Congressional Leaders Take A Stand Against Mass Slaughter of Wild Horses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional Leaders Send Message to Bureau of Land Management
Don't Even Think About Killing America's Wild Horses and Burros

Washington, D.C. (December 4, 2008) - Joining with a growing public chorus of outrage at a recent proposal by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and their Wild Horse Advisory board to euthanize up to 33,000 wild horses, several leaders in the US House of Representatives sent a letter to the agency stressing their strong opposition to any such effort.

Today, Congressman Nick Rahall, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and Congressman Raul Grijalva, chairman of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee sent a letter to James Caswell, director of the Bureau of Land Management.

The chairmen said, “We continue to be concerned about your agency’s proposal to deal with problems facing the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Program by defaulting to a policy of mass euthanization of thousands of healthy horses. As recently as November 17, the Wild Horse Advisory Board and the BLM continue to support mass euthanization, even considering options to expand sale authority in ways that will lead to the extermination of more horses. The policy is not a solution – it is a failure.”

This powerful letter comes on the heels of an announcement by Madeleine Pickens in which she as stepped forward to provide a permanent and safe home to those horses in BLM holding facilities to ensure they are not killed as the agency tries to balance its books. “Mrs. Pickens is one of the most generous and compassionate individuals I have ever known,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of Government and Legal Affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute. “Mrs. Pickens is acting out of pure selflessness. She has been a long time fighter for America’s horses and her commitment to protecting these national treasures is historic.”

In 1971, the American public and US Congress had to come to the rescue of America’s wild horses who were being wiped out by the BLM by enacting the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Thirty-seven years later, they are both coming to aid of them again from the mismanagement by the very same agency. There are many other options in dealing with wild horses on public lands and AWI will be working closely with Congress and other organizations to ensure the Agency is fixed so our horses and the public are not in this situation in a few years.

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For More Information:
Animal Welfare Institute Condemns BLM Proposal to Kill Thousands of Wild Horses in Holding Facilities
Managing for Extinction: Shortcomings of the Bureau of Land Management's National Wild Horse and Burro Program


Contact:
Chris Heyde, (202) 337-2332

For over 57 years, the Animal Welfare Institute has been the leading voice for animals across the country and on Capitol Hill to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. To learn more about us, please visit www.awionline.org.

********************Christopher J. HeydeDeputy Director, Government and Legal AffairsAnimal Welfare Institute PO Box 3650Washington, DC 20027Tel: (202) 337-2332 ~ Fax: (888) 260-2271www.awionline.orgwww.compassionindex.org

Bureau of Land Management Again Trying to Slaughter America's Wild Horses - Please Comment and Say WHOA to Slaughter

For the last month many of us have eagerly awaited the public release of the GAO's report on the Wild Horse and Burro Program. We just knew, based on their previous investigations, that they would do an incredible and in-depth report based on their previous investigations. In our minds we just knew that while it might not come down fully on the side of the horses, it would be fair and truthful. The BLM must have had such a hard time not to laugh in our faces.

While we had to wait more than 30 days after its release to Congress, the BLM knew what it was going to say before it came out. The GAO took surveys of BLM field offices and the report reads as if it came directly off the BLM website, and I believe that parts of it did. There was no real investigation of facts and documents provided by humane groups were ignored, especially if there was anything that conflicted with the BLM's "official" position. Of course the worst part of the report, the one that basically demanded that the BLM begin the wholesale killing of healthy wild horses in holding facilities, wasn't even expressed on the BLM site.

If you haven't yet read the report you can find it on our website or the GAO's site. Everyone should read it, our taxpayer dollars paid for it. But after reading it one has to wonder why it took months to prepare since it is full of BLM quotes many of us have heard before.

One of the things one has to wonder about is why the report repeatedly spoke about the BLM's census methods. According to the report, the census methods used by BLM are not only not accurate, but are under-estimating herd sizes astronomically. The method can only UNDER estimate, not over estimate. The method used by BLM are direct count plus a percentage for unseen animals and increased each year by a percentage to account for foals. This is the method the BLM stood behind for years saying that it was accurate + OR - anywhere from 15-20%. Now the GAO report says that the method is so inaccurate that it may account for hundreds of uncounted horses. They fail to follow with the logic that if it is so inaccurate the BLM should reevaluate the AMLs as the range has shown that it could support more horses than originally thought.

The report cites the Jackson Mountain HMA as an example. During the Jackson Mountain fiasco over 185 horses died during the removal and holding. The report erroneously cites 150. The claim is that the BLM grossly underestimated the number of horses on the range by 640 horses. They fail to mention that the BLM claimed that they were closely monitoring the herds in the Jackson Mountain HMA due to numerous reports that the water sources were not properly filling and horses were frantic to find water. They also failed to note that the neighboring Sheldon Wildlife Refuge "lost" over 400 horses that may have been migrating between the two areas. When humane groups and individuals repeatedly asked Sheldon and BLM where over 400 horses could have disappeared to, their requests for information went unanswered. By the way, during the time the horses disappeared fences were repaired between Jackson Mountain and Sheldon, so if the horses had traveled onto BLM land they would have been trapped there with no water. One single incident cannot prove that the entire BLM census method underestimates EVERY single time.

On the contrary, it is not only possible but statistically probable that they could just as easily OVER estimate census numbers. If one looks at the report prepared by the American Herds, it is not only possible but probable that the population still roaming our public lands is 20,000 fewer than the BLM estimates. American Herds looks at the way BLM calculates the population of horses and using their own methods comes to much lower number than the BLM and below their arbitrarily determined Appropriate Management Level (AML).

The determination of AML is important because it determines how many horses are removed from the range. If the AML is set too low, as it is in many areas where the AML is below 40 horses, horses are removed unnecessarily and put into holding facilities. If the GAO is looking at how to handle the horses in holding facilities they should have looked at the fact that they may or may not have been gathered improperly. This is especially true when they are basically saying these horses should be euthanized. That should be the last resort as the law states, not the answer to issues that are as yet unresolved. It is possible that these horses should be returned to their rightful place on the range and not held and certainly not killed.

The GAO also failed to recognize that the BLM has zeroed out herd areas in violation of the law that states that the horses are to "be managed WHERE THEY ARE FOUND" (emphasis added). For them to have decided for convenience sake that herd areas should be closed or horses not returned after disaster is not within their jurisdiction. The law trumps policy. In addition, the BLM has removed around 30 MILLION acres from the wild horse and burro program. Certainly the 30,000 horses in holding, or at least a large majority, could be returned to the range if this land is once again added to the program. Then the taxpayer wouldn't be footing the bill for their care at these facilities and the horses would be where they belong. Since most if not all stallions are castrated when they enter the holding facilities, it isn't likely that they would be genetically viable, but it is far better than their death.

For these reasons and many more it is imperative that EVERYONE contact their Congressperson and Senators and ask for answers. Nothing will answer these questions other than independent assessment of the wild horse and burro population and a full Congressional investigation. The American Herds report should be cited as a comprehensive investigation that shows that the BLM census numbers are not accurate, but not because they underestimate but because they are inflating the number of horses in the wild. Since there are such widely differing census numbers it is important to determine what the correct population is. Until such an assessment is done and until a Congressional hearing is held the BLM should be prevented from killing a single healthy animal in holding facilities. Wording should be included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, S 3213 to prevent the BLM from using any of their budget to "euthanize" healthy animals. Please pass this along to your friends, relatives and anyone in your address book. The lives of over 30,000 horses depend on our voices, please do not let them die because the GAO failed to do its job properly or because the BLM improperly manages the program.

To find your Congressperson and Senators visit the Save Our Wild Horses website.

The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board is meeting next Monday, 17 November 2008 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino’s Reno Ballroom, 50 East Fourth Street, Reno, Nevada from 8am to 5pm local time. Comments should also be submitted to them asking that they NOT approve any motions to euthanize healthy animals in holding facilities. Those who would like to comment but are unable to attend may submit a written statement no later than November 12, 2008, to: Bureau of Land Management, National Wild Horse and Burro Program, WO-260, Attention: Ramona DeLorme, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nevada, 89502-7147. Comments may also be e-mailed to: Ramona_DeLorme@blm.gov . Those submitting comments electronically should include the identifier "WH&B" in the subject of their message and their name and address in the body of the message.

The Commission for the Preservation of Wild Horses is also meeting 14 November 2008 at the Winnemucca Convention Center at 50 West Winnemucca Blvd in Winnemucca, Nevada from 9am to 11am. They should also receive comments.Thank you for your time and dedication and PLEASE forward this far and wide.

Vote For Pennsylvania's Anti Horse Slaughter Reps - Vote NO for Holden and Tim Murphy Who Are Pro-Slaughter

How Pennsylvania’s Congressional Representatives Feel About Horse Slaughter

I decided to create a comparison of incumbents versus their opponents with respect to their stance on horse slaughter based on the recently introduced bill HR 6598 (Equine Protection Cruelty Act) as well as HR 503 (American Horse Slaughter Protection Amendment) and HR 249 (restoring protection to wild burros and horses). This poll was conducted via email and telephone and began at the beginning of October. The goal was to have an informational page here to show Pennsylvanian constituents how their US Representative and their opponents in the upcoming election feel about HR 6598.

HR 6598 is the Equine Protection Cruelty Act, introduced by Representative Conyers in July of 2008. While the House of Representatives did not get the bill out of committee for a vote, we (www.americansagainsthorseslaughter.com ) anticipate that HR 6598 will be reintroduced early in the 111th Congress.

Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to three years for possessing, shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering, or receiving any horse, horse flesh, or carcass with the intent that it be used for human consumption. Reduces the prison term to one year if the offense involves less than five horses or less than 2,000 pounds of horse flesh or carcass and the offender has no prior conviction for this offense.

Specifically, I asked the legislative aides or campaign aides if the legislator or campaigner would co-sponsor, support or not support HR 6598 as written currently when reintroduced in the 111th Congress.

Here is how things shake out:

District 1: Representative Brady, incumbent, is currently in the process of co-sponsoring HR 6598, according to Robert Henline, his Agricultural aide. His opponent, Mike Muhammed did not respond to our communications.

Vote for Brady.

District 2: Representative Fattah has co-sponsored HR 503 and is in the process of co-sponsoring HR 6598. His opponent, Adam Lang was unresponsive.

Vote for Fattah.

District 3: Representative English has co-sponsored HR 6598, 503 and supported 249. His opponent, Kathy Dahlkemper, will co-sponsor the bill according to Jon Pyatt of her campaign staff.

Good support is offered by both candidates. Note Rep. English has supported many equine bills over the last several years. Both should support humane treatment of our equines.

District 4: Representative Altmire has been a friend to horses in the past and co-sponsored HR 503 and 249. His office did not respond to my survey. Melissa Hart’s representatives were contacted several times and did not respond.

Vote for Altmire. He has a proven track record of support.

District 5: Incumbent Peterson is retiring, which is a major relief to Pennsylvanian’s opposed to horse slaughter. Glenn Thompson is running against Mark McCracken. Neither office responded to the survey, despite numerous attempts to contact them.

In this heavily rural area, it is difficult to know if either will support our equines.

District 6: Representative Gerlach has already co-sponsored HR 6598 as well as 503 and 249. His opponent, Robert Roggio, is reported by his campaign office to be supportive of 6598 and will co-sponsor the legislation if elected.

Vote for either. Gerlach has a proven record of support; Roggio intends to co-sponsor.

District 7: Neither Representative Sestak or his opponent Craig Williams responded to our survey. Representative Sestak has co-sponsored 503 and supported 249.

We suggest supporting Sestak based on his past performance.

District 8: Representative Patrick Murphy has co-sponsored HR 6598 and 503 and supported 249. His opponent Tom Manion has said he will support humane treatment of equines.

Vote for Murphy based on his past support, however Manion appears to be a good choice as well.

District 9: Representative Shuster sends letters to his constituents indicating a compassion for horses, but his office fails to confirm support of any legislation. He did not support HR 249 or co-sponsor 503. His opponent, Craig Williams did not respond to requests for information.

Write in “Shrek”…he has a kind word for donkeys!

District 10: Neither Representative Carney or his opponent Chris Hackett responded to our survey, despite numerous attempts. Carney supported 249 but not 503.

This vote again goes to the write-in “Shrek.”

District 11: Again, no response from Rep Kanjorski or Mayor Barletta. Kanjorski had supported 249 but not 503.

Vote for Barletta. We need a change.

District 12: Rep Murtha has been a steady supporter of our equines, co-sponsoring 6598, 503 and supporting 249. We received no response from his opponent.

Please support Representative Murtha.

District 13: Rep Allyson Schwartz has co-sponsored 503 and supported 249 and 6598. Her opponent, Marina Kats has also indicated that she would not only support 6598 but “push for greater penalties” for inhumane treatment of equines.

Both are very supportive of our equines, but Schwartz does have the proven track record.

District 14: Representative Mike Doyle has co-sponsored HR 6598, 503 and supported 249. Opponent Titus North of the Green Party did not respond.

Vote for Rep Doyle.

District 15: Colin Long, aide for Representative Dent was unwilling to give a stance for HR 6598, which makes me suspicious of support of the bill. However, Dent has supported 503 and 249.

Despite promises to get back to us, opponent Bennett never stated her opinion.

Vote: I don’t feel certain about either of them.

District 16: Representative Pitts has been very supportive of equine protection, but neither he nor his opponent Bruce Slater responded to our poll.

Vote for Pitts. He supported 249 and co-sponsored 503.

District 17: Holden has not been a friend to our equines. He doesn’t support 503; he is in fact pro-slaughter. His opponent, Toni Gilhooley will support the bill and probably co-sponsor according to her campaign office.

Vote for Gilhooley in 2008!

District 18: Representative Tim Murphy is also pro-slaughter based on my communications with
his office. His opponent Steve O’Donnell did not respond to the survey.

Vote for O’Donnell or anyone except Tim Murphy.

District 19: Representative Platts is a co-sponsor of HR 6598 and 503 and supported 249. He is a good friend to equines. His opponent, Phil Avillo reports he will be happy to co-sponsor 6598 as well, if elected.

Vote: Platts has been a great friend to equines and has a proven track record of supporting them, but Avillo appears to be a good choice as well.

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Again, this poll was done in a limited amount of time with a limited number of resources. All comments are suggestions regarding public officials and should be viewed as such.

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