Sunday, December 04, 2011

Some we love, some we hate, some we eat.

Here is a clear-headed article on the subject of horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S.:

http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-national/dispelling-the-myths-and-the-facts-about-horse-slaughter-resuming-america

3 comments:

  1. It's a subject nobody likes to touch upon Craig. I have a 31 year old horse. Right now he's healthy. But if he gets to the point of being unable to live a quality life then I'll have him humanely euthanised. A bullet in the head is far quicker then the methods used in the slaughter house. Because I'm used to the fact that horses and cattle are slaughtered as food for the lions and tigers I'm associated with I'm a bit more of a realist on this subject. Truthfully I'd rather see a horse die of old age after a quality life but reality is a far different teacher where that goes

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's been a lot of hysteria over here about an obscure clause in a bill pushed through Congress, that removes the ban on horse slaughter for human consumption. The fact is that, although there is no longer a ban, no funding for inspection of the meat was provided, so essentially nothing has changed.

    The phrase "some we love, some we hate, some we eat" comes from a book that examines the exceedingly illogical concepts we as a population have about animals. I agree that the primary issue in regard to any type of meat is the farming (and slaughtering) methods.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We have places here in New Zealand that do slaughter horses for human consumption. One place Clover Exports was done by the NZSPCA for failing to ensure the welfare of several horses that were left in appalling conditions half starved in a paddock. After Television New Zealand got involved the animals concerned were slaughtered the same day. I don't agree with the way they slaughter horses at these processing plants. The animal is knocked literally on the head to stun it before while still alive hoisted up then the throat cut downwards to bleed the horse alive. That should be seriously reviewed. I believe that a capture bolt properly administered or use of a gun is a more humane to end these animals lives. I've found after witnessing what I've witnessed the gun is my preferred option. It's instant and the animal is dead before it hits the ground. Kinder in my view. Thanks for the insight.

    ReplyDelete