Help End Horse Slaughter: Watch REAL SPORTS/Bryant Gumbel- HBO-May 12 at 10:00 PM

 
What happens to all the "pretty little horses" that have reached the end of their career as race horses or no longer able to compete in other equine sports?

The sad fact is that many of these race horses are are often taken directly from the track  and sent to auction for sale as meat.

Since the three foreign based slaughter houses in the United States have been closed, "killer buyers" who profit from the sale of horseflesh are now shipping these unfortunate horses outside  the United States, to Mexico and Canada where horse slaughter remains legal.

Tonight, May 12 at 10:00 PM,  REAL SPORTS with Bryant Gumbel will present a special report airing some of the dirty little secrets about the plight affecting many of our magnificent Thoroughbred race horses no longer able to compete in the sport of racing during his 134th debut edition of the show.

It is my fervent hope that many people will watch the show this evening and will be touched sufficiently to take action to stop the inhumane and cruel practice of horse slaughter.

Many of these horses remain suitable to find new homes where they can begin a happier and useful life. Many of them can be retired at rescue havens where they may be able to  live their lives out in peace.

We need to work together in support of the pending legislations H.R. 503 and S. 311, to be finally passed to protect our vulnerable horses.

On the other hand, it is heartwarming to see a lovely mare, named Remarkably, a slaughter bound mare that was "thrown away" given the opportunity to have a new life. Just look at her now. She was pulled from the kill pen in September 2006 and has found a career as a show horse.

Ridden by Liesha, trained by Elissa Allen (Evenstride Farm) winning a 2nd and 5th place win at a recent horse show.

Information provided by

Jo Deibel
President/Director

Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Inc.

If you are a horse lover  and wish to help, I urge you to watch this special segment tonight on REAL SPORTS.  Then follow your heart and take action by visiting: American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Silent Sunday on Frequently Feline: Happy Mare's Day!

Mother's Day, is a special day we set aside to honor our moms.

In the spirit of Mother's Day, I chose this very special "mom", Callie, rescued from the slaughter pen. It is not only the sick and elderly that are sent to slaughter. Just like Callie, many are young and healthy horses in desperate need of homes.

This very lucky mare had a weanling at her side and was pregnant with the foal featured in this touching video from ksbg195. 

Let's thank the "horse moms" who lovingly rescued these horses in order to give  them a second chance for a meaningful and happy life, by leaving a comment for them.

Happy Mother's Day!

Resolution to Promote Horse Slaughter is Defeated!

Barbaro enjoys a refreshing bath

The "Barbaro Effect" continues to weave its' magic. This incredibly good news, which was released on April 25, just four days prior to Barbaro's birthday demonstrates how dedicated his fans are to taking action to benefit all horses. I felt compelled to re-post the article below, to keep folks informed about the progress that is being made in the work that is underway to ensure the passage of H.R.503/S.311.

National Conference of State Legislators Defeats Resolution to Promote Horse Slaughter is Defeated!

April 25, 2008 (Washington, D.C.)  A renegade resolution to promote the continued slaughter of American horses for human consumption abroad was defeated at today's meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The measure, offered by state Representative David Sigdestad (D-SD), urged the United States Congress to oppose the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, currently pending in Congress. AWI commends those state legislators who stood up in support of humane treatment of horses.

"The scheme was yet another dirty trick brought to you by the horse slaughter industry and its lobbyists. Contrary to their claims, the federal American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act has enormous Congressional and public support, and the current trend at the state level has also been towards the passage of laws that protect horses from slaughter," said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute.

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/H.R. 503), will prohibit the slaughter of American horses here or abroad for human consumption in Europe and Asia where it is often considered a delicacy. The Senate and House versions have 38 and 200 cosponsors, respectively.

Polls show the majority of Americans support an end to the foreign-driven trade, as do hundreds of horse industry leaders and organizations, humane groups and dozens of celebrities. As a result, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed the United States House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin in the 109th Congress and is up for reconsideration again. States are also weighing in.

"While the US Congress is considering a federal ban, California, Texas and Illinois have taken action to send this predatory business packing. South Dakota recently considered the issue when a bill authorizing state funds for the construction of a horse slaughterhouse was stopped in its tracks, yet here we have a legislator from South Dakota, Representative Sigdestad, offering a resolution that flies in the face of legislative trend and public sentiment," said Heyde. "We must enact the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act immediately to protect America"s horses from being trucked alive across our borders for slaughter abroad, and to further the will of those states that have enacted measures to end this barbaric trade."
In recent years, more than 100,000 American horses were slaughtered annually at three foreign-owned horse slaughterhouses operating out of Texas and Illinois while tens of thousands more were exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter there. Last year laws were enacted in Texas and Illinois prohibiting the slaughter, thus shutting down the country's remaining domestic plants. Nonetheless, the industry continues to haul huge numbers of American horses over the border for slaughter where they may be stabbed in the neck to induce paralysis before slaughter.

"There has been a concerted effort by the misnamed 'Horse Welfare Coalition,' mentioned in Representative Sigdestad's resolution, to mislead legislators and the American public on the gruesome nature of horse slaughter. The fact is that this coalition was founded and is led by the very same foreign-owned companies that were previously slaughtering our horses here and are now trucking them over the border to Canada and Mexico to do the same, only under worse conditions. That the horse slaughter lobby claims to be working in the best interest of American horses by pushing for the defeat of a federal ban on their slaughter is disingenuous," said Heyde.

"We're just glad that reason ruled the day and the NCSL defeated the resolution."

Let's keep the momentum going, folks! Please continue to make those phone calls and help get these bills passed! Our beloved horses are counting on you!

National Call In Day: In Honor of Barbaro's Birthday. Let's Get Those Phone lines Blinking!

Happy Birthday Barbaro!

Let's honor your special day by taking the immediate action that is crucial. Let's celebrate by making these phone lines light up brightly!

The Humane Society of The United States posted an urgent request this morning:

"Today is the National Call-In Day for Horses, in honor of
Barbaro's birthday! Time is running out for Congress to pass the
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311) to end the transport to slaughter of American horses to Mexico and Canada.

"Let's light up the phones on Capitol Hill to send the message
loud and clear that we want a permanent ban on horse slaughter now.

Here's How To Help!

"When you call, you will speak to a staff member who will pass
your message along to your legislator. Remember to be polite and professional, and leave your name and address so it is clear
that you are a constituent.

You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your town]
to urge [legislator's name] to co-sponsor the American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 503/S. 311, to end the transport
to slaughter of American horses. We must end this cruel practice once and for all. Thank you."

"2. We are tracking the impact of your calls, so click here: Let us know you called your legislators:

"3. Finally, please tell all of your friends and family to call today and throughout this week.

"Your calls have made a difference in the past, so please make
the call today. Together, we can stop horse slaughter.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States"

To contact your Representatives

To contact the Senate

 

Additionally, call Senator Craig (who is presently blocking S.311). Politely relay this message to his aide, "

“We ask that Senator Craig allow Bill S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to move forward.”

Senator Craig: 202-224-2752
Toll-Free #'s: 800-828-0498 - - 800-828-1887 - - 800-614-2803

 

Your support is appreciated so much. Barbaro and all the horses thank you!

Silent Sunday: Protect Our Horses!

Bam: Kim's beloved Quarter Horse

Kim loves horses and supports the Americans Against Horse Slaughter movement.

Please take a moment to watch  "Anthem", a moving video created by phutc7274. While some of the images are disturbing to watch,  the reality of the cruelty of horse slaughter is presented with candor and honesty.

Thanks, Pamie for creating this video.

Horse Slaughter: Vs. Humane Euthanasia

Bam- Kim's beloved equine companion

Those of us who love horses and who are involved in the fight to abolish horse slaughter and the transportation of horses outside the United States destined for slaughter plants are painfully aware of the myths that the pro-slaughter group promote. One of them is their frequently used argument that there is no need to ban horse slaughter as it is a form of humane euthanasia. According to Alexbrownracing.com, this is far from the truth.

Excerpted from the site:

"Myth: There is no need for a ban because slaughter is humane euthanasia.

Fact: Horse slaughter is a far cry from humane euthanasia. "Euthanasia" means a gentle, painless death provided in order to prevent suffering. Horse slaughter is a death fraught with terror, pain, and suffering. Horses are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time in crowded double-decker cattle trucks without food, water, or rest.

Pregnant mares, foals, injured horses, and even blind horses must endure the journey. Once they arrive, their suffering intensifies—undercover footage obtained by The Humane Society of the United States demonstrates that fully conscious horses are shackled and hoisted by the rear leg and have their throats slit. Because horses are skittish by nature, it is particularly difficult to align them correctly and ensure the captive bolt stun gun renders them unconscious. Unwanted horses should be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian when no other option exists, rather than placed on a truck, cruelly transported, and then butchered. Most horse owners already use humane euthanasia for their older or ill horses. "

But many people continue to believe that the practice of horse slaughter is a form of humane euthanasia. This nasty form of propaganda continues to be one of the biggest lies surrounding the cruel and heartless practice.There are even equine veterinarians  to continue to perpetuate this myth. Do they really believe it to be an accurate statement? But sadly to say, in my own experience in talking with several equine practitioners, this was the case.  I just don't understand how they can justify this argument. Don't they have eyes?

There is nothing humane about horse slaughter. The humane euthanasia of critically injured or terminally ill horses is done with care and concern by responsible horse owners.

I found an extremely compelling video that graphically dispels the myth that slaughter is a form of humane euthanasia. While it is difficult to view, it serves as further ammunition for those involved in the fight to end the practice of horse slaughter and the transport of horses destined to be slaughtered outside the United States.

dougsgirl63, a self-professed animal caretaker and "house mouse"  made the video and uploaded it to YouTube on February 27, 2008. This is what she wrote about it.

"This video I made today with intentions on it heading to Washington to show my Senators and Reps the truth about what all is involved in horse slaughter.The pro slaughter side will make you believe that horse slaughter is humane euthanasia...It is not.....In this video i have footage of everything that happens to our American horses on their journey to the slaughter house and at the end it will show you what "IS" humane euthanasia."

I highly commend her for making this video and her courage for sharing it. I do hope that folks will take the time to watch it and pass it along to friends who are also involved in the support of the passage of S.311 and HR 503.

For more information about strategies and what you can do to help, visit: Alexbrownracing.com

End Horse Slaughter Now: Please Help!

Kim and Breeze: Happy horse keeping

Horses are one of our most popular companions. We need to put an end to the slaughter of these magnificent animals. We need your help!

Tuesday March 4, and Wednesday, March 5, approximately 80  FOB's (Fans of Barbaro) will be gathering in Washington, D.C. to lobby for the passage of S. 311 and H.R.503. This is a powerful group and one which has done an amazing amount of work to help all horses

These two bills must be passed in order to finally end horse slaughter once- and for- all. The transportation of horses outside the United States destined to be slaughtered for meat for human consumption in foreign countries must be stopped. The doors to the foreign based horse slaughter plants in the United States have finally shut and we also must close the pipeline of horses being shipped outside our country destined for slaughter. We must have these bills finally passed so that our beloved horses will be protected from the acts of cruelty to which they are being subjected in plants outside the U.S. borders.

You can help! All you need to do is pick up your phone and call the Capitol Switchboard at: 1-800-828-0498 and ask to be connected to your Senators and Representative's extensions. This is a toll free number.

If you wish to call your Senators or Representatives directly, here are their contact links.
U.S. Senate:

House Of Representatives:

You just have to say that you are calling about S.311 when you talk with your Senator's aides in their office, or when you are talking with your State Representative, tell them you are asking them to support H.R.503. Let them know that you are strongly against horse slaughter, and leave a message for your Senator or Representative that you want them to support/ co-sponsor these bills.

It only takes but a few minutes to make these calls.  Your voice does count! You can help our horses be safe and protected.

Please share this crucial information with your horse loving friends. Collectively we are a powerful group.Together we can make a difference!

Americans Against Horse Slaughter: Final Cut

 

Press Release

For immediate release: February 21, 2008

For more information contact:                                  
Julie Caramante     
Americans Against Horse Slaughter
Email: jcaramante@gmail.com

Horse Owners and Advocates to Converge on Congress

Proponents of federal legislation to ban horse slaughter in the United States are gathering in Washington, D.C. on March 4th and 5th to lobby for the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR.503/S.311).

Calling the event “Americans Against Horse Slaughter Week,” hundreds of people from all parts of the country will press for passage of pending legislation that would place a federal ban on the transport and slaughter of horses for human consumption.

In 2007, the last three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants operating in the U.S. were closed by state laws.  However, horse slaughter plants could open in other states where such laws do not exist.  The closure of the American plants has also resulted in the increased transport of American horses for slaughter to Mexico and Canada.  Recent investigations into the slaughter practices in Mexico have alarmed many.

“Texas and Illinois took action to shut down the plants,” pointed out one of the event organizers, Julie Caramante, “but as a consequence of the failure to pass a federal bill, there has been an increase in horses going to Mexico where slaughter cruelty is much worse.”

The barbarity faced by horses inside Mexican slaughter plants has been documented by a report in the Houston Chronicle and by an undercover video released by the Humane Society of the United States. Horses are repeatedly stabbed in the neck until their spinal cords are severed leaving them quadriplegic. They are then slaughtered while fully conscious.

“It is urgent that we get the federal legislation enacted into law,” said Caramante.  “Every week Congress delays, a thousand more horses face this horrible fate in Mexico and Canada.”

A similar bill, introduced in the Republican controlled 109th Congress, was almost passed in 2006 when the House voted for passage by a wide bipartisan margin of 263-146.  However, the session ended without a Senate vote.

The 110th Congress voted unanimously to let the bill out of committee in the Senate, but it is currently being blocked by Senator Larry Craig of Idaho. Craig was recently admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee for improperly using $213,000 of his campaign funds to pay legal expenses related to his arrest for soliciting an undercover officer in a Minneapolis airport
men’s restroom.

Recent actions by the Texas, Illinois and South Dakota legislatures blocked horse slaughter in those states.  “In every case, they heard from tens of thousands of Americans,” said Caramante. She went on to cite a Public Opinion Strategies poll, funded by billionaire philanthropist T. Boone Pickens, which showed that a large majority of Americans want horse slaughter banned.

“Americans don’t want horse slaughter,” Caramante summed up. “Our numbers are growing and more people are joining each day. And those who can’t go to Washington will be calling Congress to finish what the states started. We are not going away.”

For more information on Americans Against Horse Slaughter, please visit:

Kaufman Zoning.net

alexbrownracing.com/wiki/

Watch the HSUS Video: Warning- Disturbing Images

Save our Horses! Take Action: National Call in Day: 1/22/08

Photo: Raven, Kim's equine partner.

Calling all horse lovers! Today, January 22, 2008, is National Call In Day!

If you feel strongly that the cruel and unnecessary slaughter of our beautiful horses must finally be abolished, once and for all, please pick up your phone, now, and call your two US Senators, and one US Representative. Contact information may be found below.

Ask your Senators to please cosponsor and vote "yes" on S-311. If they are already cosponsors, thank them. Ask your Representative to cosponsor and vote yes for HR-503. Thank them also if they are cosponsors.

Your input is crucial. Speak from your heart, telling them how important horses are to you, and how critical their cosponsoring and vote in support of these bills are to help abolish horse slaughter, once and for all.

In spite of the fact that newspapers and other media are filled with news about how negatively the abolishment of horse slaughter will generate untold numbers of unwanted and abandoned horses, this simply is not true. There is no accurate evidence to back up these claims. We must set the record straight.

While the doors to the three remaining foreign owned horse slaughter houses in the United States have been shut at this point, we need to keep them closed permanently. The transportation of horses to Canada and Mexico remains legal. We must ensure that both horse slaughter and the export of horses destined for slaughter will be finally outlawed.

Let your voices be heard today! Additionally, please ask your friends and family to also call their legislators today and throughout this week.

Contact your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Senate: Senators Home 

For more information about National Call In Day: Visit: rallyforhorses.

Watch the HSUS video: The Export of America's Horses  Warning: graphic images