Last week, the Legislature of the State of Oklahoma voted to lift its ban on slaughtering horses for shipment to Europe and elsewhere. It awaits Governor Mary Fallin‘s signature to become law.
With the horsemeat scandal in 13 European countries raging (and growing), this seems like the ultimate example of bad timing. Yet, the Oklahoma legislature claims that the slaughter of wild mustangs and horses is necessary — “humane euthanasia,” they call it — but you can bet it is solely a money-motivated scheme. The truth is that those who lobbied for this law include people who own mineral rights on land with gas, oil, and in some cases, uranium. They want to see their land clear of these beautiful animals so that government regulations do not interfere in their questionable practices. No horses = no federal investigators.
These “concerned” landowners trot out images of feeble, sickly horses with their rib cages poking through their hides to make you think these pathetic “poster children” are better off slaughtered so that they can feed people in Europe and Asia. But think about it. If you were one of those “gourmands” hungry for horsemeat, would seeing such old, bony horses have you sharpening your steak knife? Of course not. Young, healthy horses are what they want.
For the past two years, Vickery Eckhoff, a writer for Forbes Magazine has been doing an excellent series of exposés on the fraudulent practices of those greedy landowners and lobbyists. She documented that 90 percent of the horses going to slaughter are “healthy and sound.” This includes thoroughbreds, even some winners of several venerable horse races, that have outgrown their usefulness. She also cited a study showing that under four percent of the horses sold for slaughter were older than age 10.
Since horse slaughterhouses in the U.S. were banned until last year, U.S. horses traveled 24 hours or more, without food, water or rest, in livestock trucks designed for cattle, to Mexican or Canadian slaughter plants, using slaughter methods also designed for cattle. Horses cannot stand up straight in these conditions. It is pure torture. Now plans are underway to start slaughtering these magnificent creatures in the State of Oklahoma.
The Roar Foundation/The Shambala Preserve, the American Humane Society, the ASPCA, the Doris Day Animal League, Saving Americas Horses, Wild For Life Foundation and virtually every other animal rescue and relief organization stand in solidarity against this needless torture and slaughter.
Please click here to spread the word. Tell 25 friends about it, or 10, or even just one.
Governor Fallin’s office is taking count of calls received pro or con on the horse slaughter issue. It just takes 1 minute to call and tell the receptionist that you’re calling to voice your opposition to the repeal of the horse slaughter ban, that horse slaughter is inhumane and unnecessary. Governor Mary Fallin’s office number is 405-521-2342 during normal business hours. Or call and leave a message on the Governor’s voice mail at 405-522-8857. If the voicemails are full, keep calling. You can also email the Governor by visiting her website.
This is about as sad and heinous a situation I’ve come across. Please be a part of the growing outrage against the slaughter of horses to be sold for human consumption by making these urgent, life and cruelty saving calls and e-mails to Governor Mary Fallin. (Numbers above)
With love and undying concern for the animals to whom we are responsible.
YOUR VOICE COUNTS, thank you for using it…..
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 