Update on HR 6598 - Mired in Committee by Pro-slaughter Yet Again

Here is an update from AWI on 6598:

September 10, 2008: UPDATE ON MARK-UP IN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY
COMMITTEE

The Committee mark-up and vote scheduled for September 10th did not
take place as planned. Some discussion occurred during the mark-up
among the members, and the issue was extremely contentious. Due to
the controversial nature of the discussions as well as other issues
(10 bills and none were finished) before the Committee, the mark-up
and vote has been delayed. Support is still strong on the Committee,
but opponents are doing everything they can to delay final action.
This in no way means support has weakened, in fact, support is very
strong which is why opponents of the bill are taking desperate
measures to delay Committee action. This can only last for so long.

As of now we do not know when it will take place, it could be at any
time. It is critical that you keep up the pressure on Congress by
contacting your Representative and Senators, particularly if your
Representative is a member of the House Judiciary Committee. As soon
as we have more news, we will post it here. In the mean time if your
Representative is not a cosponsor of H.R. 6598, the Prevention of
Equine Cruelty Act please urge them to cosponsor as soon as
possible. We need to have as much support for the bill when it
reaches the floor of the House. Thank you very much for your efforts.

Opposed to Horse Slaughter? - Please Help NOW!

CALLS NEEDED TODAY!!!


HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL UP FOR COMMITTEE VOTE


September 8, 2008


Dear Humanitarian:


AWI has learned that the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598) will be voted on by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, September 10th. The bill, which was introduced in July by Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Representative Dan Burton (R-IN), will criminalize the slaughter of American horses. While the vast majority of Americans, the United States Congress and members of the House Judiciary Committee support an end to horse slaughter there are some members on the committee who are staunch supporters of horse slaughter and will attempt to kill the bill through subterfuge.


What You Can Do:


Call members of the House Judiciary Committee (see full list below) TODAY and ask them “to support passage of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598) out of committee as introduced, with NO amendments”. Please also ask them “to cosponsor H.R. 6598 if they haven’t done so already.” Let them know that:

* Every 5 Minutes an American horse is slaughtered for human consumption abroad. Visit www.every5minutes.org for the current number and to learn more

* Despite the closure of the country’s three remaining horse slaughter plants in 2007, tens of thousands of American horses continue to be slaughtered in Canada and Mexico in the absence of a strong US law banning prohibiting the trade.

* Horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia; it is a brutal process during which horses suffer terribly from start to finish. Their trip to Mexico is often on double deck trailers where they are crammed with dozens of other horses for up to 30 hours without food, water or rest. Once in Mexico some slaughterhouses use a “puntilla” or knife to stab the horse to death. The entire process is extremely inhumane.

* Despite claims to the contrary, horse slaughter is not a necessary evil through which sick, old and unwanted horses are humanely disposed of. The industry is a predatory one that actively seeks out marketable and healthy horses to be slaughtered at great profit.

* According to the US Department of Agriculture, more than 92% of horses going to slaughter are in good condition and could be placed in a new home.

* Those horses who are truly sick or old should be humanely euthanized on the spot by a licensed veterinarian.

* Horsemeat is considered a delicacy in many European and Asian countries where it is consumed by high-end diners.

* The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598) will end this cruel trade for good. Ending horse slaughter is a positive step in improving horse welfare in the US, which is why so many horse industry groups and leaders, veterinarians, humane organizations and equine rescues strongly support an end to horse slaughter.

NOTE: Because of the urgency and limited time we encourage you to call each office and ask for their support.

There is no need to contact Chairman Conyers or Representative Scott given their lead on the bill itself.

Names in red are those who have not supported measures to end horse slaughter.

* Denotes this member has a history of supporting measures to end horse slaughter.

Bolded name denotes they are a current cosponsor of H.R. 6598.


The Honorable John Conyers, Jr., (MI)*
Chairman
Tel: 202-225-5126
Fax: 202-225-0072


The Honorable Lamar Smith (TX)
Ranking Member
Tel: 202-225-4236
Fax: 202-225-8628

The Honorable Mark Berman (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-4695
Fax: 202-225-3196


The Honorable John Sensenbrenner (WI)
Tel: 202-225-5101
Fax: 202-225-3190

The Honorable Rick Boucher (VA)*
Tel: 202-225-3861
Fax: 202-225-0442


The Honorable Howard Coble (NC)
Tel: 202-225-3065
Fax: 202-225-8611
Email: howard.coble@mail.house.gov

The Honorable Jerry Nadler (NY)*
Tel: 202-225-5635
Fax: 202-225-6923


The Honorable Bob Goodlatte (VA)
Tel: 202-225-5431
Fax: 202-225-9681

The Honorable Bobby Scott (VA)*
Tel: 202-225-8351
Fax: 202-225-8354


The Honorable Elton Gallegly (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-5811
Fax: 202-225-1100

The Honorable Melvin Watt (NC)*
Tel: 202-225-1510
Fax: 202-225-1512


The Honorable Steve Chabot (OH)*
Tel: 202-225-2216
Fax: 202-225-3012

The Honorable Zoe Lofgren (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-3072
Fax: 202-225-3336


The Honorable Dan Lungren (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-5716
Fax: 202-226-1298

The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)*
Tel: 202-225-3816
Fax: 202-225-3317


The Honorable Chris Cannon (UT)
Tel: 202-225-7751
Fax: 202-225-5629
Email: cannon.ut03@mail.house.gov

The Honorable Maxine Waters (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-2201
Fax: 202-225-7854


The Honorable Jim Delahunt (MA)*
Tel: 202-225-3111
Fax: 202-225-5658


The Honorable Ric Keller (FL)*
Tel: 202-225-2176
Fax: 202-225-0999

The Honorable Robert Wexler (FL)*
Tel: 202-225-3001
Fax: 202-225-5974


The Honorable Darrell Issa (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-3906
Fax: 202-225-3303

The Honorable Linda Sanchez (CA)
Tel: 202-225-6676
Fax: 202-226-1012


The Honorable Mike Pence (IN)*
Tel: 202-225-3021
Fax: 202-225-3382

The Honorable Steve Cohen (TN)*
Tel: 202-225-3265
Fax: 202-225-5663


The Honorable Randy Forbes (VA)*
Tel: 202-225-6365
Fax: 202-226-1170

The Honorable Hank Johnson (GA)*
Tel: 202-225-1605
Fax: 202-226-0691


The Honorable Steve King (IA)
Tel: 202-225-4426
Fax: 202-225-3193

The Honorable Betty Sutton (OH)*
Tel: 202-225-3401
Fax: 202-225-2266


The Honorable Tom Feeney (FL)
Tel: 202-225-2706
Fax: 202-226-6299

The Honorable Gutierrez (IL)*
Tel: 202-225-8203
Fax: 202-225-7810


The Honorable Trent Franks (AZ)
Tel: 202-225-4576
Fax: 202-225-6328

The Honorable Brad Sherman (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-5911
Fax: 202-225-5879


The Honorable Louie Gohmert (TX)
Tel: 202-225-3035
Fax: 202-225-5866

The Honorable Tammy Baldwin (WI)*
Tel: 202-225-2906
Fax: 202-225-6942


The Honorable Jim Jordan (OH)
Tel: 202-225-2676
Fax: 202-226-0577

The Honorable Anthony Weiner (NY)*
Tel: 202-225-6616
Fax: 202-226-7253

The Honorable Adam Schiff (CA)*
Tel: 202-225-4176
Fax: 202-225-5828

The Honorable Artur Davis (AL)*
Tel: 202-225-2665
Fax: 202-226-9567


The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)*
Tel: 202-225-7931
Fax: 202-226-2052

The Honorable Keith Ellison (MN)*
Tel: 202-225-4755
Fax: 202-225-4886

USA Today is Apparently Pro Horse Slaughter

The USA Today has repeatedly published pro-slaughter articles without regard for the truth. They have done it yet again.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/08/homeless-on-the.html

LIke many others, I know that they are aware of the truth because my friend, Mr. John Holland, has spoken to several people who have spoken directly with their writers who were preparing articles. He is not alone in trying to "educate" the media.

Yet they have ignored the facts.

They tell us they've already made up their minds. They have no interest in truth. They have no interest in research. They have no interest in talking to those on the ground working to save horses.

Enough is enough.

So, the question is, "If you can't trust the USA Today on this issue, can you trust them on any issue?"

Please read the article and ask for a retraction! Isn't American the home of free and unfettered media?

It certainly doesn't appear that way.

Two Wonderful Mares Saved from Slaughter by AC4H - Would you like to adopt a sweet mare?

Norma Jean – Belgian Saddlebred Cross Mare – Saved from Slaughter

GREAT NEWS!!! 6/14/2008 - Norman Jean has been adopted.

Norma Jean was purchased from kill buyers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania last August. She is approximately 15 years old. A bone wreck when she arrived at Another Chance for horses, Norma has filled out nicely. Her blood test came back negative for pregnancy and (just to be sure) palpation was also negative. She is just an easy keeper and a full figured woman! She is a nice quiet girl to ride. Norma is a hubby type of mount. Walk, trot and she can canter!

See Norma on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlIe7WPfGFo

Check out the pictures of Norma on the left side of this page!!!

Norma is one of the favorites for the volunteers to ride at Another Chance for Horses. For more information, please check out http://www.ac4h.com/ and click on the link on the left side of the page “available horses.”

Easily Echo – Also Saved From Slaughter

More Great News! Echo has found a home as of 6/21/08.

Echo is a registered aged AQHA mare saved from slaughter suitable for children, light riding or companion. She has a slight calcification front leg... very healthy and great attitude- super nice girl gentle babysitter type. Suitable for very light riding lead line child mount or pasture pet.

Echo has a sweet and kind personality. Do you have room for her or Norma in your heart?

Scroll down and see pictures of Echo on the left side of this page!

For more information, please check out http://www.ac4h.com/ and click on the link on the left side of the page “available horses.”

Racing Needs to Heal Itself - Eight Belles Tragedy and Horse Slaughter are Travesties to the Horse Racing Industry

I was fascinated by horses from the time I was born. I fell in love with racing at an early age. I remember watching Riva Ridge and Canonero II win in the early seventies. I will never forget watching Secretariat win the Belmont in 1973. In 1975, when Ruffian died due to injuries in a match race with Foolish Pleasure, my mother called me into the house and sat me down on the couch and quietly explained to me what had happened. I was twelve years old. Ruffian was the first horse, and certainly not the last, to bring me to tears.

As painful as the memories of Ruffian are, this year’s Kentucky Derby and the death of Eight Belles is so profoundly upsetting that I find myself telling people I doubt I’ll watch horse racing ever again.

The Kentucky Derby is special. It is the crème de la crème. It is what everyone strives for in horse racing. It is a beautiful spectacle in a fantastic setting and it should never end in tragedy.

I remember back in 1993 when a horse was lost in the Preakness and the Belmont. Union City broke down and was euthanized at the Preakness; Prairie Bayou suffered the same fate three weeks later in the Belmont Stakes.

In 1990 Go For Wand broke down in the Breeders Cup and was euthanized on the track, much to the horror of the on-looking fans. Barbaro suffered a mortal injury in the 2006 Preakness. Just last fall in the Breeders Cup Classic, the great Champion George Washington suffered a fatal injury and died on the muddy track. That scene was replayed Saturday evening (May 3^rd, 2008) as we watched the celebration of Big Brown’s win. He won impressively, and Eight Belles finished in grand fashion just a few lengths behind him to take second. A few seconds later her body failed her and she fell mortally injured to the track. She was a mere three years old.

In both the case of George Washington and Eight Belles, the death of a racehorse on the track was dealt with quickly. The televising media failed to give both fallen heroes the attention they deserved on the day they died. I guess dead race horses on the track don’t do a whole lot for viewer ship.

Despite their sad and untimely deaths, Barbaro, Eight Belles and George Washington were never in the danger that many race horses are in – the danger of ending up at a slaughterhouse to become “what’s for dinner” in elite European/Asian restaurants and butcher shops.

In my previous blog I talked about two thoroughbred race horses that I interacted with a few weeks ago at New Holland horse auction. Both horses were raced at Penn National Racetrack. Both had their front ankles totally blown out. A nearby show rider softly told me that the kindest thing that could have been done was to have euthanized both of these horses at the track. I knew both horses would sell to a kill buyer, and yet I wanted to give them both a few moments of affection. It seemed that they were owed that at the very least.

The horses had auction tags of #396 and #394. Their tattoos were taken and searched to determine who these horses were.

#396 was Rockpile. He was in training at Penn National. He worked out as recently as April 12^th.

#394 was Impeach Willie. His most recent race was in September of 2007.

The breeders at the farm where Rockpile was bred were contacted about him being in at the auction, destined for slaughter for overseas human consumption. The response was that they try to do what they can to retire their horses, but were not able to assist in Rockpile’s case.

Both horses shipped out of New Holland Monday evening and undoubtedly died on Tuesday at the Richelieu plant in Canada.

Rockpile’s trainer is well known for sending horses to slaughter. It’s a common enough practice on many racetracks. When you’ve run every last ounce out of the horse, sell what’s left of him for a few bucks to the meat man. Send the horse on a journey to Hell with hours of inhumane transportation, a cruel death and never mention to the consumers of the horse meat that it’s loaded with carcinogens from the drugs that most horses are given as painkillers and vaccinations.

It’s time for the racing industry to step up to the plate and provide greater safety for all race horses. Research on the synthetic tracks indicates a greater safety factor for the equine athletes. A retirement system needs to be put in place nationally to protect equine athletes no longer suited to run that either places them into a transition program from track to rehoming or humanely euthanizes them. And perhaps we need to look at whether it is a good idea to be racing horses barely three years old. An incredibly fit three year old filly should not cross the finish line just to have her body fail a few yards further down the track.

I want to watch horse racing…I want to be excited about the Triple Crown races! I want to go to the race track and watch impressive horses run races and return sound. I want to know the equine athletes have a retirement program and that steps to improve safety for them is an ongoing process. It is time for the horse racing industry to heal itself.

Rest in peace, Eight Belles. You will be mourned for long to come. So much potential, beauty and grace lost in a mere moment.

Rest in peace, Rockpile and Impeach Willie. Perhaps only I mourn your deaths, but I suspect not. Someone groomed and cared for both of you. Your kind personalities told me that you had affection somewhere in your short life. All race horses are not created equal, but all horses are special and deserve a better fate than death in a slaughter house.

Eight Belles is going to be cremated and returned to her human connections for a respectful and sad burial.

Rockpile and Impeach Willie are now slabs of meat in a Belgium or French butcher’s shop. It’s a crying shame in all three cases.

The Death of A Young Thoroughbred Horse – Two Years Old and Sent to Slaughter

This week I attended the horse auction at the infamous New Holland auction house. It was not my first trip. In fact, I have been there numerous times in the last year. I had no illusions about what I would see. I knew there would be some beautiful horses that would command good prices. I knew there’d be a few bone wrecks, worn out buggy horses and draft horses worked into the ground. And, I knew there’d be race horses.

I wasn’t there long before I found two thoroughbreds tied next to one another. Both had obvious ankle issues. #396 spoke to me with his sad eyes. He was very friendly, albeit confused. He was used to a stall. His coat was still shiny and well groomed. He laid his head against mine and searched for comfort. I spent quite a bit of time with him. I found myself drawn to him again and again. He was just so kind and loving.

I asked someone far more educated than myself if he could be rehabilitated. The sad answer for both of the Thoroughbreds was that they should have been euthanized at the track they came from. Both only two years old, and both destroyed by an industry that by and large seems conscienceless. Whoever sent them to New Holland wasn’t satisfied with what they’d already taken from these two young horses. They wanted those last few dollars for their bodies.

The end of the auction at New Holland is always the most difficult for me. That’s when the kill buyers pull the shoes off the horses they are going to kill. It’s emotionally devastating to watch.

I didn’t watch them pull the shoes off #396 – I could not. However, after they led that sweet gelding off to take his last ride, I went over and picked up his shoes and took them home with me.

I can’t look at them without feeling despair and heartbreak. How can we American’s have left our horses down so badly?

My husband said, “Why do you do this to yourself?”

Because I never want to forget. I want to feel the pain and anger that will inspire me to keep fighting to end horse slaughter. I will continue to fight for the American Horse Slaughter Protection Amendment (S 311/HR 503) as long as I draw breath. I will keep those horse shoes highly visible so that this kind, young horse’s death will not be in vain.

#396 never had a chance. His people used him up and threw him away for a few dollars.

RIP #396...I will never forget you.

Senator Kloucek & Citizens of South Dakota - Do You Really Want a Horse Slaughter Plant in Your Community?

Dear Senator Kloucek, citizens of South Dakota, et al,

Funding a horse slaughter facility may have seemed like a good economic development idea, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The vast majority of American citizens are vehemently opposed to the idea of slaughtering American horses for overseas human consumption. True horse enthusiasts view horses as companion animals, and would no more send their horses off to a slaughterhouse than they would their cats and dogs. Countless polls have indicated that 70-85% of Americans are opposed to killing our American horses for overseas human consumption.

The area where this facility would be built would forever be scarred. The few jobs a horse processing facility creates are low paying and attract workers with no marketable skills and lacking in ethics. Horses are not livestock and are not meant to be food source animals. Companion animals should not be terrorized and killed in this manner. This is not humane euthanasia. Not by a long shot. The same things you are viewing from the “downed” cows videos related to the beef recall go on with the horses and is equally repulsive. And horses are much smarter, and flight animals by nature, so they try to elude their killers – resulting in even more inhumane acts.

The environmental impact is massive. Have you researched the negative impact to drinking water sources, sewer systems and treatment plants, the horrible smells and sounds coming from the plants that were formerly in operation in Texas and Illinois? Are you aware the former Mayor Paula Bacon, from Kauffman, Texas, is going to Capitol Hill in March to speak about the horrors her town experienced as a result of being “neighbors” with the infamous Dallas Crown horse killing plant? Do your citizens really want this sort of development?

I work in economic development in the state in which I reside, so I know a little bit about what I speak. This is not the type of industry you want to attract to your area. You won't be creating many jobs, and they certainly won't attract the higher paying, better educated members of society you would like to have in your community. And do the current community members deserve to be forced to live in an area with these issues? Will they want to continue to live in those communities after this slaughter plant is built?

The federal ban (S 311/HR 503) on slaughter of horses for human consumption and their export out of the country for the same is going to be voted on this session. It is known as the American Horse Slaughter Protection Act. It would be very foolhardy to fund an industry that is going to come to an end in America.

Don’t try to make this about “anti-meat” activists. I love a good steak, love a good burger. But Flicka isn’t a food source animal, and I am not about to condone eating her. I am not a member of PETA. I am however, a volunteer at a rescue that saves slaughter bound horses and gives them another chance at life. According to the USDA, 92% of the horses ending up at slaughter houses are young, healthy and not dangerous. Again, I know firsthand of what I speak.

After carefully considering these important facts, I am certain you'll realize that you would be doing your state – your taxpayers – a huge disservice to bring this blight into their communities.

Most respectfully,

Lorri Roush Shaver

American's Against Horse Slaughter - Join Us in DC

American’s Against Horse Slaughter ~ Join us in DC!

On March 4^th and 5^th we are all invited to come together and be a voice for the horses who cannot speak for themselves. Please join us!

You will have the opportunity to meet many Americans who share our love for horses and want to end the threat of slaughter for our horses. We will be traveling to the many offices of our Senators and Representatives to let them know emphatically that the American Horse Slaughter Protection Amendment must be passed. It is the will of the American people, and we need to drive that point home.

Traveling to DC to visit our legislators may sound intimidating. I know it did for me. But back in July, I made the trip. I discovered the all the House and Senate offices are around the Capitol, and walking from one to another was an easy trip. Some of the buildings even offer underground access to the adjacent building, so that you do not have to go outside and go through security again. I actually stayed across the river in Virginia and took a cab into DC, which only cost about $5.

We cannot emphasize enough that this must be a very professional endeavor. If you are going to participate, we need you to be dressed as business professionals. This event is of monumental importance, so please dress the part.

So…join us! Speak for the horses that have no voice! End the slaughter!

For additional information please visit this website:

http://alexbrownracing.com/wiki/index.php/Horse_slaughter#Upcoming_Anti_Slaughter_Events:_March_4_and_5

Here is the “official” invitation from Mayor Bacon:

You are warmly and urgently invited to participate in the great task remaining before us—banning the slaughter of American horses. Your voice is critical at this time as thousands of American horses are being shipped across our borders and appallingly slaughtered. We have come so far, but our great task remains, to see to it that American laws and American justice finally prevail.

Please join me, Paula Bacon (former mayor of Kaufman, TX-- former home of Dallas Crown horse slaughter plant) and other major leaders and advocates in Washington, D.C. for two days of advocacy, to urgently encourage Congress to implement a permanent ban of horse slaughter.

On arrival you can expect a strategy session/breakfast meeting to bring together all attendees before your scheduled appointments. On the evening of March 4th plan to attend a networking event of the anti horse slaughter community where you can talk with others deeply committed to the ban.

We extend this important invitation to you, asking you to come to Washington on March 4th and 5^th:

• To respectfully remind members of Congress that our numbers are growing and we are not going away—ever—not without a permanent end to horse slaughter.
• To respectfully remind Congress that in fact, horse slaughter is THE ‘go away’ issue, as offensive to the electorate as it is un-American, and the sooner it goes away the better for all.
• To respectfully remind Congress that we are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people—and, with respect, it is high time we abide by the will of the people, permanently banning horse slaughter.

We need 100 people. The impact of a minimum 100 people who can commit to participate and ‘walk the halls’ for the federal ban is considerable—100 dedicated, well-dressed, well-spoken and courteous advocates. We will dress for success in our best business attire—because we do mean business. We will bring our most professional attitude—we will not be portrayed as tree-hugging ‘animal rights’ people, but as average Americans, unfunded but absolutely committed to stand up for American values and America’s horses.

Please respond if you can go to Washington D.C. on March 4th and 5th (Tuesday and Wednesday). E-mail Julie Caramante at jcaramante@gmail.com using the subject header Attending DC Event.

Please come. Help make this the legislative session when the federal ban on horse slaughter was finally achieved.

All the best,

Paula Bacon

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.