and the use of whips during racing. The largest killer of American Race Horses, slaughter for human consumption, has been vastly ignored in the mainstream media. During round table discussions about the safety of race horses on two different networks the day of the Preakness Stakes, the slaughter of thousands of former race horses was completely ignored by both panels.
Please Contact For More Information
Currently In Ohio:
Jennifer Swanson 561-254-0415
Florida Contact:
Laura Boothby 561-881-8285
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OK, Willie, I don’t like to send horses to slaughter either! I have 85 head of horses on 40 acres of land. They are well fed but it is becoming impossible for me to care for all of them. It is next to impossible to sell a horse in the state of New Mexico at this point in time. The sale barns are full of them. If you sell there the killer buyer will get the major portion of them. I hear there is a log jam of horses in El Paso waiting to go across the border to be cruelly killed. I don’t want this to happen to any of mine. I also don’t want them to be turned out on the BLM or the Navajo Reservation where they will starve or worse yet die from lack of water! When I can no longer buy hay what would you have me do? Hay here is at $240.00 a ton. I can’t hold out much longer! At least here in our own country we can regulate the slaughter houses to see to it the horses are destroyed in a humane manner. I am open to any suggestions. With winter comming on, you can’t even give a horse away. Except possibly to dumb me! How about a concert for horse aide to help people like me.
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OK! I’m Shelby, I’m a junior in HS writing a dual english paper on the cause and effect of ending horse slaughter. i think its right, i love my horse! and i love the livestock i show that go to market after the rodeos but has ANYONE thought of the effects of closing the plants- i mean we see them everyday, more abuse cases, u can clearly look at the higher amount of horses being slaughtered in both canada and mexico!
i just think its bad that i have always had the thought what will happen when they end horse slaughter but the people that headed these actions didn’t i mean its not like making drugs illegal stopped it, or making a drinking age stopped minors!
so i was wondering when does everyone think it will be reinstated?
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wille,
I am rather surprised to find that you are against horse slaughter. You are pro-farmer, slaughtering livestock is something that many farmers do to make a living and in the case of horses, also to get rid of the unwanted, lame and crazy. Horses are not companion animals they are livestock that we happened to be really attached to as a society. I love horses, I make my living working with horses, I can’t wait to buy my first team of draft horses and have my own farm. I will most likely take very good care of my horses until they are too old to work and then I will shot and compost them, because that is the way that I would prefer to go if I could get away with it. If I breed a mare and get a young horse that is deformed and unable to work, I have no problem raising it to 2 years of age, butchering it and recycling the nutrients from livestock that can serve no better purpose. Call me cruel but we all have a bad habit called eating, I would rather raise my own horse meat than eat tyson chicken or taylor beef because I know how well that animal was raised. As to horse slaughter being cruel, it is no worse than eating any other type of meat. If you think pre-slaughter conditions are bad why not take the $5 million that may go towards slaughter horse border patrol and use it to make sure a US plant is run as humanely as possible. Horse neglect and malnutrition has dramatically increased since the ban, with more horses and mustangs being bred where do you all think that the surplus horses are going to go, especially now that less people can afford to keep horses? Just think about it, Humane societies and sanctuaries are going to get less funding and have greater costs and greater demands, how is that going to work?
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I’m in seventh grade and I am a MAJOR horse lover. I don’t have any of my own, but I dream to have one someday. I do work in a stable cleaning stalls and feeding. I earn rides. I’m looking to join something in the prevention of horse slaughter. On the computer I was watching horse videos and came across very graphic videos of horse slaughter. These videos really bothered me and I want to do something about it!!! Is there anything I can join to contribute to the prevention of horse slaughter? I’ve looked but don’t see anything.
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What I don’t understand is how we have all our slaughter houses for pigs and cows right here in out own country, and we are slaughtering OUR wild Mustangs for human consumption over seas in Europe and Asia. Fine if they want to eat horses (I still don’t agree with it), but slaughter their own horses in their slaughter houses! Don’t kill our horses! People that sell their horses are expecting them to have a good life, not for them to be killed and eaten! Also, a good percentage of horses slaughtered are shredded and fed to factory workers mixed in with beef in the cafeterias of factories!! To me eating a horse is like eating a dog or cat, they are our pets, and our family! They should NOT be so brutally killed, horses, pigs, cows, and chickens alike!! Because of what I have seen I have found that every time I have a steak or a burger, I think of those poor animals being beaten, abused and killed. I have decided to become a vegetarian. I just hope I can stick with it.
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Leigh, yes we can recommend two non-profit organizations you can contact to find out how you can help stop horse slaughter. We have links on the left side near the top of this page. These are great folks who are doing important work to protect horses. Thank you for caring and getting involved.
Animal Welfare Institute:
http://www.awionline.org/
Habitat for Horses:
http://www.habitatforhorses.org/
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Leigh, many spiritual practices recognize the value of a vegetarian diet. Capitalism treats all life as commodities in their drive to increase profits. If you make video or music, please add your voice to Willie’s A Peaceful Solution project. Horse imagery would go well with Willie’s A Peaceful Solution soundtracks free to you. Good luck on your path. Thanks for checking us out. Liz
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I am hoping I can find someone on this site to take care of the 50+ horses I see everyday dying of starvation. I think these horses would beg to be slaughtered rather than to go through this painful death. My friends and I have contacted numerous rescues and law enforcement to try and help these poor starving creatures. If you think slaughter is bad, come take a look at these horses located in Bastrop Texas( behind the Lowe’s store on FM 969) in a barren pasture with no food. They are all bones. It is so cruel.
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Mr.Nelson,
It is appalling that Americans slaughter horses,just as it is appalling for Americans to torture and slaughter cattle,pigs,sheep and chickens. I have just become aware of the inhumane lives and slaughter practices at the ripe old age of 55! I have stopped eating meat and hope by example someone else might do the same. Please Mr.Nelson help bring an awareness to all the unthinkable cruelty that takes place in these factory farming giants and the horrendous slaughter house practices.
Americans are so de-sensitized to the torture inflicted on these animals that something needs to be done. please help bring this to the foreforont and attention to the public. Very few people even believe these violent acts aganist our animal population even exist! Help all the animals.
Thank You for all you do! Dayle
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dear willie, god bless you for what you have done.im writing about horses in nevada.i was browsing and came across this.preg.mares and foals being sent to feedlot in nevada.i just couldnt believe this.what type of people could kill these animals ive seen discusting videos of how they are slaughter.and just wish i could be there to save them.we just need more media coverage to get these places closed down.show people what happens to the horses.let them feel the fear these horses feel when they have minutes to live,and no way to escape.i just dont know what to do
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I AM A VERY BIG HORSE LOVER AND I WILL BE FOR LIFE THEY ME SO MUCH TO ME
AND IT BREAKS MY HEART THAT PEOPLE HAVE THE THAT THEY KILL HORSES WOULD NEVER EAT HORSES
MEAT I AM VERY AGANIST HORSE SLAUGHTER IF PEOPLE DO STOP KILLING ARE HORSES WE
WILL NOT HAVE ANY HORSES LEFT IN US TO ME WHEN YOU KILL ARE KILLING HORSES
IT IS LIKE KILLING HUMAN HORSES HAVE SO MUCH LOVE UNDERSTANDING CAREING FILLING FOR PEOPLE I HAVE BEN WORKING RIDEING SHOWING HORSES AND TACKEING CARE OF HORSES FOR 8 YEARS POEPLE HAVE KNOW RIGHTS OR RESONS TO SLAUGHTER HORSES I THANK ABOUT ALL HATEFULL THANGS AND MEAN THANGS TO ARE HORSES WHEN I AM HAVEING MY UP AND DOWNS I TURN TO THE HORSES THEY GIVE ME HOLE NEW LIFE TO LIVE AND TO SHARE WITH THEM I CAN NOT STAND THE PEOPLE THAT KILL HORSES THATS JUST ME SEEING LITTLE BABY HORSES AT AUCTIONS AT DAYS OLD IT JUST CHOPS MY HAERT
TO PICES AND THEY ARE BEING SENT TO SLAUGHTER HOW COULD THEY DO TO A LITTLE
BABY HORSE AND TO DO SUCH A HATEFULL THANGS TO ARE HORSES TO BRED OR COLOR
I WOULD NEVER KILL MY OR SEND A HORSE TO BE KILLED WHY CANT PEOPLE THANK ABOUT ADOPTION
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