Sincerely, Lorri Roush Shaver
Derby winners' owners: End 'cruel and brutal' practice
As proud owners of Kentucky Derby winners, we urge Congress to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S 311/HR 503) to end the horrific practice of transporting and slaughtering horses for human consumption abroad.
While we have been fortunate to have bred, raised and raced world-class horses, we know we have a special responsibility to all horses, champion or not.
No horse should face the cruel and brutal end that slaughter entails.
Horses taken to slaughter are often purchased by killer-buyers; many others are stolen from their owners.
Still others have been surrendered for sale by owners unaware that their beloved animal will end up in the slaughterhouse.
Transport conditions are so bad that even the Department of Agriculture has condemned them.
Horses bound for transport are crammed into crowded trailers, unprotected from heat or cold and deprived of food, water and exercise for up to 28 hours. Many do not survive. Those who do are often too sick to stand. Abused, terrified and desperate, they are then beaten and electrocuted to death.
Recent court rulings have temporarily shut down the three horse slaughter plants in the U.S., but foreign companies are now exporting American horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada.
Without a federal ban, they will continue to transport horses across our borders for slaughter and might soon be able to relocate their slaughterhouses to other states within the U.S.
The American Horse Slaughter Protection Act will close these loopholes and put down slaughter for good. For our horses and our humanity, we ask that this bill be passed.
This letter was submitted on behalf of the following owners:
Staci and Arthur Hancock (Sunday Silence, 1989; Gato del Sol, 1982); John and Debby Oxley (Monarchos, 2001); Mike Peagram (Real Quiet, 1998) and William T. and Barbara Young, Overbrook Farm (Grindstone, 1996), all of Kentucky.
Sackatoga Stable, Jack Knowlton, managing partner (Funny Cide, 2003), and Joseph and Eileen Cornacchia and Bill Condren (Go for Gin, 1994; Strike the Gold, 1991), of New York.
Roy and Gretchen Jackson (Barbaro, 2006) and Patricia Chapman (Smarty Jones, 2004), of Pennsylvania.
Jerry and Ann Moss (Giacomo, 2005); Beverly Lewis (Charismatic, 1999; Silver Charm, 1997) and Howard Keck (Ferdinand, 1986), of Louisiana.
Mrs. Paul Mellon (Sea Hero, 1993) and Bert and Diana Firestone (Genuine Risk, 1980), of Virginia.
Sally Hill (Seattle Slew, Triple Crown winner, 1977), of Florida.
Penny Chenery (Secretariart, 1973; Riva Ridge, 1972), of Maryland.
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