When domestic horse slaughter plants were closed a few years ago, horse advocates everywhere were delighted that they had essentially saved this noble animal from a grisly end. But a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in June 2011, concluded that the same number of US horses are still being slaughtered, but across the border in Mexico and Canada.
Furthermore said the GAO report, horse abuse cases have risen, with abandonment, illegal smuggling and a poor economy bolstering an increase in equine welfare cases across the board. Horses are still receiving death sentences, pro-slaughter advocates say, but a prolonged and more cruel one. Thus, US horse slaughter plants should reopen. What do you think?
"Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter," Report
"Since fiscal year 2006, Congress has annually prohibited the use of federal funds to inspect horses destined for food, effectively prohibiting domestic slaughter," said GAO. With horse slaughter in the US ceasing in 2007 the report adds, "The slaughter horse market has shifted to Canada and Mexico." Between 2006-10, adds GAO, "U.S. horse exports for slaughter increased by 148 and 660 percent to Canada and Mexico, respectively," thus, "Nearly the same number of U.S. horses was transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter in 2010 – nearly 138,000 – as was slaughtered before domestic slaughter ceased."
Essentially the report says, horses are still being slaughtered, just not on our turf. One can clearly hear the calls from pro-slaughter groups asking, "Are you happy now?" You may have halted horse slaughtering on US soil, but it has not stopped it from happening elsewhere. And if anything, horses are suffering far more because of that decision.
Supporters for reopening horse slaughter plants, such as US Horse Owners in Favor of Reopening Slaughter Plants, are lobbying Congress to revisit the issue. Citing a population explosion, starvation, abandonment and horrendous transportation conditions, the group states that horses are suffering more than ever.
"Animal rights groups have done nothing but create more suffering and abuse," because horse exports are no longer, "Regulated and are far less humane." With longer transportation times and no oversight adds the group, horses go unfed, not watered and some even die en route.
Unfortunately, when someone closes a door, somebody else will open a window, and it's usually an illegal one. Recently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seized 60 adopted wild-horses in Utah, thought to be bound for slaughter plants in Mexico. Animal welfare rights groups blamed the BLM's lax adoption procedures, but even horse owners struggling with a down economy and unable to feed their horses, are sending their equines on arduous journeys because to humanely euthanize their animals is not an option they cannot afford.
So what are the options?
I searched high and low for reasonable arguments and alternative options to justify keeping the horse slaughter plants closed. No horse lover wants to see this animal end its days in a slaughter plant. I could only conclude, that we need a reasonable and viable option to ensure that those slaughter house doors stay firmly closed.
Explanations offered by animal rights groups varied from the horse being an American icon to mutual agreement that the transportation of horses across the border to be slaughtered for human consumption, is an horrendous practice. So awful in fact, that in June a bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to stop horses being exported across the border for slaughter and consumption.
I applaud it wholeheartedly, but it only addresses one part of the issue and contributes nothing towards helping horses avoid starvation or abandonment in this country; nor does it give the hurting horse owner a viable option to take. If it's comes down to feeding a horse or feeding a family, in reality, which is going to come first? It's easy to say, breeders should restrict breeding and people shouldn't have horses if they can't care for them, but the recession affected everybody, and changed those options. It was not a choice of the people.
Going back to the GAO report. Closing domestic slaughter plants they say:
- Significantly and negatively affected lower-to-medium priced horses by 8 to 21 percent
- Combined with the economic downturn, reduced prices for all horses by 4 to 5 percent
- Saw a rise in investigations for horse neglect and more abandoned horses since 2007, by state, local government, and animal welfare organizations
In Colorado, the report adds, "Investigations for horse neglect and abuse increased more than 60 percent from 975 in 2005 to 1,588 in 2009. Also, California, Texas, and Florida reported more horses abandoned on private or state land since 2007. These changes have strained resources."
Considering these statistics, should domestic horse slaughter plants reopen? I pray not, and encourage the halting of exportation for slaughter bill. But there must be a workable solution provided in its place. Every animal, deserves a pain-free end.
We should be working towards making euthanasia an option that is affordable in a down economy; until then, there can be no resolution. Horses will continue to starve, face abandonment and be abused. Meanwhile, welfare groups will buckle under the strain. Is that fair to the noble horse? Let's be clear here, I am not lobbying for the slaughter houses to be reopened, I am lobbying for a suitable solution that does not give pro-slaughter advocates live ammunition.
In taking away options, something must be provided in its place. What's next? A bullet, a few acres and a shovel?
Sources:
Government Accountability Office. Gao.gov. June 22, 2011.
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
Join the Conversation