My response to Dr. Golab of the AVMA on her pro-slaughter stance regarding The American Horse Slaughter Protection Amendment

It's no secret I am deeply involved in trying to end horse slaughter in America. One of my colleagues recently received this letter in response to an email she'd sent to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It inspired outrage in me. This organization is charged with looking out for the welfare of our nations companion animals and livestock.

You'll find Dr. Golab's email at the bottom of the post and my response just below here.

Dr. Golab,

Despite your words to the contrary, it is very clear that the AVMA’s focus on the AHSPA is to insure the continuation of horse slaughter in America.

I would like to remind everyone of the language in the Veterinarian’s Oath:

The Veterinarian’s Oath:

"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

"I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

"I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence." (end of oath)

I think is safe to say the slaughter process is terrifying and inhumane for the horses. We’ve all seen the videos. The horses suffer a great deal throughout the process. It’s certainly contrary to the Oath to perpetuate the suffering of animals, but by opposing the ban on slaughter, that is exactly what the AVMA are doing.

The AVMA should, in all reality be at the forefront of supporters for the ban of horse slaughter. They should be working to find alternative, humane solutions for the equines currently termed “un-wanted.” They could be offering reasonably priced euthanasia clinics and education to backyard breeders. The AVMA should be working to “relieve suffering,” not to support it!

Instead, Washington insiders inform us that the AVMA is being funded by certain agriculture lobbying groups with very deep pockets. Just recently, Senator Larry Craig was (allegedly) given $9000K to go before the Senate to put a hold on S311 (AHSPA). The Senator’s career is essentially over and was before he placed the hold on S 311. Apparently the cash cushions the fall.

One also has to question how many equine vets actually are members of the AVMA. The AVMA is an organization that is voluntary to join. Obviously, there are many more small animal vets in the US the large animal vets. My own vet - incredible with cats and dogs - admits to being uncomfortable around horses. It would be very interesting to know what percentage of the AVMA members are large animal vets, and what percentage of the entire large animal vet population are members of the AVMA. Is the AVMA really representative of equine veterinarians across our nation?

The AVMA and other pro-slaughter proponents are also fortunate that the economy is in a downturn and much of the country has suffered from drought. It was driven the cost of feeding horses way up. Because of mad cow disease, horse meat is a premium in Belgium. The Cattleman’s Association receives money for each horse slaughtered on American soil. The AVMA works hand in glove with the Cattleman’s association...do you begin to see the association between the AVMA and their pro-slaughter stance? It’s far more profitable to kill them here, in the US, thus the USDA is suddenly very concerned about horses being transported out of the US.

The reality is that I am on the front lines. I volunteer weekly at a rescue full of “unwanted” horses. I have attended the auction at New Holland Pennsylvania and seen the killer buyers picking them by the pound. The horses at New Holland, Sugarcreek, Shipshewana and Fallon and the like are very much “wanted” horses. The kill buyers are there weekly filling their trucks with the heaviest, healthiest, meatiest horses they can find. I have the benefit of working each week with horses pulled from the slaughterhouse lines. These horses are not mean, old or dangerous. Many need some time off from a work or racing related injury. I am astounded by how much trust these creatures still have when they arrive at the rescue after the grueling trip to the auction or feedlot. These horses are rehabbed, in some cases retrained, rehomed and given a new career. Often they become the apple of a little girls eye or a therapy horse working with autistic children. Some go on to rewarding show careers and some become pasture pets. The allegations that the vast majority of these horses are “problem” horses is nothing less than bunk.

It is interesting to me to hear the USDA say even if the ban on slaughter is passed, the horses will still be transported across the border, simply with a different stated purpose than slaughter. That can and will certainly happen in some instances. Of course meth is made is some rural kitchens and we know that’s not easily eradicated. Do we throw up our hands and say, well, we can only stop some of it, so why bother trying? There are also differing tariff costs depending on what the animal entering the country is going to be used for. It is significantly more expensive to transport a horse into a foreign country for a horse show than it is to bring in horses for slaughter. The difference in tariff costs, the cost of transportation and other factors will dictate how hard the kill buyers will work to get around the system.

Additionally, according to the USDA, in 2006 138,000 American horses were slaughtered for human consumption in either Mexico, Canada or the US. The same stats show that 33,000 less American horses were slaughtered in 2007. Despite allegations by pro-slaughter proponents, reports of horses being abandoned in the streets have been exaggerated, if not down right invented.


Dr. Cordes, of the USDA, says "One of the most daunting things about all of this is, once a horse crosses the border, it is no longer a U.S. horse. It becomes a Mexican horse. It loses its identity, it loses its citizenship, it loses its ownership."

Doesn’t that alone as a Veterinarian upset the AVMA members?

This is the most perplexing statement of all:

He goes on to say "It's really a matter of supply and demand. These horses are going to go across the border, one way or another," Dr. Cordes said, adding that the $5 million allocated in the horse slaughter prevention legislation for enforcement purposes isn't adequate to secure the borders. "It doesn't even come close," he said.

(Does that mean that horses and everything else passes freely across our borders without inspection daily? How frightening...)

Make no mistake about it – the AVMA is not concerned with the welfare of horses. They are once again paying homage to the almighty dollar.

It’s akin to saying we won’t fight terrorism because we can’t stop it all. It simply defies reason. We can’t end all crime; we can’t end all humanity. We can’t make the AVMA prevent the suffering of horses. But we can sure as hell try.

###########

From Dr. Golab:

Thank you for your contact regarding the AVMA's position on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

The AVMA's focus in opposing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act has nothing to with support for horse slaughter or the plants associated with that business. It has everything to do with ensuring the welfare of horses. The American Horse Slaugher Prevention Act is a well-intentioned, but sadly misconceived bill. Having said this, the proponents of the AHSPA are definitely having an effect. Unfortunately, it's an extremely negative one for the welfare of horses.

The efforts of pro-AHSPA advocates have been effective in removing slaughter in the US as an option for unwanted horses. Has this stopped the slaughter of American horses for human consumption? NO, definitely not.

What has been the result is that, according to the USDA Market News Service (Las Cruces, NM), 1687 horses have been transported across the US border and into Mexico from January 1 through January 17, 2008. During the same time period last year, 653 horses were transported into Mexico for slaughter—an increase of 158%. Similarly, the number of horses transported to Mexico for ‘breeding purposes’ during this was 216, compared to 8 horses in 2007. Overall, 1961 horses have been transported across the border and into Mexico during the first three weeks of 2008, compared to 706 horses during the same time period in 2007—an increase of 178%. Back in September of 2007, when we compared 2006 to 2007 equine transport for Mexican slaughter figures, we saw a one-year increase in 2007 of 486%!

This number of horses obstentively transported for slaughter will decrease if the AHSPA passes, but ONLY because transporters will identify another purpose as their reason for transporting horses across the border. This may already be happening, based on the marked increase in the number of horses transported for declared reasons other than slaughter. Transporters could claim that horses are being transported for sale as riding, working, or pleasure horses, only to cross the border and sell them for slaughter. Catching violators and enforcing the act would be nearly impossible. Transport of horses to slaughter within the United States is regulated, as is the slaughter process itself, but regulatory authority ends when horses cross the border into another country. They may be loaded in large numbers on trailers, transported longer distances, deprived of food or water, and killed using inhumane methods. Passage of the AHSPA will prevent horses from being slaughtered in the US, under regulatory controls; it will NOT stop American horses from being slaughtered outside of the US without benefit of such regulatory oversight.

To see the USDA’s statistics on the number of horses exported to Mexico, go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsmnpubs/horse.htm. Interestingly, when the 2001 final rule on the commercial transportation of equines to slaughter was published in the Federal Register, the USDA stated in its supplementary information a concern that closure of United States horse slaughter facilities would lead to a situation in which horses intended for slaughter “will be trucked to feedlots in Canada or Mexico, ostensibly as saddle horses, then go to slaughter. If that happens, we will have no jurisdiction over those movements because our statutory authority to regulate is limited to the commercial transport of horses to slaughter and to movements to slaughter within the United States.” Based on current information, this concern has become a real crisis. To read the 2001 final rule and its background information, go to http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=fr07de01-9.

Unfortunately the organizations whose information you have provided below have continued to misrepresent the AVMA and its approach to this issue, despite the AVMA's repeated requests that such misinformation be corrected. As an example, the statement: "Documents held by the AWI show that the AVMA is part of a coalition founded by the companies that own the defunct domestic slaughterhouses..." which appears below is inaccurate. In fact, the Horse Welfare Coalition (HWC) was formed in 2004 by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the AVMA, and the Animal Welfare Council, not by the slaughter plants. Although the slaughter plants offered funding to the HWC, it was specifically declined because the concern of the HWC was the welfare of horses, not the fate of the slaughter plants. The HWC stopped meeting in mid- to late-2006. The Web site, www.commonhorsesense.com, was initiated and maintained by the slaughter plants. The HWC granted the website permission to post related issue briefs, but did not fund, support, or otherwise contribute to the website. Currently, the website is being maintained by a lobbying group hired by the slaughter industry, and the AVMA does not and never has contributed to or provided funding for its maintenance.

For accurate information about the AVMA's position on the AHSPA and its efforts directed toward addressing the problem of unwanted horses, please visit: http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/unwanted_horses_faq.asp and the Unwanted horse Coalition Website at: http://wwwunwantedhorsecoalition.org .

For accurate answers to questions regarding the AVMA and its relationship to the HSVMA, please visit: http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/hsvma_faq.asp

Sincerely,

Gail C. Golab, PhD, DVM
Director, Animal Welfare Division
American Veterinary Medical Association

True American Horse Enthusiasts Call Out the Pro-Slaughter American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)

John Holland's voice of reason one again points out the many forces lobbying to keep American horses available for slaughter for overseas human consumption.

More American Quarter Horses go to slaughter than any other breed. As a responsible association, or breeder, wouldn't you want to protect the lives you bring into the world?

From John Holland:

Hi Folks,

It is a new year and us old timers have all had about enough of the status quo. We have decided that we need to take our growing strength and go onto the offensive. This is an invitation to join us!

By now you all know the tactics of our adversaries. They set up phony "welfare" organizations and use the offices of organizations like the AVMA and the AQHA to project an agenda that has no motivation but greed. Since their position has no morally acceptable justification, they simply create one.

Most recently they are getting third rate reporters to pump out completely fabricated stories like the ones about horses being abandoned around the country. Having produced this documentary "proof", they trolled the darkest recesses of the bowels of congress to find someone who would have no problem with propagating their poison. The most recent denizen to emerge to their beckoning calls was Senator Larry Craig, a man who's career set new and impossibly low standards for hypocrisy and dishonesty. Then they shoved into his well greased palm a wad of these phony stories and sent him out to stain the Senate floor with his "consent objection" based on stories so rank that no self respecting dead fish would be found wrapped in them.

Playing defense in this game has no upside for us, it is merely damage control. We must be ready to counter this detritus, but that alone is not enough. We need to make these organizations pay for their hypocrisy and deceit. To do this, we must take the battle to them on ground they think safe. We will be doing this in several ways, and the alert below is the first. Please read it and help us put a kink in the shorts of the AQHA by exposing their true nature where they least want it seen. We will do the same with the AVMA. When we are done, no veterinarian will want the AVMA decal to deface his or her door.

None of this will change our ongoing work on Congress. That has become a well oiled machine. It is simply a matter of making these organizations realize they will find us pulling back the covers in everything they do. The AQHA is very excited about their upcoming program. Let's crash their party and pour some truth into their punch bowl.

I hope you will join us and Happy New Year!

John Holland

--------------------------------------

*ACTION ALERT! *

* *

*NBC TO BROADCAST PRO-HORSE SLAUGHTER AQHA’s WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW*

As many of you already know, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is one of the main suppliers to and supporters of the horse slaughter industry and one of the main opponents to the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA).

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA), currently pending before the US Congress, will ban the movement, possession transportation of America's horses, and ban the transport to slaughter of American horses across the Canadian and Mexican borders. Sadly, pro-horse slaughter organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association have been working hard to mislead Congress and employ underhanded tactics to block the will of the majority of Congress and the American people.

Were it not for a few organizations and individuals such as the AQHA and their ally disgraced Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) blocking the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, it would have been signed into law several years ago, saving tens of thousands of horses from a very cruel and unnecessary death.

It has come to our attention that on January 12, 2008, NBC’s Oklahoma City affiliate KFOR will broadcast the AQHA's World Championship Reining Show. This event is extremely important for the AQHA since it is used by the group to gain new memberships apart from the profits it obtains through advertising. The host of the program will be AQHA magazine editor Jim Brett Campbell, who has written articles opposing the AHSPA, as well as misrepresenting the bill using scare tactics.

*Please, contact NBC local affiliate KFOR as well the station’s headquarters in New York asking them to not televise AQHA’s World Championship Show next January 12th due to the organization’s stance actively supporting the slaughter of America’s horses through their lobbying activities in Congress.*

Tell them about AQHA's underhanded tactics to deny the overwhelming majority of Americans due process on a bill necessary to stop the cruel and extremely inhumane transport and slaughter of our horses across the borders in Canada and Mexico. Indicate you will reconsider viewing NBC shows unless they refuse to broadcast this event. Tell them that televising an AQHA event is to condone horse slaughter.

Some talking points you may include in your calls and mails include:

* Tens of thousands of American horses are slaughtered and
transported to slaughter to Canada and Mexico under appalling
conditions, including the stabbing and slaughter of conscious
animals, by the very same horse slaughtering corporations that
were operating until recently within the US.

* While AQHA argues it opposes the AHSPA because there is a
so-called 'unwanted horse problem' it is the main producer of
foals in the US -with tens of thousands of new registrations every
year- and is actively promoting the mass breeding of more foals.
This irresponsible breeding program rewards the bottom feeders of
the horse industry such as killer buyers and assorted auction
racketeers.

* AQHA’s stance is not based on factual, historical or statistical
evidence but rather on conveniently manipulated and distorted
information to support a presumed “need for slaughter” and denying
all the evidences proving the cruelty and atrocities going on in
the Canadian and Mexican horse slaughter plants.

* The AQHA is more concerned about protecting the hefty profits
obtained by certain mass breeders through slaughter and keeping
pace with several anti-animal agribusiness lobby groups that have
nothing to do with the horse industry than protecting those of the
very same horses they claim to represent and the overwhelming
majority of Quarter Horse owners and breeders.

* Through its irrational opposition and its underhanded tactics AQHA
is disenfranchising the overwhelming majority of Americans who are
opposed to horse slaughter, disregarding all the democratic
principles in which America is based.

When calling make sure you ask the operator to pass your call to the comments line and then start off asking NBC to not televise AQHA’s World Championship Show and quickly point out some of the arguments indicated above since time on the comments line may be limited. Also, when calling local affiliate KFOR as the receptionist to pass your call to Christy Jones.

Also, please forward this alert to all your contacts, from family members to work partners, asking them to take part on it and help putting an end to the slaughter of America’s horses abroad. The more people we get contacting NBC the more possibilities we have to stop the broadcasting of the event and make AQHA sit down and take note.

For more information contact:

Anne Russek

Director of Media Relations

Virginia Equine Council

annrussva@hotmail.com

540-817-9263

---- NBC CONTACT INFORMATION ----

Station and Department Phone Email address

KFOR 405-424-4444 http://www.kfor.com/Global/category.asp?C=72170&nav=menu99_10_2

NBC program comments line 212-664-4444 http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Contact_Us/

Help end their suffering! Be the voice for those with no voice. Tell Congress vote yes to HR. 503 and S. 311, American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Pure Thoughts Rescue to Save Slaughterbound Horses

Do you really believe horse slaughter is humane?

http://www.wyff4.com/news/14643233/detailhtml#

Help Rescue Horses Bound For Slaughter - Bring Them Home for The Holidays

Horses Give Thanks Help Us........Help Them

For Immediate Release
November 7, 2007
West Palm Beach, Florida.- Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse and Foal Rescue has announced a new rescue project. Pure Thoughts Inc. will be purchasing horses from two auctions that are attended by kill buyers who sell horses to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses for human consumption.

"Horses Gives Thanks 2007" will take place beginning the day after Thanksgiving November 23, 2007 at Sugarcreek Livestock Auction in Ohio and will end on Monday November 26, 2007 at the New Holland Auction in south east Pennsylvania. Pure Thoughts Inc. is looking to raise money to save as many horses as possible. Since the opening of the Pure Thoughts, Inc. South Carolina facility, the ability to help horses through the rescue has doubled. South Carolina's farm director Tracy Steiger, will also be driving one the two horse trailers being utilized on the trip. Steiger is a seasoned horse transporter who is highly respected among horses owners and rescue throughout the east coast.

Pure Thoughts has asked several rescues to assist in taking in horses, including Another Chance 4 Horses to join them in the save. Rescue Founder Christy Sheidy has agreed to have stalls open for horses in need and with be at the New Holland auction on Monday, November 26th . Another Chance 4 Horses goes to New Holland every week, when asked about attending the New Holland auction Sheidy stated "It is frustrating, the kill buyers have deeper pockets and more immediate space to take the horses. They do not have to worry about care of the horses. As a rescue we go in with limited funds and limited space." In response to Sheidy's comment, Swanson stated "This time it is going to be different, this time we are going to do everything in our power to make sure the rescues have more money and the ability to house and care for more horses, this time the horses will win.. not the slaughterhouses."

This is not the first time AC4H and Pure Thoughts, Inc have worked together to pull horses from an inhumane end. Most recently on October 22, 2007, the two rescues were able to save discarded race horses bound for slaughter. This event was covered by the nationally syndicated news show Inside Edition. The crew of Inside Edition not only interviewed several rescue founders but they spent an entire day filming the save at the New Holland Livestock Auction in south east Pennsylvania, the same sale where "Horses Gives Thanks 2007" will be on Monday, November 26th.

We are hoping to spread the word and expand our fundraising efforts exponentially. Pure Thoughts Inc. is an all-volunteer 501c3 non -profit organization. When asked about fundraising Swanson said" We have been very fortunate. The Emily Vernon Foundation has helped the horses immensely and aided in helping the saving of many orphaned foals this year. In the past, The Green Foundation helped us build an additional 6 stalls so that we can house more horses and Petsmart issued us a grant to handle castrations of colts and stallions. Richard Schecter and Jennifer Reid both horse enthusiasts and long time supporters will be playing a large role in this rescue effort. In addition to donating to the rescue efforts they will be matching up to $5000 in additional donations." Swanson added. "This is the largest single rescue effort we have ever done and we need to spread the word and expand our fundraising arena. In a perfect world we would have 30 acres, 60 stalls and limitless funds. But we do not live in a perfect world. If we did, these horses would not need saving. Our goal is to raise at least $35,000 and save over 50 horses over the Thanksgiving weekend."

In most circles this day is considered Black Friday, the traditional kick off for Christmas shopping across the country. This year, Black Friday will be a new beginning, a ray of hope for horses that would have ended up on the cold floor of a slaughterhouse if it weren't for those who have the ability to change their lives. It is common to find healthy sound horses in direct to slaughter kill pens alongside horses that have obviously suffered long term neglect or abuse.

Since the closing of the last foreign owned slaughter house in Dekalb, IL, kill buyers travel to Canada and Mexico to sell to slaughterhouses there. Currently there are bills both in the House and Senate to end this practice completely. The horrific trailer accident on October 27, 2007 showed even though the slaughter has currently ended on American soil the cruelty has not. Cheryl Hanna, long time advocate against slaughter remarked.” The inhumanity and cruelty of the auctions, the feedlots/kill pens, the double decker trucks used for transport with barely a 5 foot height clearance and the 24+ hour trips that the horses are trucked to Canada and Mexico clearly demonstrate the need to pass federal legislation to finally end horse slaughter for our American horses. There are 2 bills HR. 503 and S. 311 which will finally end the despicable slaughter of these American icons." When learning of this rescue effort, John Holland, long time anti slaughter advocate said, "This rescue effort could not come at a more crucial time. Thousands of our horses are being exported to tortuous slaughter in Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses while powerful slaughter groups like the AVMA continue to obstruct the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Until we can get this legislation passed, every horse saved is a spared from a vicious and cruel death."

You can read more about this rescue effort for the horses at:

www.PureThoughtsHorseRescue.com

In order to make this landmark event successful the rescue and its supporters call on horse owners and horse lovers everywhere to help in anyway they can.

Donations can be made through the rescue's web site via Pay Pal.

For donors who prefer to mail in their donations they can send a check payable to:

Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse and Foal Rescue
Horses Give Thanks
19181 Capet Creek
Loxahatchee, FL 33470561-254-0415

Email: Jennifer@PureThoughtsHorseRescue.com

Pure Thoughts Inc also urges those who cannot donate to help by spreading the word. Every time someone emails this request we get closer to achieving our goal. This Holiday Season could mean a new beginning fro many horses. Help Pure Thoughts change the lives of the horses and the people who are determined to help make a difference. Pure thoughts, Inc is also looking for on sight support and local sponsors from businesses and volunteers in the South Florida area. If your business would like to participate please contact Jennifer Swanson, Founder, at jennifer@PureThoughtsHorseRescue.com

Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse and Foal Rescue Mission Statement
Pure Thoughts is an all volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of horses, yearlings and foals that were bound for the foreign owned slaughterhouses in our country in addition to starvation, neglect and abuse cases. Horses, yearlings and foals bound for slaughter would have been brutally tortured and slaughtered so that they could be served as a delicacy in foreign countries. After arriving at Pure Thoughts the horses are quarantined and evaluated, they are medically tended to, put on a healthy nutritional program and most importantly they are shown that they are loved and humans will not harm them, they have a second chance. They have gone on to become show horses; trail horses, family pets and forever companions. We have saved over 675 innocent equines and as long as this cruel act continues we will continue to fight for the horses. We cannot do this alone...we need your help!! Please help us and others save these beautiful animals and please remember in your thoughts the ones we were unable to reach... Both the horses and the kids at Pure Thoughts will walk together the path that is ahead of them. One will teach the other about life’s rules, expectations, caring and compassion.

Pure Thoughts Inc. has the advantage of having a fantastic rehab trainer
Brad Gaver M.Ed, Co-Founder of Pure Thoughts Inc. Horse & Foal Rescue, has a history of success working with youths. His conceptual dream, “Pure Thoughts Horsemanship” which has turned into a reality, was started so that he may lead and guide our children on a path of success through equine therapy. Mr. Gaver has spent years studying the animal / human connection and has developed a program that unitizes horses as his means for not only reaching these children but also as a catalyst for each youth to grow within their selves, understand their true self and know that their future is for them to discover…. and decide the path they wish to take. The horses deserve a second chance to be loved and so do our children.Bradley Gaver is also an accomplished horseman, farrier and trainer specializing in the "Art of Equine Communication for the Competitive Edge." Brad trains both human and horse to communicate on the same level so that their experience together is a rewarding one. In his words..."There isn't a horse out of reach.... time, patience and repetition are the key. Before anything a bond and mutual trust must be formed.

Jennifer Swanson
Pure Thoughts Inc.Horse & Foal Rescue
www.PTHR.org
19181 Capet Creek
Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Saving the life of a horse may not change the world...................but it will change that horse's world.

AVMA Pro-Horse Slaughter - Their Comments Reprehensible

On Friday, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) released a statement regarding the ramifications of the shutdown of the last horse slaughter houses in America.

The first ramification from my perspective is that we in America are no longer allowing the cruel slaughtering of our horses for wealthy Europeans to dine on.

Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, the veterinarian who directs AVMA’s governmental relations claims that neglect and abandonment have increased. The last slaughter house was just shuttered, so I’m not sure how good Dr. Lutschaunig's sample poll actually was. Was there a sample poll? When?

I do know that when California outlawed slaughter, there was no increase in neglect and abuse cases. In fact, horse theft fell by about 34%.

He makes a statement about farms where 50 to 100 horses are being neglected. I’m not sure where these farms are. I do know I follow this subject on a daily basis. On occasion we hear of a case of a highly populated horse farm with starving horses. This is not a situation where owners are being neglectful or have fallen on hard financial times. When you are dealing with that many animals you have an animal hoarder situation. The existence of slaughter, or lack thereof, has no effect on the hoarder mentality.

Dr. Lutschaunig goes on to say "Our profession absolutely loves horses, as we love all animals. And, we're not pro-slaughter. What we are is pro-animal welfare and pro-horse welfare."

BULL SHIT.

The AVMA is largely made up of small animal doctors. I have no “beef” with that fact, but I do think it is part of the reason that the AVMA has gone pro-slaughter. If true equine doctors were polled, I think the results would be a little different. Understanding the equine skull is very different from a cows is the first step. The captive bolt gun that the AVMA endorses is not humane for horses. Nothing could be further from the truth. At best, it’s a brutal, terrifying death, and in many cases horses are cut apart alive.

Dr. Lutschaunig goes on to say that if that ban of horses being transported outside the county for slaughter is enacted, it will be nearly impossible to enforce. Since when is the AVMA in a regulatory position? Isn’t that better left up to our law enforcement authorities? Isn’t that the same as saying that we can’t control the flow of Heroin into the country, so let’s just not worry about it?

Killer buyers are outbidding each other at auctions to get our so-called “unwanted” horses. They are also stealing them out of their slumbering owner’s fields at night, for their value by the pound.

I read today of a killer buyer lamenting the fact that it costs him more to transport horses out of the country to be slaughtered than it did when the slaughter houses were open in Texas. Poor guy is only making about $20 profit per horse.

Since when is the life of a companion animal reduced to pennies on the pound? Are the souls and lives of our horses only worth $20? Haven’t they earned a kinder fate? Are our cats and dogs next?

As the protectors of our pets, Veterinarians are sworn to alleviate suffering of animals.

From the AVMA Website:

Policy statements

Ownership vs Guardianship Terminology Describing the Relationship Between Animals and Their Owners

The American Veterinary Medical Association promotes the optimal health and welfare of animals. Further, the AVMA recognizes the role of responsible owners in providing for their animals' care. Euthanasia of Unwanted Animals The AVMA is not opposed to the euthanasia of unwanted animals, when appropriate, by properly trained personnel, using acceptable humane methods. Pain in Animals The AVMA believes that animal pain and suffering are clinically important conditions that adversely affect an animal's quality of life. Drugs, techniques, or husbandry methods used to prevent and control pain must be tailored to individual animals and should be based, in part, on the species, breed, age, procedure performed, degree of tissue trauma, individual behavioral characteristics, degree of pain, and health status. These Policy Statements seem diametrically opposed to the comments of the Dr. Lutschaunig.

If the AVMA is so concerned with the opportunity and costs of euthaniasia, who not offer free or low-cost euthanasia to owners who need assistance?

So why is the AVMA pro-slaughter?

I don’t know the answer and I can only speculate, but deep pockets want the horses to continue to be slaughtered. Horse advocates want to see our animals kept in this country and humanely cared for. There are not nearly as many “unwanted” horses as the pro-slaughter group suggests. There are however, many unlucky horses that are “acquired” by horse brokers.

I find the comments by the AVMA reprehensible. They are either being paid or, or else they’ve completely missed their mission on this issue.

From where I am sitting, the AVMA is leaving the hen house in the hands of the foxes.

Musical Horse Aid Concert to End Slaughter, Advocate for Horses

MUSICAL HORSE AID BENEFIT CONCERT TO BE HELD THIS SEPTEMBER 15TH IN SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN

An Event To Increase Awareness And Raise Funds For The Care, Safety And Rescue Of Horses brings Live Acts, Guest Speakers and Horse Fans from across the country.

Animal Fairy Charities Inc. is presenting the Musical Horse Aid benefit concert September 15th at the Walworth County FairGrounds. Musical Horse Aid is a day long event featuring live entertainment and performances by various bands.

The Event is being held to increase awareness and raise funds for the care, safety and rescue of horses.

Over the past several years the public has become more in tune with the needs of retired horses and have stepped up to the plate to help fund various organizations that provide our horses with a safe haven.

Currently, legislation is pending that could end the slaughter of American horses. This has created a national movement to rescue horses and help fund the organizations that provide care and shelter for our horses.

We must support our Equine Rescue organizations that give these horses the second chance they need. Most can be successfully retrained for second careers as show horses,companion horses, riding horses and even therapy horses for the handicapped. Those that can not go on to a new career are able to live out their lives in peace and dignity with loving people that care for them.

Musical Horse Aid will run from noon until 10 pm. The Wisconsin National Guard will open and close the event with Full Color Guard and a National Anthem Tribute. The Kettle Moraine Rough Riders will also be perfoming at the event.

The entertainment line up will range in musical styles from country, folk to rock. The featured bands include: Brian Stace of Nashville; Ronnie Nyles & the Krash Band of Milwaukee; Martha Berner of Chicago; Spiral Trance; Twang Dragons; Brent Mitchell from Austin Texas, and Twisting Roses from IL, and Musical comedy interludes performed by CJ of the Mythic Figs appearing as Pot Luck from Indiana.

Various speakers are also scheduled throughout the event including Shelley Abrams from PA (board memeber of the R.A.C.E FUND), Gail Vacca, IL speaking on behalf of The Animal Welfare Institue, Jill Fritz from Minnesota to speak on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States, Shelley Sawhook President of The American Horse Defense Fund from DC,Barbara Boubelik-Chmielewski, IL founder and executive director of Lazy Maple Equine & Rescue Rehabilitation Center, Sandy Kimpfbeck, WI Board member of Midwest Horse Welfare Foundation and more special guests!

A variety of items from area businesses will be donated for the fundraiser. The MC for this years event is Cindy Huber from FM 106, Milwaukee¢s country music station. Various food and beverage vendors will be on site for the days festivities.

Pre event ticket sales are available at www.animalfairycharities.org. Tickets are $25 with all proceeds from ticket sales being donated to Horse Rescue Organizations and other horse related charities such as The Humane Society of The United States, Habitat for Horses,Thoroughbred Charities of America, Lazy Maple Equine, IL and The Midwest Welfare Foundation of WI.

Animal Fairy Charities Inc. was organized to foster national & international prevention of cruelty to all animals and aid in their safety & welfare with a special emphasis on horses. To learn more about this organization visit them on the web at www.animalfairycharities.org.

AVMA's Stance on Horse Slaughter Puzzling at Best

I've been doing some research on the American Veterinary Medical Association because I am very puzzled by the fact that they SUPPORT the continuation of horse slaughter in this country.

I wandered far and wide on their site www.avma.org and found quite a few interesting statements regarding their mission and position statements. What I found was that some of their statements plainly contradict others.

And I must say that I respect Veterinarians very much. I have three wonderful cats, and my vet is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met.

I'd like to make a few salient points.

I would suggest that veterinarians check out "humane" slaughter videos on http://equineadvocates.org/. Make no mistake about it, there is nothing humane about slaughter of America’s horses!

To the argument that there will be too many neglected horses if the ban is enacted: There has been no documented rise in abuse and neglect cases in California since the state banned horse slaughter for human consumption in 1998. There was no documented rise in Illinois during closure of the state's only horse slaughter plant in 2002 until its reopening in 2004. (www.saponline.org)

Responsible stewardship of companion animals must be advocated by WE, the stewards. If over-breeding is going on, it must be discontinued. And when our beloved companion animals become old or unwell, we have the responsibility to let them leave this world peacefully, not terrified.

The argument is also used that the cost of euthanasia is too "expensive" for many horse owners. I strongly dispute that. Again, from www.saponline.org : The average cost of having a horse humanely euthanized and safely disposing of the animal's carcass is approximately $225, while the average monthly cost of keeping a horse is approximately $200.

Similar issues would be dealt with by an owner of a large dog. I maintain that if you have the money to own a horse, horses, or other companion animals, you are ethically responsible for financially and emotionally providing care for the animal, up to and including the peaceful termination of it's life when/if necessary.

I respectfully ask the veterinarians to educate themselves on this issue, and make an ethical, right decision.

From the AVMA web site (I have highlighted some of the interesting comments):

Veterinarian's Oath (Adopted by the House of Delegates, July 1969, amended by the Executive Board, November 1999) Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Position statements Transportation and Processing of Horses (Current as of June 2005) The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses, which reads as follows: "The AAEP advocates the humane treatment of all horses and believes the equine industry and horse owners have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse. However, a small percentage of horses are ultimately unwanted because they are no longer serviceable, are infirm, dangerous, or their owners are no longer able to care for them. The AAEP recognizes that the processing of unwanted horses is currently a necessary aspect of the equine industry, and provides a humane alternative to allowing the horse to continue a life of discomfort and pain, and possibly inadequate care or abandonment. The AAEP encourages, fosters and provides education regarding responsible ownership and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses. In addition, the AAEP supports and commends the efforts of equine retirement facilities and adoption groups. Regarding the care of horses destined for processing, the AAEP's position is that these horses should be: Treated humanely and with dignity; Transported to the production facility according to the guidelines approved by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2002; Euthanized in a humane manner in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association. [Report of the Panel on Euthanasia] In addition, the AAEP recognizes that the human consumption of horsemeat is a cultural and personal issue and does not fall within the purview of the association, whose mission is the care of the health and welfare of the horse throughout its life." Legislation to Address the Issue of Unwanted/Retired Horses The AVMA has been actively pursuing defeat of H.R. 503/S. 1915, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and any related amendments to the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Amendments prohibiting funding for inspection of horses slaughtered for human consumption have passed overwhelmingly on the FY 2006 House and Senate Agriculture Appropriation's bills. If Congress decides that horses and other equids are prohibited from being processed for human consumption, it is estimated that each year an additional 65,000-100,000 unwanted U.S. horses would need to find an alternative method of care, or disposal if the horse is euthanized. A congressional ban on slaughter of horses will only lead to a crisis situation if the ramifications of such actions are not addressed. The AVMA is actively pursuing legislation that will deal with these ramifications. This legislation is necessary to insure the humane care and treatment of these unwanted horses, and would be developed with input from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The legislation would include the following: Euthanasia concerns; standards for horse retirement centers; proper disposal of healthy animal carcasses; proper disposal of diseased animal carcasses; education for the proper care of horses and disposition options. For additional information about this initiative, please contact Dr. Mark Lutschaunig at (800) 321-1473, ext. 3205, mlutschaunig@avma.org. I certainly would like to see standards put into place for horse rescue and adoption facilities. But more importantly, I want to see the end of the heinous practice of horse slaughter. Period. End of discussion.

Kentucky Derby Owners: END HORSE SLAUGHTER

I stand with the proud owners of Kentucky Derby winners mentioned in the following letter published in the Louisville Courier-Journal on May 5. I vehemently join them in urging Congress to end the slaughtering of American horses for human consumption abroad.

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.

Save America's Horses From the Shocking Cruelty of Slaughter

PLEASE CROSS POST

Equine Advocates

www.equineadvocates.org

Monday, April 23, 2007

Red Hot Emergency Alert!!!

Strong & Decisive Action Must Be Taken All Day Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

To Move the Ban on Horse Slaughter Forward in the US Senate with S.311

And Reinstate the Protection of America's Wild Herds with H.R. 249

Massive Public Outpouring Needed Immediately!

1) Wednesday, April 25, 2007 will mark the day that the members of the Senate Commerce Committee review S.311, the Senate version of The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. At that hearing, the language and provisions will be decided upon for presentation to the full Senate. It is urgent and imperative that you contact the committee members and voice your full support for this legislation in its original form where horse slaughter for human consumption is banned in the US, as well as the transport of horses from the US across the Canadian and Mexican borders for the purpose of slaughter.

*** Contact the members by clicking here Please call, fax and email them immediately. Urge them to vote for the bill and to allow the original language to remain intact.

*** Contact the two sponsors of the bill, Mary Landrieu (D-LA) (202) 224-5824; Fax: (202) 224-9735; Email here

and John Ensign (R-NV) (202) 224-6244; Fax: (202) 228-2193; Email here

*** Contact your own two US Senators and urge them to support this legislation as well. To find the contact information for your two Senators by name or by state, visit www.senate.gov. You will be able to find all of that information, in addition to each Senator's individual web site. To view the current list of co-sponsors of S.311 and read the text of the bill please click here. If one or both of your Senators are co-sponsors of S.311 and/or members of the Senate Commerce Committee where the bill will be reviewed on Wednesday, please ask them to work extra hard to get this bill passed this year.

2) Thursday, April 26, H.R. 249, which would reinstate the protection of America's precious wild horse and burro herds will be voted on by the full House of Representatives. If you remember, the deadly Burns Amendment was surreptitiously attached to a 3,000-page spending bill and signed by President Bush in December 2004, stripping away over 30 years of protection of our wild mustang and burro herds. These animals were cruelly privatized and allowed to be sold for commercial purposes, including slaughter. This must be reversed! Thanks to a very dedicated sponsor in Nick Rahall (D-WV) and others in the Congress who vowed to overturn this horrendous amendment which passed against the overwhelming sentiment of the American people, we are now at the point where this can be overturned. Please call, fax and email your representative in Congress. Find all the contact information by going to www.house.gov. Please ask your rep to vote for H.R. 249 unamended and restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros.

*** Please visit Equine Advocates' official web site at www.equineadvocates.org for more information about horse slaughter and other important equine issues.

There is absolutely no time to waste!

America's horses are suffering and dying more than ever before in Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses because the Senate leadership last year refused to allow this vital legislation to come to the floor for a vote after the House did its job and the bill was ready for passage.

All was lost when the Senate refused to act and consequently both bills had to be reintroduced and they were in January 2007.

We must pass S.311 and the House version this year to finally stop a practice that goes against our very culture.

We must pass H.R. 249 on Thursday and begin the process of reinstating the protection of our wild herds.

Please take action now and spread the word!

Texas Horse Slaughter is Finally Coming to An End

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Federal Court of Appeals Affirms Ruling Declaring Horse Slaughter Illegal in Texas

Two of the Nation's Three Horse Slaughter Plants Must Now Close

WASHINGTON (March 6, 2007)—Today, The Humane Society of the United States hailed a decision yesterday by the entire United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to affirm an earlier panel decision upholding a Texas state law banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption.

Without comment or dissent, the 19 judges of the full court rejected a petition by three foreign-owned slaughter plants seeking full court review of a three-judge panel’s January 19, 2006 decision upholding the Texas horse slaughter law. The slaughter plants had claimed the Texas law at issue was unconstitutional, an argument that was quickly brushed aside by the Court in its January opinion and again by its decision denying rehearing yesterday.

“This is the end of the line for the horse slaughter industry in Texas ," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO for The HSUS. "The kill floors should be still and quiet in Texas if the owners of these foreign-owned plants obey the law.”

“Only one slaughterhouse continues to operate in the United States , and it is time for Congress to step in and halt this grisly business once and for all,” Pacelle added.

The HSUS has been actively campaigning to ban the slaughter of American horses for export for human consumption.
Facts
· The criminal code of Texas has long prohibited the sale or possession of horse meat, but the law has never been enforced.
· According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100,800 American horses were slaughtered in three foreign-owned slaughter houses in 2006. Another 30,000 were sent to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.
· Opponents of the slaughter ban argue the practice constitutes a humane way to kill old animals, but investigations by The HSUS show cruelty and abuse throughout the process. USDA statistics show that more than 92 percent of horses slaughtered in the U.S. are not old and infirm but in good condition.
· Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses nationwide was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) and Reps. Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), John Spratt (D-S.C.), and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503.
· The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.
· Nearly 70 percent of Americans are strongly against the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas.

Timeline
· In 2002, responding to citizen and local government concerns about the two foreign-owned horse slaughter plants in the state – Dallas Crown in Kaufman and Beltex in Fort Worth – then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn issued a written opinion that the 1949 Texas law applies and may be enforced.
· In response, the Tarrant County District Attorney attempted to enforce the law, but last year a federal district court in Texas ruled that the law was repealed by another statute and preempted by federal law.
· The District Attorney appealed that decision last year, and the HSUS filed an amicus brief in the case in March 2006.
· In January 2007, the court of appeals upheld the law, flatly rejecting the slaughterhouses' arguments that the ban on the sale of horsemeat does not protect horses from theft and abuse, and that regulating horse slaughter can achieve those same purposes, noting instead that "it is a matter of commonsense that…alternatives… do not preserve horses as well as completely prohibiting the sale and transfer of horsemeat for human consumption. "

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Media contacts:
Polly Shannon, pshannon@hsus. org, 703-283-5104
Tracey McIntire, tmcintire@hsus. org, 301-548-7793

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.HumaneSociety.org.


The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
www.hsus.org
Promoting the Protection of All Animals