by Kathleen Stachowski, Other Nations, Lolo
Animal rights (AR) supporters were recently demonized in a guest column by Theresa Manzella of Willing Servants Christian horse rescue group. Willing Servants has done much good for many individual horses and their humans since it formed in response to a horse abuse case. But it’s apparent now that Willing Servants advocates not only for horses, but for industrial horse slaughter (which enables continued, indiscriminate over-breeding) and human consumption of horses, as well. To bolster the pro-slaughter position, Willing Servants’ founder took on the entire animal rights movement with conspiracy theories based on one organization, fallacies of logic, inconclusive “facts,” and baffling notions about what AR people believe.
The animal advocates I know are vegetarian, vegan, or neither. If one feels called to end horse slaughter or dog abuse and still eats fish or wears leather shoes, it’s not for me to judge. Most are not members of large AR groups; many probably don’t even consider themselves “animal rights activists.” They are simply compassionate people who want to end the suffering and exploitation of fellow sentient beings. When comparisons to Hitler are used to malign those who believe humans have a moral obligation to animals, it’s time to speak up.
Ms. Manzella mentions attending The Summit of the Horse, which must be where she got fired up to divert attention to the animal rights “agenda” by focusing on the Humane Society of the U.S. She offers decades-old quotes and “disclosure” of wrongdoing that doesn’t exist. One only has to check HSUS’s “about” page to understand why their staff consists of more attorneys than veterinarians. Her other trusted sources are HumaneWatch, a tool of Big Agriculture intent on silencing the opposition (it was recently taken to task by the L.A. Times for a disingenuous ad campaign); and Lowell Baier, President of the Boone and Crockett Club, a conspiracy theorist who sees a “secretive, clandestine, Machiavellian worldwide animal rights and liberation movement” afoot. He even claims that HSUS attempts to present itself as government-affiliated because it has “U.S.” in its name and is located in Washington, D.C.! Likewise, the Summit of the Horse has its own credibility issues; its organizer, a Wyoming legislator, is under scrutiny as well as assault and battery charges for roughing up a journalist who disputed statements by Summit personnel about horse “processing” (according to Horseback Magazine online).
Unless we merely want to reinforce the biases we already hold, this is merely to warn readers to do their own research with a critical eye. An overwhelming number of Americans (polls say over 80%) are opposed to horse slaughter, which might account for desperate attempts to discredit.
Finally, after pronouncing, “we can respectfully agree to disagree,” Ms. Manzella takes the cheapest shot of all — featuring faulty logic and disputed information: “Hitler was a vegetarian. And Hitler held animals in very high regard. Killed millions of human beings, but is reported to have revered animals. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.”
Some historians and evidence dispute Hitler was vegetarian, not that it matters one way or the other. But if faulty logic is to be our guide, let’s remember that Albert Einstein, #4 in Gallup’s poll of most admired people of the 20th Century and Time Magazine “Person of the Century,” was a vegetarian, too, toward the end of his life. Yet esteem by association is no more valid than guilt by association. Fallacious reasoning is often used to demonize the opposition in lieu of making substantial arguments. Thinking people will see through and discount this shoddy ruse.
And let’s not forget — Christians perpetrated everything from the Crusades to the Inquisition to the Salem Witchcraft trials, and Attila the Hun rode a horse.
Coincidence? No — even less. Meaningless.
G Taupin says
I think some clarification is in order. First off, when talking about the “horse industry” most of the pro-slaughter people actually mean “breeders”. If you look at the “horse industry”, that would include trainers, peripheral suppliers (hay growers, tack stores, vets, farriers, barn builders, and anything else horse), support industries (truck manufacturers, land sales, fencing materials, tractor manufacturers, trailer manufacturers and anything else that provides necessary things to horse owners) and of course wagering (racing and gambling industry). So the “breeders” are a very small percentage of the “horse industry”. Even a smaller percentage if you include sales tax revenue into the mix. Theresa and many other pro-slaughter individuals will use the term “horse industry” to make themselves sound like a bigger and more inclusive group which in fact, they are not. They are actually a small group contributing to very large industry of related suppliers and businesses, which collectively make up the “horse industry”. I did find it ironic that Ms. Manzella made in one of her points that people were acquiring horses without horse experience and that was intimated to be a bad thing. Isn’t rescuing a good thing? Now wouldn’t that support the entire “horse industry” as a whole? The same “horse industry” that she claims it hurts. OK yes, truth be told, it might even support a few MDs. When you buy or rescue a horse you are supporting the feed industry, supplement industry, tack industry, truck industry etc etc. We all know how much stuff you need to own and support a horse. What is not stated is that when horses are in abundance it drives horse prices down, ie supply and demand. Who does that effect? It affects the prices of horses and who does that in particular affect, the “breeders” of course. I think this discussion would be much clearer if we just refer to the “breeders” as breeders or maybe more explanatory if they were called simply horse mills, like we would a puppy mill. Puppy mills make money when they sell and produce more puppies. The same is true for breeders. Now let’s say that there is an organization that gives the horse mills money to produce more horses and money to show those horses, then to top it all off, let’s say that the federal government gives you tax deductions for producing those horses and you get to depreciate that horse for 5 years. Is it getting clearer why that group, the horse mills, would want slaughter, a place to take the already sold horses and get rid of them. The more you dispose of, the more you can produce. Does that clear it up?
So can we please stop the use of the term “horse industry” for those that are actually breeders. It is both misleading and inaccurate. They horse industry includes all businesses that profit when more people own horses not send them to slaughter. It is the horse mills and horse processors like Sue Wallis that will profit from slaughter.
G Taupin says
I think some clarification is in order. First off, when talking about the “horse industry” most of the pro-slaughter people mean “breeders”. If you look at the “horse industry”, that would include trainers, peripheral suppliers (hay growers, tack stores, vets, farriers, barn builders, and anything else horse), support industries (truck manufacturers, land sales, fencing materials, tractor manufacturers, trailer manufacturers and anything else that provides necessary things to horse owners) and of course wagering (racing and gambling industry). So the “breeders” are a very small percentage of the “horse industry”. Even a smaller group if you include sales tax revenue into the mix. Theresa and many other pro-slaughter individuals will use the term “horse industry” to make themselves sound like a bigger and more inclusive group which in fact, they are not. They are actually a small group contributing to very large industry of related suppliers and businesses, which collectively make up the “horse industry”. I did find it ironic that Ms. Manzella made in one of her points that people were acquiring horses without horse experience and that was intimated to be a bad thing. Now wouldn’t that support the entire “horse industry” as a whole? The same “horse industry” that she claims it hurts. Yes, truth be told it might even support a few MDs. When you buy or rescue a horse you are supporting the feed industry, supplement industry, tack industry, truck industry etc etc. We all know how much stuff you need to own and support a horse. What is not stated is that when horses are in abundance it drives horse prices down ie supply and demand. Who does that effect? It effects the prices of horses and who does that in particular effect, the “breeders” of course. I think this discussion would be much clearer if we just refer to the “breeders” as horse mills like we would a puppy mill. Puppy mills make more money the more they sell and the more they produce. Now let’s say that there is an organization that gives the horse mills money to produce more horses and show those horses, then to top it all off, let’s say that the federal government gives you tax deductions for producing those horses and you get to depreciate that horse for 5 years. Is it getting clearer why that group, the horse mills, would want slaughter, a place to take the already sold horses and get rid of them. The more you dispose of, the more you can produce. Does that clear it up?
So can we please stop the use of the term “horse industry” for those that are actually breeders. It is both misleading and inaccurate.
Brenda says
It’s real simple… Quite Breeding…. How hard is that? Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Stop being irresponsible, then having to come up with some kind of justification the results of your choices… How juvenile is that? This is not complicated, its just greed and selfishness… I’m betting the author of this article breeds, or in some way benefits, from slaughter… It’s very very simple… Who is benefiting from all of this… Have you checked the amount money paid out to politicians to support Pro-Slaughter verses what has been paid out for Anti-Slaughter??? Why? Greed, money…. at any cost.. If you like that kind of person, who does that kind of business, then you have
found your person… The person that is the author of this article is one… I don’t mean to keep repeating myself, but its so simple, its the elephant in the room… And she will come back with some immature and nasty remark, and she will think she told me off. This is all about her, and getting recognition and attention… She loves it… she’s a cristain with a nasty mouth I guess… Again, done with this…..
Theresa Manzella says
Poor Brenda…doesn’t seem to know who’s article she’s posting on….evidently NOT smarter than a 5th grader. Thank you so very much Brenda for so vividly demonstrating who you are. You’ve done a great job of making my case for me.
Brenda says
Oh pardon me Theresa Manzella, your right. I did not correctly clarify myself. I was speaking of the article that THIS article was speaking of. Please forgive me, and that should not be so hard for you, since you are a what? A true blue Christian, with a fork and nasty tongue. Whom has a hidden agenda to all of this. More Christan stuff, that you should know, (You will know them by their fruits!) or (Death is in the tongue)….
My mistake doesn’t change the fact that you are obviously, a number one, grade A Bitch! Nor, does it change the fact that you obviously Misrepresent/fraudulently obtain, and yes EXPLOIT, your position, your intention and motives.. or shall we say, “ulterior motives”… in what you are doing.. You give “Christan’s” a bad name… So please in all your righteousness, forgive me and my mistake… But please, get to the real problem… and that is and was and still is Over-Breeding.. Nothing else, is really responsible for what is going down, right now with the Horse Market… economy plays some role, but basically it just exacerbated by what was already going on. “Lottery” breeding… When 100,000 or more go to slaughter every year, and ONE registry alone registers 100,000 foals every year…. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out…
And since you are claiming to be such a almighty Christan, you should know this one as well. “What you do to the least of these, you do to me”…. “They already have their rewards”….
Face it, your just a Bitch; that needs a cause… Good Night, and really God Bless….
Minnie Myriad says
I agree with you. Horses are not slaughter animals. They are keenly aware highly intelligent creatures that have served mankind for thousands of years. They were instrumental in the advancement of civilization. Our country was explored, settled and farmed with horses. Never in American history have we supported the notion of eating horses. It was considered such a horrific act that my sixth grade history book depicted the misery of Valley Forge by describing how George Washington was reduced to eating horse flesh only when his men were literally starving to death. Even the Bible
forbids horse consumption.
Why in the world would anyone consider killing our horses to feed those who have a taste for it? Do you want to get rid of animal shelters and send our unwanted dogs and cats to furrier factories? I realize the morals of America are in decline but someone has to take a stand for what is right.
There are better ways to reduce the horse population. If 4H did away with the mare and foal project, hundreds of unwanted badly bred horses would not be born every year, in this state alone. We don’t encourage our children to breed dogs and cats; why encourage them to breed animals that can live 30 years? If the AQHA established breeding standards for stallions and mares, we would not be swamped with animals that do not meet
the breed standard in conformation or temperament. Establishing breeding standards would not just raise the level of the horses being produced, it would also raise their value and people buying them would be assured of getting what they were paying for.
As for the argument that horses are a valuable source of protein for third world countries, it is just not true. Horses are routinely given known carcinogens, like Butte. Stockyards are contributing enormously to the emissions causing global warming. We don’t need more stockyards warming the planet and creating more drought, super storms and flooding! If Americans cut back on meat consumption by just ten percent, the corn and soy saved would end world hunger. The truth is no one is really concerned about feeding the worlds hungry. The horses slaughtered for food are going primarily to Belgium, France and Japan where it is considered a delicacy. And the truth is 90% of the horses slaughtered are young healthy animals because no one wants to eat tough sinewy meat.
Mike in Stevensville says
Genesis 9:3 – Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Thank you, April ~ Well Said, Well Said.
Theresa Manzella says
We’ve asked for an open debate. Pony up or shut up.
Brenda says
Theresa Manzella
Personally, I’d like to see “us”, horsemen, particularly reiners,(since that where I happen to align) fall take control of the wheel in more areas of our industry then just humane harvesting. I’d like to see us get a jump on doing more basic “competency” clinics on training methods, conformation, what’s involved in a successful breed…ing program, genetics, etc. Even if we have to do them for free. In the belief that it’s better to recruit in advance than try to convert after they’ve been “poisoned ” by the extremists. I’d like to suggest that we consider making this part of our national campaign. We might draw more people offering horsemanship…than a straight talk discussion about welfare.See More
Monday at 10:44pm
So you don’t think that you can’t get them to listen to your agenda, without tricking them into coming to your “National” event. lol
I’ve taken the time to read some of your post. You appear to be a nasty little %^^^$ with a big nasty mouth, that wants to be the center of attention. You appear to be using this platform for your own agenda, and attempting to get attention, for your own personal gain. So, your riding and reining skills not good enough, to draw you a clientele without it?
Your a wast of time to read and respond to.. This is about you, looking for a agenda, to further your own agenda… I’m an Event Riding, Trainer, I also work as a Farrier, and I have operated and managed successful barns… So you see as Elain Nash, explained to you, you don’t know %^^^ about whom you are dealing with, when it comes to Animal Activist.. I’ve been on THE PRO side. I changed my tune, when I did my own research on this topic.. and the only people supporting this “Event” (Horse Slaughter) are people that are looking to benefit in some way. I definitely wouldn’t want to be associated with Dave Duquette, or Slaughter House Sue.. She’s probable the most hated politician around.. It will be interesting to see what they will write in our history books about her… Your mouth is as nasty as her’s is.. You guys enough each other company, because…. we are going to win this fight, and we don’t need gimmicks, to bring people to the table… Have a good life! Or the best you can! AND OF YES, YOU EXPLOIT HORSES, FOR YOUR OWN USE…. I DON’T CONSIDER PEOPLE LIKE YOU, AS HORSE PEOPLE… YOUR JUST ANOTHER BUSINESS, THAT USES UP AND EXPLOITS THEIR PRODUCT, AND THE PRODUCT JUST HAPPENS TO BE HORSES, THAT IS ALL YOU ARE… I KNOW YOU THINK YOU BAD….. YOUR NOT!
Theresa Manzella says
Dear Lord I pray you find mercy on this poor women and her demon possessed soul. She needs an exorcism, before her head spins around a green slime comes rolling out of her mouth. Amen. That’s the best I can do for you Brenda.
Brenda says
And case in point… You don’t appear to be able to respond, with out some kind of personal attack, and or nasty mouth… You have NO class. Good Luck, because you are going to need it! You’re your worst enemy… I’m done with this…
Linda Horn says
Hi, Brenda. Just thought you’d like to know that Theresa posted the first paragraph (only) of your comment on the United Horsemen Facebook page. I’m assuming she didn’t post your entire comment, because it would have undermined her pro-slaughter stance. She passed your words off as her own, and was congratulated for “HER” excellent ideas!
So now we can add “plagerist” and “thief” to Theresa’s deceptive resume. TM … shame on you!!!
Linda Horn says
BTW, TM posted it July 4th, at 9:44 pm. – in case it and the ensuing comments “suddenly disappear”!
Jo-Claire says
That is why I’m a firm believe in screen prints. My hard drive is full of damaging and idiotic statements, screen printed from United Horsemen, Slaughter Beats Starvation and Sue’s emails.
Janet Rose says
What a beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring letter you have written. There is little that I could add but as a horse rescue, it is heartening to hear and read such compassionate yet sensible, heartfelt and accurate points. References to an individual like Hitler or using religion to rationalize the morality or ethics of horse slaughter seems like a dichotomy to the very idea of horse rescue. We are in the “business” of saving equines and when it is time to end a life, euthanasia is the only humane alternative. It does not seem worthy of debate nor do I think it has anything to do with whether one eats meat or wears leather. Writing about Hitler and Christianity in the same breadth as horse rescue seems incredibly absurd and childish.
The reality unfortunately, is that the pro slaughter folks with a strong conservative political agenda, reached out to horse rescue groups nationwide to do their “bidding.” We were contacted by the Unwanted Horse Coalition and their related groups and when we tired of the slaughter debate and agenda that they launched into, simply stated we are not in support of horse slaughter and therefore do not want to join your “movement.” I think that many carrots were held out and clearly the Bitterroot group jumped to take a bite.
After doing extensive investigative research into the so called Unwanted Horse Coalition, we found that it is as much about a conservative political agenda as it is about equines and finding solutions to the problem of unwanted or homeless horses.
What we really need to be talking about I think are the economic factors leading to homeless horses; assistance for horse owners in need of hay and other resources; an end to indiscriminate breeding practices and ways to lower the cost of euthanasia and other veterinary needs. Well, at least I know, if I ever have to give up a horse for reasons beyond my control, the Bitterroot Group is not one I will be contacting.
Horse Haven Montana
Tom Durfee says
So Willing Servants Christian horse rescue group thinks it is a good idea to feed poison meat to unsuspecting people?
Horse meat is unfit for humans to eat. Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 48, Issue 5, May 2010, Pages 1270-1274
Association of phenylbutazone usage with horses bought for slaughter: A public health risk
Nicholas Dodman, Nicolas Blondeau, Ann M. Marini http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6P-4YF5RB0-1&_user=10&_coverDate=05%2F31%2F2010&_alid=1317753422&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=5036&_sort=r&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=4&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2f8a2c55a559e5963d0f1e02b682319c
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – prohibited as well Phenylbutazone, known as “bute,” is a veterinary drug only label-approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use by veterinarians in dogs and horses. It has been associated with debilitating conditions in humans and it is absolutely not permitted for use in food-producing animals. USDA/FSIS has conducted a special project to for this drug in selected bovine slaughter plants under federal inspection. An earlier pilot project by FSIS found traces less than 3% of the livestock selected for testing, sufficient cause for this special project. There is no tolerance for this drug in food-producing livestock, and they and their by-products are condemned when it is detected. Dairy producers must not use this drug in food-producing livestock and if it is found, those producers will be subject to FDA investigation and possible prosecution. http://www.saanendoah.com/prohibiteddrugs.html
Horse Owner Survey Shows NSAID Use Trends
In a recent survey, 96% of respondents said they used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the joint pain and inflammation in horses, and 82% administer them without always consulting their veterinarian. More than 1,400 horse owners and trainers were surveyed to better understand attitudes toward NSAIDs, in a project sponsored by Merial, the maker of Equioxx (firocoxib).
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14073
99 percent of horses that started in California last year raced on bute, according to Daily Racing Form. Bute is banned in the United States and Canada for horses intended for the food chain. That’s a permanent ban.
Nonsteroidal Medication (NSAID’s)
Phenylbutazone (Bute), flunixin meglamine (Banamine), and ketoprofen (Ketofen) are the most common NSAID’s used in horses while aspirin and ibuprofen are the most commonly used NSAID’s in humans. These are very effective in eliminating discomfort and are usually the first line of therapy in minor musculoskeletal pain.
http://www.aaep.org/health_articles_view.php?id=253
NSAIDs The systemic NSAID group includes phenylbutazone (Butazolidin) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine), which are 2 of the most widely prescribed drugs in equine medicine.
Volume 25, Issue 3, Pages 98-102 (March 2005)
Dr Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, DACVS (Associate Professor)a, Dr Sam Jones, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Associate Professor)b
http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806%2805%2900061-4/abstract
Mellony says
Much of the argument of the anti-slaughter mob is that since animal owners are already limited by legal regulations relating to how we treat all of our animals (dogs, cats, horses, llamas, chickens, cows or insert any animal) by current state and federal laws dealing with animal abuse/negelect, transport of animals and current USDA regulations when we send any animal to slaughter, then we should not mind more limitations put on us by the rest of the animal rights mob. After all, they are only exercising their freedom of speech when they accuse us by their perception of animal abuse.
It is called incrementalism and something that every animal owner should be aware of. It is the slow continual erosion of our individual ownership rights by those that want to completely take charge and dictate how they think things should be. Of course they wrap it all in the old tried and true animal welfare cloak because that is only way that they can sell this stripping away of animal producers rights. It is same argument they use whether they are attacking horses slaughter, horse breeders, dog breeders or any other animal agriculture. Demonize then disenfranchise!
Heather Clemenceau says
Of course, laws that are enforced that are in the best interests of animals are not often seen as being in the best (economic) interests of exploiters. Those people often proclaim that animals are merely property. As such, any welfare law that sought to accord animals protection therefore impinged on exploiters’ property rights. What many feel is “incrementalism” against their personal rights are accommodations to animals that the average person recognizes should be granted automatically. Therefore, the only people who are in an uproar about the animals that form part of their “property rights” are those individuals who already have a grand-canyon sized gap, philosophically speaking, with most of society – people who are already using ethical standards in the care of their animals. It is a fact that most privately owned horses in the US and Canada are already humanely euthanized by barbiturate overdose (90%), so those opting for slaughter as some sort of whitewashed alternative are clearly in the minority. If, nationally speaking, people do not agree with the slaughter of horses for human consumption (and they don’t), then maybe that business shouldn’t be operating within the US border? Perhaps Canadians would not care to receive the meat of animals tainted with the metabolites of banned substances?
Temple Grandin participated in a study that was conducted long before the cessation of US slaughterhouses. It’s quite revealing in its examination of the condition of horses arriving at slaughter plants. In this study, Grandin rated the welfare of horses and the origin of their reported injuries. Of the “severe welfare problems observed” by Grandin, 77% of those originated with horse owner themselves – ABUSE and NEGLECT – conditions that did not happen en route to the slaughterhouse. In other words, despite the presence and availability of local slaughter in the US, some “horsepeople” could not even provide the bare minimum standard of care in the months or even years leading up to the “final solution” for their animal. That is a shameful situation indeed. Must one invoke the “my horse is my property to treat as I see fit” mantra in these cases?
“Horsepeople” – clean up your act and take responsibility for animals under your care. You invite criticism by your own actions. And you will be called on it.
Cited here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10340083
Theresa Manzella says
Good Job Mellony.
Faith says
The drugs are going to be taken off the market. I doubt it many states are now using them for human executions. The breeders represent such a small percentage of horse industry but claim they are the industry. One of the fastest growing segments of the horse industry in southwestern Pa is the cemetery and crematorium. We are number 5 in horse population. Southern States feed has seen an increase in the need for a senior feed. The number of horses over 30 continues to grow. The pleasure horse industry is alive and well here. Farriers, boarding facilities, tack shops, feed stores and vets are doing just fine. My guess is that the money I spend on my 21 equids a year is much more than the back yard breeders. While the proslaughter people want the last cent from the horse’s flesh, I continue to buy senior feed at $20/bag, blankets, pelleted hay, fly masks, supplements, vaccines, etc putting several thousands of dollars a year into horses that I will support until they die naturally or are humanely euthanized and buried or cremated. What do the breeders contribute excess horses? Slaughter is wrong and a majority of the horse industry agrees. The time has come to outlaw it once and for all. Please remember our nation is the product of the Enlightenment thinkers. Please read what Bentham, Mill, Voltaire and Kant had to say about our relationship with animals.
Theresa Manzella says
In response to some of the comments regards my article:
Horses are still being harvested in the same numbers as they were when processing was available in the United States; they simply have to endure the additional and unnecessary stress of long, hot, cramped trailer rides to Canada and Mexico with the potential to end up in places without any form of regulation whatsoever.
Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD, author of multiple books on the subject of livestock handling, humane harvesting… and… credited for revolutionizing the beef processing industry said (as volunteer guest speaker at the Summit of the Horse), “That’s a horses worst nightmare.”
Enduring these horrific trips outside U.S. borders is the REALITY…the hard, cold, irrefutable FACTS of what actions by animal rights activists have ‘accomplished;’ And they, should be held responsible!
Some in the animal rights movement claim, “Most are not members of large AR groups; many probably don’t even consider themselves “animal rights activists.” They are simply compassionate people who want to end the suffering and exploitation of fellow sentient beings.”
What?
Thank you for reiterating one of the primary points of my article which is: People jump on this horse harvesting band wagon based on the way animal rights activists present trumped up, bogus material with every intention of making others feel bad enough to invoke the need to rescue. Without act without competency in this arena. Most have never ridden a horse, owned one, or even had an intelligent, civil discussion with horse owners. They know not the unintended consequences of their decisions and jump to an emotional conclusion.
I notice that most remarks by a Kathleen S. were intended to discredit me. But she failed to offer a single fact or reference to back your claims. Why?
Was she at the Summit of the Horse? Didn’t think so. I was. I watched the “assault and battery” supposedly committed by Sue Wallis on a Simore Netherlands from 5 foot away. You might remember the comment I made in my article – and I paraphrase: “When you attack, lie, make things up and propagate bogus information to advance your cause, not only do you discredit yourselves and your cause. Please know we’re going to call you on your harmful actions whenever and wherever we spot them, and expose you for what you are.”
Kathleen, I’m calling you and Simone Netherlands on that crock of lies here and now. There were 200+ people in the room. My vantage point happened to be one of the closest (approx. 5′ away). I watched, completely captivated, as Simone attempted to sneak by the hotel security officers with a phony press pass and into the room where the Summit was being held. Sue Wallis greeted her inside the room, as she did all her guests, and graciously ushered her out after confirming Simone had not, and did not, wish to pay the admittance fee. Period.
Simone Netherlands is a bold faced liar and made her entire story up. Feel free to tell her I said so. I was absolutely astounded to hear the grandiose and completely fictitious story that ensued.
Do animal rights activists have no shame? Are there no limits to how far they’ll stoop? To whom do those like Kathleen S. and Simone N. report for their moral compasses? Time for a trade in, because theirs are obviously broke!
Heather Clemenceau says
“To whom do those like Kathleen S. and Simone N. report for their moral compasses? Time for a trade in, because theirs are obviously broke!”
Theresa, I understand why you might be confused regarding the “moral compass” of individuals who are not christian. How do you account for the “moral compass” in individuals from nations that do not embrace the “in god we trust” dogma”? Canadians somehow manage quite well without the pervasiveness of religion, and why not? Morality is not based on the christian dogma to begin with.
It might interest you to know that Hammurabi of Bablylonia developed a system of law and morality about 2,000 years before the bible was written. Furthermore, Morality is a sense of behavioural conduct that differentiates intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good (or right) and bad (or wrong) and it is not dependant upon the embracing of any religion. Morality is dictated and embraced by societal mores and moral truths, which exist irrespective of religion. We also know that many Christians are not actually very moral people, and you only have to look at politics to see evidence of this.
Fix yourself please, I am not broken.
Heather Clemenceau says
Theresa, I also find it ironic that you participate in a group (United Horsemen) where many members have condemned charities that ask for donations to care for horses. Do you ever feel it necessary to respond to these people? Do you make a full declaration on your website that while you aception donations, you may also, at your own prerogative, enable horses from your charity to be loaded onto a double-decker for that final ride? How many volunteers at your charity have expressed disdain with your inconsistent philosophy?
Theresa Manzella says
So in your godless MORAL society Heather, how is bold faced lying viewed? It would seem that you just said, (with way too many words)that right is right and wrong is wrong….religious heathen or godless one. Lying is wrong…I think we can agree on that. Simone Whateverherlastnameistoday is a liar. Save you BS for someone you might impress.
OH…and BTW…the same AR lobbying efforts that defunded USDA meat inspections ALSO defunded APHIS transportation inspections. SO YOU’RE DIRECTLY TO BLAME FOR ANY UNINSPECTED DOUBLE DECKER TRANSPORT OF HORSES. So Heather…next time you look in the mirror with your superior attitude….be sure to take responsibility for your actions and reconcile THAT.
Heather Clemenceau says
Whoa! I can feel the godly love emanating from your response. I hope that’s few enough words for you to contemplate. I had nothing to do with defunding any inspections, I’m Canadian, and quite frankly, you should consider the possibility that we are not interested in receiving your tainted meat. As I pointed out in an earlier post, Dr. Grandin identified that 77% of critical injuries incurred during transport had nothing to do with transport itself and were issues of neglect by so-called (and quite possibly “godly”) horsepeople. If that is your idea of morality, I’m glad I’m A-moral.
Jacob K. says
I own several horses. Our human species will not grow and evolve and will always remain violent, as long as we treat “the least of us”, vulnerable animals, as objects and do whatever we want, due to the sad belief that we are superior than all of the other animal species, so therefore can do whatever we want to them. Used to be that we could do whatever we wanted in our western culture to woman and children too. Property.
There is a saying that is reality, that “as long as their are slaugherhouses, there will be wars between humans.”
I do think that all should be done to keep horses alive and reduce breeding equines, due to more horses than good homes, but in the end if need be humane euthanasia is better than the slaughter facility- which results in:off to Asia/Europe goes our American horses flesh. Like not enough animals are already killed for human cravings.
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Bravo Jacob Bravo
Thom Katt says
Ms. Stachowski used way too many words to make her point. Should could have said pretty much the same thing in a few sentences.
It should have read something like this. Those of us in the animal rights movement don’t like it when people use or tactics against us. We started using demonization first. It is ours. You go find some other way to make your point. Remember, we are on the right side here, because animals and humans are equal.
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Thats Right Thom, they in our books are equal.
Brenda says
So why do you delete opposition. I have now left three different post, and not a one has appeared. They’re was no profanity, no personal attack, nothing to justify not posting a opposing opinion. Guess, your not confident enough to do so… Have a great weekend… At least I have the courage to venture off of, my home ground!
Arlee Fairbanks says
Now I see another good reason why I left Ravalli County.
I totally agree with Teresa Manzella about the horse issue. The author of this article obviously doesn’t have a clue about all the real issues involved. I would suggest that they follow a truck full of Killer Horses all the way to their destination in Mexico.
better that they are under humane US control. Ever consider what would happen if there was a total “NO Kill policy” with cats and dogs? Same with horses. Your ideas would end with gigantic suffering and starving of horses.
Diana B says
Arlee are you kidding me? You compare ending horse slaughter to a total no kill policy? How are those two anything alike?
Slaughter is not the only way to end a horse’s life. When a horse is suffering and needs to be put down, that should be done. Sending a horse to slaughter, or harvest as you folks like to call it, implies that you are selling a food quality animal that will be processed into meat for others to eat.
Yes they eat horse meat in the EU and yes they have bought American horse meat in the past and in some cases still do. But they don’t want sick, lame, starved and used-up horses for supper. If that is what you want to send them you might as well throw in some road kill for good measure.
Get real, slaughter is harvesting of animals that were bred and raised to be meat. Food safety requires that certain protocols are followed with food animals from birth. You can’t get paid for selling a food animal if all you are doing is dumping a horse you no longer want to take care of.
Lady Evie Gray says
Stating that using a comparison to Hitler is a cheap shot and then using Christianity the same way is equally as cheap. Perhaps you should educate yourself concerning the history that you are quoting. The Salem Witch Trials were not in the name of Christianity…it was just as political as today’s society is. It was about removing people who questioned the authority as well as a some fame seeking pre-adolescent teenage drama queens….Puritan life was hard and boring….and it’s highly unlikely the cognitive development of the adolescent girl has changed that much since then……..You also might want to remember that during his lifetime Einstein was thought of as stupid and his ideas were seen as ridiculous…..instead of arguing about the validity of the argument because you don’t like that “decades” old facts are presented perhaps you should really educate yourself about the issue by living it day after day like those who do think the idea of banning slaughter needs to be carefully rethought….but wait a minute….you used the crusades (hundreds of years old) to try to make you point…..does that mean you are even less valid than Theresa?
Heather Clemenceau says
There were actually very strong religious undercurrents that provoked the Salem Witch Trials – the author is correct. At the time, the Puritans held very strong beliefs that satan was active in the world. The “invisible world” of disease, natural catastrophes, and bad fortune were all attributed to work of the devil. Furthermore English law made witchcraft a capital crime, so from there it was just a hop-skip-and-a-jump to persecution and trials.
Heather Clemenceau says
Along with everying else that is so wrong with this “christian” horse rescue, it really irks me when people compare vegetarians to Hitler. As the author revealed, Hitler’s vegetarianism was not a foregone conclusion but so what if he was? What if he was also left-handed, or a Taurus? Is that someone a significant or relevant argument? Not eating meat, or being left handed does not contribute to their ideology to slaughter millions. Theresa would do well to brush up in her logical fallacies – insofar as Christianity and Nazis are concerned – I’d suggest to Theresa that she start by googling the phrase imprinted on the belt buckles worn by the Nazis. It says “Gott mit uns” (God with us).
John Holland says
Well said Kathleen! Sue Wallis knows that there is a dislike of HSUS among many ranchers and other groups that exploit animals in one way or another. So she and her group throw this nonsense up about them and ignore the huge majority of people opposing her who are not involved with HSUS.
In other words, they make up stalking horses. She rarely attacks the EWA because she does not want people to investigate our site and where they would find tons of documents that contradict her many reckless claims.
Your point is right on about using the fact that Hitler was a vegetarian and not mentioning that Einstein was as well (and many other). Let me make a further point. Röhm and other SA leaders who put Hitler into power were mostly homosexual. Does that mean gays have a secret agenda? No, it mean nothing at all.
Brenda says
I posted twice in support of Anti-slaughter. None of my responses were out of line.. Guess, this is WHAT THE PRO SIDE DOES.. Delete, when people don’t support their agenda.. We’re doing a heck of a good job, fending you guys off anyway…. We are going to win this, you know!
TherManzella says
I’ll address many of your comments, but lets start with the bottom line as that is truly the most important point I’ll be making. Horse’s are still being harvested in the same numbers as they were when processing was available in the United States; they simply have to endure the additional and unnecessary stress of long, hot, cramped trailer rides to Canada and Mexico with the potential to end up in places without any form of regulation whatsoever. To quote Dr Temple Grandin, PhD; author of multiple books on the subject of livestock handling, human harvesting and credited for revolutionizing the beef processing industry, who, I’m sure you’re well aware, was a volunteer guest speaker at the Summit of the Horse:“That’s a horses worst nightmare.” This, Kathleen, is the REALITY …the hard, cold, irrefutable FACTS of what the animal rights movement has ‘accomplished’ on behalf of horses
and I think it’s time we start holding you responsible.
Your comment “Most are not members of large AR groups; many probably don’t even consider themselves “animal rights activists.” They are simply compassionate people who want to end the suffering and exploitation of fellow sentient beings.” Thank you for reiterating one of the primary points of my article which is: People jump on this horse harvesting band wagon based on the way people like you present your trumped up, bogus material with every intention of making them feel bad and invoke the need to rescue. Without any level of competency; many never even having ridden a horse, let alone owned one and not realizing the unintended consequences of their decisions, jump to the emotional conclusions that YOU lead them to.
I notice that many of your remarks were intended to discredit me, but that you did not offer a single fact or reference to back your claims. Why?
Were you at the Summit of the Horse? Didn’t think so. I was. I watched the “assault and battery” supposedly committed by Sue Wallis to Simore Netherlands from 5 foot away. You might remember the comment I made in my article that said “When you attack, and lie and make things up and propagate bogus information to advance your cause, not only do you discredit yourselves and your cause, but you also need to know that we’re going to call you on it whenever and wherever we can and expose you for what you are.” Well Kathleen I’m calling you and Simone Netherlands on that crock of lies here and now. There were 200+ people in the room. My vantage point happened to be one of the closest, from approx 5′ away. I watched, completely captivated, as she attempted to sneak by the hotel security officers with a phony press pass and into the room where the Summit was being held. Sue Wallis greeted her inside the room, as she did all her guests and graciously ushered her out, after confirming that Simone had not, and did wish to pay the admittance fee. Period. Simone Netherlands is a bold faced liar and made her entire story up. I was absolutely astounded to hear the grandiose and completely fictitious story that ensued. Do you have no shame? Your obviously not a Christian, so to whom do you report for your moral compass? Time for a trade in, because yours is broke.
Brenda says
I do not support anything or anyone, that is capable of this kind of cruelty, from the time they enter the Auction Houses, to the time they enter the Slaughter Pipeline. This is abuse beyond, words. To justify, what is done to these animals, all in the name of profit/logic/commonsense/economics is doing just that “Justifying” what they want to do anyway.
So there are two aspects of this topic that never really gets talked about by the Pro-Slaughter side. The Lottery, faulty breeding, and the cruel mannerism in which this is inflicted. I’m ashamed to have ever associated with people of this ilk, and even embarrassed to mention that I once was brain washed as I believe you are now. The truth is I was,and at the same time, it gives me hope. With just a little “accurate” knowledge that is not propagated by special interest groups and individuals. I have done my own research, and I jumped the fence. Which means that others can too!
Some of you fall back on your Christianity and Bible teaching… It does say “What you do to the least of these you do to me” … Are you sure he is just talking about humane being.. These animals are GOD creatures, not yours. We are given dominion over our enviroment and all it’s critters. We can either be a caretaker, and or an abuser… You decide where you fit into this picture.. Because, in the end you are the one, and the only one that has to answer for what you do… It also claims, that as we have measure out to others, it will be (measured) given to us…I guess that would be Karma, for some. You might want to be very careful, what kind of cruelty you inflict.. I might be wrong, but then again, I might be right… It’s your life, and your soul, if you believe in that kind of thing…
Brenda says
I own a Horse, in fact I’ve owned probable 20 to 25 in my life time. I also work as a Farrier for the past 30 yrs, as a Wrangler/Farrier on a Wagon Train for 3 yrs. I have operated and have managed several boarding establishments, as well as work as a Riding Instructor/Trainer for Event horses in TX. Do I qualify, to respond?
I use to be Pro-slaughter because I bought into all the propaganda that has been put out there, both by BLM, and people like Slaughterhouse Sue, (Sue Wallis) and Dave Duquette.
I decided to do my OWN research, on this topic they call processing. I was appalled, at what I found, and who and whom support this “Event”. How anybody that supports this can call themselves a Horse Lover/Person is beyond me. You might be called a Horse Exploiter.
Just as Kim Houlding DVM has stated, the breeders are breeding horses with the HYPP gene, on purpose. The Breeders are breeding with a lottery mantality and need the Slaughter Houses to dump their trash!
Theresa Manzella says
You might want to look up the definition of exploit Brenda before you try to use it as a dirty word.
Brenda says
@Theresa, do tell. I know what exploit means, but I’m not clear on what you are trying to say, other then attempting to be insulting… Are you not capable of carrying on a conversation without insults?..
If you want to clarify what you are “Trying” to say then feel free to. If not? Oh, well!
Mellony says
The H$U$ and other animal rights groups pushed for closing of the US horse processing houses with the argument that the practice of horse harvest would end. It has not and has only resulted in these animals having to endure longer trailer rides and to meet their deaths in less regulated and sometimes unregulated facilities. Approximately 160,000 horses were shipped to Canada and Mexico last year for food consumption. That is even more than was being harvested in the last few years before the US closures. The closing of US horse processing plants coupled with the downed economy has led to a depression of the horse industry and to the neglect and abandonment of animals. Many horses cannot even be given away. Horses are livestock and this is what happens when the salvage value of an animal is removed. The H$U$, rescues and other organizations use this issue to raise millions of dollars to put in their coffers.
The animal rights activists keep talking about over breeding. The public and horse owners need to fully realize that what they actually mean is “any breeding”. These people are out to eradicate domestic animals.
I do not know of any horse breeder that is operating at the capacity that they were 10 years ago. There is not a horse registry that has not shown at least small decrease in numbers, and with the larger popular breeds, the drop is breath taking. The overall horse population is down. We will not know how far it has fallen until the next horse census, but there are fewer horse sales, many boarding stables are closing or operating at below capacity, there are fewer horse shows and suppliers have seen a dramatic drop in feed and other supplies being bought. Horse shoers now pursue new clients when they use to have an established client base and many young horse trainers are leaving the field because of the drop in young horses being produced.
But this is not really about slaughter. This is about the animal rights activists attack on horse owners and the horse industry. Slaughter is the easy target and as our personal property rights to our livestock are stripped away they will attempt to stop racing, jumping, futurities, rodeo and other forms of equine competitions. And the trail riders should not think that they will be exempt.
Horse owners should also be concerned about the efforts of animal rights activists to change the classification of horses from livestock to companion animal. Some of these people believe that horse owners should be taxed to support the rescues and that legislation should be passed to regulate breeding thus requiring licensing and permits. I have been told by some of these activists that horses should not be bought and sold but adopted for life and that breeders should be willing to take an animal back at any time during its life time. What a pleasant thought, 25 years after you raised a foal that you would be responsible for that animal’s retirement.
Theresa Manzella says
Bravo!
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Well it is about the slaughter and they are companion animals. It is also about an animal that will givits all for its human. and when it is all used up what does it get? One would think these animals had earned some kind of loyalty and appreciation, but no they are discarded as if they were no more than a bag of trash. No feelings what so ever. I personally don’t know how some people can live with what they have done to some of these horses. So no the Activist are ggenuinely wanting to save these betrayed creatures from a horrer that no living creature should have to experience.Have any of you ever went to one of these slaughter houses and watched and listened to what is happening to that horse you all are so willingly ready to send to slaughter. I think you should go an experience the whole slaughter from start to finish and then come on here and write as if the activist had alterior motive other than the love and concern for these helpess creatures that deserve a heck of a lot more for all they did for the people in their lives. Hell some of those that are slaughtered are just babies, they don’t even get to have a life. Way to go : (
Stacy Davis says
Thank you for this thoughtful rebuttal. It appears that there are replies that exactly exemplify the following quote:
“To bolster the pro-slaughter position, Willing Servants’ founder took on the entire animal rights movement with conspiracy theories based on one organization, fallacies of logic, inconclusive “facts,” and baffling notions about what AR people believe.”
I applaud your restraint in making your response to Ms. Manzella’s guest column opinion, as it would be easy to give into anger at the inaccurate statements, vile names and bitter tone. Apparently someone who is working just as hard, is just as patriotic, just as diligent and honest a person, has just as many responsiblities, worries and difficulties in their life as a pro-slaughter advocate – and also has concern for the ethics of their treatment of horses – is to be vilified because they are fools or worse. So, then roughly 80% of people in the United States who are completely opposed to horse slaughter are out of touch with reality or fools or both? I don’t think so. I’ll bet they don’t either.
Jacob K. says
Here here to your response.
Lori Stauffacher says
You say that 80% of people oppose horse slaughter. Could it be that 80% of the population does not even own a horse or have any idea what is involved ? I would think that 99% of horse owners that KNOW the reality do agree with the opening of the horse slaughter houses in the U.S. If done correctly, the methods used (bolt gun) are the most humane way (other than a bullet) to kill a horse. Lethal injection is not instant whereas a bullet or bolt is no matter what the AR groups would have you believe.
JcBoxer says
@ lori s, I would tell you 1oo% of people in the USA are against child abuse and not all of them have kids. So you think only those who have a vested, i.e.monetary, interest should be allowed to have a say in how animals are treated in this country? I am so happy that the average american has more brains than god gave you. I hope you feed your children horse meat, but you don’t because it with KILL them and dogs if they eat it. Are you are a shill for the horse slaughter advocates, and your time is nearly over. You are on the wrong side of history.
Elaine Nash says
Lori, I thought you might like to hear from a real, honest to gosh horse advocate- me. I am proud to be a very committed ADVOCATE for horses. I think that slaughtering horses is primitive, barbaric, extraordinarily abusive, and absolutely unnecessary.
Since I doubt that you’ve ever actually communicated with a real advocate – resulting in your having some really dumb ideas about what real advocates are like, I thought I’d tell you a little about ‘us advocates’- or at least about this one. It may surprise you to know that: 1) I was raised on a ranch, 2) I’ve raised, ridden, trained, bred, and shown horses all my life, 2) have been a national champion in the show horse world, a trick rider, a county fair rodeo queen, a university rodeo queen, and a candidate for Miss Rodeo USA, 3) I’ve owned large horse facilities, I’ve owned as many as 60 horses at once, AND 4) I’m the founder of one of the largest animal advocay networks in the country! It may also surprise you to know that not one person who knows me personally or professionally would ever tell you that I am an ‘crazy activist’, kook, nutcase, flake, or violent AR jerk. I am a registered Republican, and I’m a college educated professional who makes my living in the horse industry.
You’re way off on some other things, too, Lori. First, as I just illustrated, you and your pro-slaughter friends obviously miss the boat entirely on who you think your ‘enemy’ is. I’d advise you to not under-estimate our savvy of the horse industry OR our ability to see to it that this country never again stoops so low as to legalize the killing of horses by slaughter. What we “advocates” want to do is SAVE the horse industry- and we know that your over-simplified idea that slaughtering horses is somehow a magic antidote that will restore the horse industry to its former glory is flat-out naive and wrong.
Secondly, you do need to do some homework about the captive bolt process as it pertains to killing horses. The captive bolt system was designed strictly for killing cattle. A horse’s skull is built completely differently from a cows, its’ brain is positioned differently in the skull, and the horse- being a very sensitive, flight oriented animal that does not stand still in the kill box, waiting for the hard-to-maneuver machine to fire. Because of these differences, the captive bolt seldom kills a horse on the first shot. The horse is hit and then suffers terribly while the machine is adjusted and another shot is attempted. How do I know this? Temple Grandin- the world’s most respected expert on animal slaughter, explained it to me personally and in great detail.
OK. Now on to the third mistake you made in your brief comment. The proper way to administer a lethal injection is to fully sedate the horse first, as if for surgery. This is totally painless to the horse. The horse gets sleepy, lays down, and goes to sleep. Deep sleep. The lethal injection is then given. The horse dies in its sleep, with no awareness whatsoever that it’s dying, no struggle, nothing. In fact, a someone has to check the horse’s heart to confirm that the horse has died, because there is so little change in the horse physically.
I also saw where you stated that no one should have the right to tell you what to do with your property. If I see you cruelly slitting your dog’s throat, or putting your kitten in a microwave, or beating a calf in the head with a baseball bat, or feeding your pigs poison,…. should I just say, “We’ll, it’s Lori’s dog… kitten… calf… pig…” and just let you do that? Those are your property, too, after all. Ownership of a living thing does not give one the right to be abusive toward it. We have laws against animal abuse. Most Americans believe that slaughtering a horse is animal abuse. Horses are bright, aware animals and they know death when the smell it. In fact, they know long before they reach the slaughter building interior that they’re in the presence of death. They don’t stroll along up to the kill box, walk in, and stand there, relaxed. They’re terrified. They are panicked, and they’re doing everything they possibly can to turn around and escape what they know is coming their way (as per Temple Grandin again).
I’m sure you’re a nice, decent, caring person. It is my opinion that people like you have probably just been fed inaccurate information be some who stand to profit greatly from killing horses. I want the horse industry to stabilize, too. I need for ‘my’ industry to become strong again just like everyone else in the horse business does. What I know, though, is that the problem is two-fold. First, the economy is in the dumper for almost everyone, and having too many horses in America can’t be blamed for the whole nation’s bad economy. Second, the problem was caused by one simple mistake: horse breeders- the people in the business of making horses, just made way way too many of them in too short a time. Killing the extra horses they’ve created is no solution at all. Not making so many new horses for a while is the solution. Plain and simple. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that- but it does take an honest horse breeder to admit it.
If you reflect on this slaughter notion that you’ve been sold on, and realize that the whole concept is really just a bunch of hooey touted by a few misguided and very greedy people, let me know. I run a great network of people who love horses, know horses, are worried about the horse industry, and know how to fix it. We’d love to have you aboard. Stay in touch.
Elaine Nash
Brenda says
@Elaine Nash, “Bravo” “Well Said” and all that!
Heather Clemenceau says
The only problem is that history has shown that it can’t be done “correctly.” Most of the abuses that have been documented so numerously on Animal Rights and Animal Welfare sites were done well in advance of the discontinuation of slaughter in 2007. The USDA and other slaughter profiteers, and many so-called “horsepeople” dropped the ball – continuously. Your comment about 80% of the general public opposing horse slaughter is a non-sequitur as well. Many people opposed the Vietnam (and other wars) but we did not value only the opinions of those people who are war veterans. And 99% of horse owners DO NOT agree with slaughter, and that is reflected numerously and repeatedly via Facebook stats, and the popular vote in favour of shutting slaughter avenues down entirely.
Jan Myers says
I believe the real percentage would even be higher if more knew about the horrific cruelty in the slaughter process and toxicity of horse meat. If slaughter houses had glass walls there would be a whole lot more vegetarians. I have a horse and know very well what is involved. I would never agree to reopening the slaughter houses, ever. But then I am a responsible owner and realize that when you “own” an animal you have a responsibility to it to see that is well taken care of and has a peaceful demise. The methods used to kill the horses are not instant nor are they in anyway humane. Even the most knowledgeable slaughter expert Temple Grandin states it is a very inhumane process. I don’t know about anyone else but I prefer to believe her over pro-slaughter people. Lethal injections are often preceded by tranquilizers to put the horse to sleep first and there is not bodily reaction. Even if that is not done the lethal injection is not even in the same UNIVERSE as the Slaughter Pipeline and Kill boxes…I have participated in the euthanasia of many dogs and cats and while their body may occasionally react to it’s death they are not conscious of it. Most often it is a completely peaceful process. The euthanasia solution first acts on the brain, making them unable to feel or be aware of what is happening so the jerks, gasps that are sometimes noticed after injecting it are just a bodily reaction and not felt by the animal. Animal Rights Advocates are people with compassion and look at the horse as a companion not as a paycheck. I truly wish each and everyone one of the pro-slaughter people would spend a day in a slaughter house and if they could come away with a smile on their face and still agree with it I would indeed be very concerned about their emotional maturity and stability. ~
Jacob K. says
When Dr. Temple Grandin is quoted,and I think extremely poorly of Grandin, this is a clear spin-job and ridiculous justification of exploiting animals and trying to give a feel good way for people to justify killing of animals for humans own self-focused reasons, no matter what species. Let us not decieve ourselves, an animal that has as much desire to live as we humans do, goes through the slaughter process, so often extremely vicious. I hail and hardy suggest we all move to a plant-based vegan diet for many,many reasons.
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Please let me update you about the bolt gum. This is designed to deal with cattle and not a horse. The horse is so active that it basicly comes out of it not long after the bolt gun is used and is fully conscious during the slaughter. Can you even start to comprehend that. They are fully conscouis during the slaughter.What horror. If you don’t want to take my word on this I invite you also to go to a slaughter house and see how humane and effective these bolt guns ~ aren’t.
Roni Bell Sylvester says
Kathleen, it appears you aren’t aware of people who have critical thinking abilities and use their objective, dispassionate eye to discern reality from fantasy. In the case of your claim “And let’s not forget — Christians perpetrated everything from the Crusades to the Inquisition to the Salem Witchcraft trials, and Attila the Hun rode a horse,” you reveal a void you have in knowing the difference between true, authentic “Christians,” and evil people who use a Christian tag in order to do outrageously ugly stuff.
Not unlike the poser Christians, some will use tags like “environmental/green,” to perpetrate really ugly actions against authentic environmentalists like, farmers, ranchers, loggers, fishermen and energy explorationists.
The end game of these eco-poser/environmental/green people, is to seize control all American soil; Yes. This is correct. They want the land and water authentic environmentalists own and use to produce consumptive goods and services.
It behooves posers to Buckskin Joe their dirty work, with pretty little store fronts that make the public feel happy.
Obama’s recent line-up of soldiers (Rural Council) to march against domestic resource providers is a perfect example of making the public think “Wow! Good things are happening!” when in fact Obama’s Rural Council formation is one of his most chilling (and telling as to his true intent) actions to date!
I’ve never met a con-artist who wasn’t nice!
Nor have I ever met a con-artist who’d debate anyone equipped with facts and truth.
Examples: Al Gore refuses to debate Richard Lindzen or Willie Soon. The Devil refuses to debate God…and so on.
I’ll bet you Wayne Pacelle would refuse to debate Sue Wallis.
In the case of Wayne, well I’ll bet you he would refuse to debate Rep. Sue Wallis, for after-all, he’s nothing but HSUS’s pretty little store front.
The ONLY way matters like the horse slaughter ban will ever get resolved, is if those who want said horses are identified then held accountable thereon for the complete fiduciary responsibility of it. They would be held to finding a suitable boarding place, arrange and pay for moving, then pay horse’s board, room and medical until its natural death; at which time they’d pay for horse’s euthanization and subsequent disposal.
Failure to meet any of these payments would result in a lien on their private property…garnishment of paycheck….or whatever legal remedy to collect.
JcBoxer says
@ Roni, from one christian to another, sober up and live a better life, every thing you say is negative, nasty and unkind. Get off that christian thing because you are not one in any way, shape or form.
Betty B says
Very well articulated, Ms. Stachowski. Thank you.
Kim Houlding DVM says
If someone wants me to do or not do something with my horse, you come and buy it. I have a couple priced very reasonably. Then you can do whatever you think is appropriate with it. I have worked for many years and paid the bills on my horses. They were born into my arms, fed, vaccinated, worked and trained by our family. I should have the right to decide what’s best for my horses, not some Washington bureaucrat or some animal rightist. My neighbor euthanized a perfectly healthy, rideable horse because she couldn’t ride any more…. There is something terribly wrong when we Have to kill horses in our back yard because they have no value. The drugs have doubled in price the last year and will likely be taken off the market within a few years. They persist in the carcass, water and soil. We will be left shooting them, which is humane-the same as in a packing house. After they are dead, it really doesn’t matter what happens to the carcass-it’s better for the environment that they fill some need rather than rot…
Lori Stauffacher says
Very well said. I agree, unless you own a horse you should have no say as to how to deal with or what to do to end their life.
Heather Clemenceau says
So you are proposing that in a representative democracy such as the US, that first-amendment rights to free speech be limited? Oh, the USA, land of the free(ish) and home of the brave(ish).
Mellony says
Heather,
You have the right to free speech. You do not have the right to disenfrachise me or other animal owners of our personal propery rights.
Heather Clemenceau says
Mellony, I was actually responding to the comment made by Lori, who proposed that only horse owners should have free speech regarding their animals. But since you’ve responded, let me state that you already do not have unlimited property rights. You do not have eminent domain over your own property. Owners of animals have both legal rights and limitations related to their animals’ legal status as tangible personal property.
Brenda Hixenbaugh says
Heather your terms in refering to a horse as property and animal lovers believe that no animal is property. Like a truck is proprty or any other inanimate object that has no feelings of any kind. This is the sad state of things.Does that horse scream when it is injured? Does it bleed when it is cut? Does it get thirsty and hungry and need sleep? Gee that is the same thing that people do and yet these animals are nothing more than property. That is so sad, so very sad.
Jeannie says
Because they have no value????? What about the value of a horse because he is a horse. Sure, it is her horse and your horse but let me say, if your neighbor euthanized her horse because she could not RIDE anymore and also felt she could not get what her horse was worth speaks volume in the lack of a connection to that horse..Give me a break, when you love something there can be NO $$$ value put on it, that it being a living horse…very sad
Heather Clemenceau says
“The drugs have doubled in price the last year and will likely be taken off the market within a few years. They persist in the carcass, water, and soil.”
But yet somehow, the bodies of the animals who are to be slaughtered are safe to eat.
Diana B says
Shooting a horse and use of the captive bolt in the slaughter house are only the same in theory. To get an accurate kill in the first attempt the operator has to have a certain degree of skill and give a darn, and the horse has to be calm and stand still for the process. A vet who used a captive bolt to euthanize horses so they could be buried admitted that many times he had to tranquilize the horse to have it quiet enough for an accurate shot.
Horse slaughter is not humane. There is no market for the meat of the slaughtered horse unless you conceal his drug and treatment history. Don’t pretend your horse can suddenly be transformed into a food animal at the end of his useful life, when he hasn’t been raised as one. Food safety is a serious business. As a vet you ought to know that.