Talk Back: Heard on Horse Slaughter
Readers responded from both sides of the fence to last week’s update on the combination of setbacks and progress in the battle to stop the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. Below is a sampler of the comments we received:
This news is really upsetting. But the only way I can keep fighting is knowing that there are thousands and thousands of people also fighting the good fight. There is no excuse for slaughtering pets, companions and wild animals. No excuse. I have faith that we will win this battle. Thank you for all you do and for your strength in keeping this in the fore. —Lisa
What is more humane: slaughtering a horse for protein that some people in this world consider a delicacy or letting hundreds of thousands of horses sit in bare lots and starve to death? You cannot save them all and it is a waste of valuable resources (hay, grass, grain) to keep them alive for what? Because they have feelings. No, they are an animal put on the Earth for man’s use, certainly not to be abused, but for our use either for work or food. Are cows and pigs next? If horses are so dear to your hearts, why not pigs and cows. I have raised both and tamed them to the point of a pet but I knew they were for slaughter and that is where they went. Be reasonable!!!! —David Cooley
Save our horses…THE MOST GRACEFUL ANIMAL ON PLANET EARTH. They are as much a part of family life and culture as our dogs and cats. Considering the action of our state’s legislature, in closing the slaughter plants here, I am proud to call myself a Texan. Without horses, this country could not have been tamed and settled. Thus, their historical significance to America. We owe them our love and respect. —Ray Parsley
Thank you for leading the way. We will NEVER stop until this legislation is the law of the land. —Elizabeth Thompson
Banning horse slaughter will create more harm and cruelty to horses than it will prevent. The action should focus on HUMANE treatment of all meat animals instead.
I am a horse lover and owner, and live in western Nebraska. In this area, sentiment runs against the anti-slaughter bill. Having been to auctions, I have observed that for many horses, while sad, slaughter was a blessing. What is to happen to old horses no longer able to survive on pasture due to teeth problems, the crippled, or just plain dangerous? What is to happen to the horses ranchers can’t feed due to drought? Believe me, those owners do not want to send their horses to slaughter, but it’s preferable to watching them slowly starve. There is still a good market for cattle but the value of horses is dropping, due to an oversupply. This bill will not force owners to keep and treat an old, crippled or dangerous horse. In too many cases these victims will be put in the back pasture or a lucky few will be humanely destroyed. This bill will not ensure humane treatment of horses by their owners. Create legislation for that issue.
What angers owners and non-owners in this area is the presumption that backers of this bill are "city people"—non-horse owners, so sure they are right, no matter the argument. Does it mean nothing that the majority of veterinarians are against the bill? The backlash, in this area, will damage the Humane Society in the long run.
Again, what is really necessary is action to treat all meat animals humanely. —Hazel Worthington
Just wanted to express deep appreciation for the ads in the Austin American-Statesman during the last days of the session here when it seemed possible that S.B. 911 might get passed with the amendment making it possible to continue to slaughter horses in Texas. I feel we must be vigilant on this issue since the lobbyists here and elsewhere may continue their stealth attacks. Seeing that ad made me want to cry to realize how supported we were in our efforts to fight this here in Texas. Thank you so very much from deep, deep in my heart. —Amanda McNeese
