By: Jordan Stanton, Staff Member
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act is Congress's latest attempt at banning horse slaughter domestically. This proposed legislation also prohibits the exportation of horses to other countries for slaughter.[1] Although meritorious, legislation of this nature has been proposed before, to no avail.[2] Consequently, regulation of this practice will be left with the states. As the horse capital of the world, us Kentuckians need to consider if this ban is really beneficial to the welfare of the horses that Congress is so keen on protecting.
From Fiscal Year 2006 to 2011, Congress included language in its annual appropriations bill that prohibited the USDA's use of federal funds to inspect horses being transported for slaughter and horses that were intended for human consumption.[3] During that period, the horse slaughter industry was essentially banned in the United States; however, not outright. Circumventing this prohibition, horses were sent to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.[4] Ironically, the well-being of these animals was hurt by this prohibition. The journey these horses took to our bordering countries was long and hard, and the actual slaughter was far less humane than what was done domestically.[5] Recognizing this result, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that condemned the banning of horse slaughter domestically.[6] Heeding their warning, federal funding was restored to the USDA, which allows horse slaughter to once again commence in the United States.[7]
Kentucky is home to roughly 320,000 horses, putting it fifth in horse population in the nation.[8] As host to the most prolific horse racing event in the world, The Kentucky Derby, Kentucky has vested interest in maintaining its pro-horse persona. The question then presents itself, should the State of Kentucky enact legislation that prohibits any involvement in the horse slaughter industry? The answer is difficult. Morally, the execution of animals that are staples of American culture is hard to stomach. However, due to the dismal state of our national economy, many horse owners are unable to care for their animals.[9] In Kentucky alone there are 60,000 to 90,000 unwanted horses.[10] The problem has led to unregulated breeding, which has further inflated the crisis.[11] Numerous non-profit organizations have responded to the situation, but their level of funding leaves only a minimal remedial effect.[12]
My solution to the problem may enrage some pro-horse individuals and groups, but it is endorsed by the GAO. Since Kentucky has so many horses, and the number of unwanted horses is growing, why not construct a horse slaughter facility in the Commonwealth? The fate of these horses is much more catastrophic when they are shipped to unregulated slaughter facilities in Mexico and Canada. Why not keep these animals at home, and allow for their slaughter in regulated facilities? This industry could provide a stimulus to Kentucky's economy since horse meat is heavily sought after worldwide.[13] At the end of the day, this position is in the horse's best interest, and those who think otherwise are not acclimated with the facts.
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[1] H.R. 2966: American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, Govtrack.us, http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr2966 (last visited Oct. 25, 2012).
[2] American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, Animal Welfare Institute, http://awionline.org/content/american-horse-slaughter-prevention-act (last visited Oct. 25, 2012).
[3] Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter, United States Government Accountability Office, 8-9 (June 22, 2011), http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11228.pdf.
[4] Id. at 10.
[5] Id. at 2.
[6] See generally id.
[7] Stephen Dinan, Obama, Congress Restore Horse-Slaughter Industry, The Washington Times (Nov. 30, 2011), http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/30/obama-congress-restore-us-horse-slaughter-industry/?page=all.
[8] Dennis Johnston, Why?, Horse Capital of the World (Jan. 21, 2010, 4:25 PM), http://horsecapitaloftheworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/why.html.
[9] Wendy Mitchell, Bill Could Re-Open Horse Slaughterhouses, The Ledger Independent (Feb. 3, 2010, 10:00 PM), http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/bill-could-re-open-horse-slaughterhouses/article_2ebf741c-9c43-5814-bd5e-5fafa1d9dbbe.html.
[10] Id.
[11] Id.
[12] Horse Slaughterhouses Gain Unlikely Ally. PETA?, WHAS11.com, http://www.whas11.com/news/Horse-slaughter-re-legalized-in-United-States-134854-18.html (last updated Dec. 2, 2011).
[13] Julie Harker, Americans Eat Horse Meat, Brownsfield Ag News for America (June 8, 2012), http://brownfieldagnews.com/2012/06/08/americans-eat-horse-meat-study-published/.
The KY thoroughbred racing industry is about to impload on itself. If you want to finish the job, open a slaughter plant in KY for the owners and trainers to dump their horses. So many of the general public have left the race track after learning of the druging and so many race horses going to slaughter.
ReplyDeleteAll of the horse industries need to respect these horses for the work they have done and the money they have earned for them by being responsible for their own horses end in a humane way.
The only way to save the racing industry in KY and make it thrive is to show the general public that things have changed. I don't ever see that happening though. They have know one to blame for their downfall but themselves. I live in KY and it is not the horse capital of the world, it is the horse neglect capital of the world. Soon we will be known as the chicken capital of the world!!
Shelly Price
I find your point persuasive, Ms. Price. However, I do not think that the downfall of the horse racing industry can be attributed to the treatment of horses exclusively. The exposure that horse racing receives (outside of the Triple Crown races) is close to none. There is no national coordinating body for the sport, and consequently, rules and regulations vary from state to state. Additionally, these horses are neglected because our economy is in a state that eliminates an individual’s ability to properly care for these expensive animals. If you weigh the options, humane slaughter is far more favorable than widespread neglect, which can result in unregulated breeding, further exacerbating the problem.
DeleteFirst you are sorely misinformed. Horse slaughter is not about excess or "unwanted" horses, it's about food production. horses are not raised in this country or in the state of KY for food and therefore are not raised under food safety guidelines. We give our horses medications which are banned by the FDA, CFIA and the EU Food Safety Authority from use in ANY animal intended for slaughter for human consumption. 60-90,000 unwanted horses in the state of KY alone???? Really, there are only around 130,000 horses which are slaughtered each year.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, the slaughter plants in Canada and Mexico are EU approved plants which must meet the EU humane standard issues, which are actually more stringent that US guidelines. How about stop breeding so many horses? How about owners taking responsibility for their own horses. I'd like to know where these 60-90,000 unwanted horses in the state of KY are being held. I'd like proof of those horses.
You also negated to mention the 3rd recommendation of the GAO report was to ban slaughter completely as well as the transport for slaughter. The GAO report also has no studies to back up the findings. Annecdotal information is all they have to support the report which is not valid supporting material.
I can understand your reservation with respect to the GAO’s findings; however, their report must carry some weight if federal funding was once again restored to the USDA to inspect horse meat. Additionally, I want to address your point concerning breeding. It is difficult for owners to take responsibility for these animals when the economy has left them virtually unable to afford proper care. In a lot of cases, owners are forced to abandon these animals, which leads to unregulated breeding. Regardless of the regulations imposed abroad, there is still a market for horse meat. My question to you is this, what do you think of the journey these animals must take to our neighboring countries?
DeleteInteresting perspective on the issue. I agree with the promotion of humane slaughtering practices within the commonwealth. Kentucky cannot neglect the issue for a body of enthusiasts that comprise the horse capital of the world; simply carry out respectful, humane, yet cost efficient slaughtering practices where the life of a horse means the most- Kentucky. Well informed POV from the author. -A.L., JD
ReplyDeleteTHERE IS NO SUCH THING AS HUMANE SLAUGHTERING FOR HORSES.
DeleteThank you for your taking time to weigh in. The resolution of this issue is better addressed through humane slaughter as opposed to the treacherous cross country journeys these animals must endure. Unfortunately, this solution seems to be in the best interest of these animals.
DeleteThis is very poorly tbought out. The world-wide demand for horse meat you speak of isn't really so world wide. About 80% of horse meat from American horses goes to the EU. That market will be closed to us next August due to the fact that we will not meet their new standards for food safety in meat horses. Canada and Mexico will be hurt by the loss of this market. If you build a new plant you will be competing for a drastically downsized market, and will surely go bankrupt in your first year.
ReplyDeleteWith the amount of horses Kentucky has, competition will not be an issue. The regulations imposed by the EU do not stifle the industry. A lot of these horses that are the result of unregulated breeding do not possess the substances that the EU condemns. Also, there are many more markets that can be reached that do not have such stringent requirements. You do raise a fantastic point and I appreciate you taking the time to share it.
DeleteLet's be clear. Unregulated breeding is a problem. In fact, overbreeding in general is THE problem...just like puppy mills.
ReplyDeleteLet's be clear. Horse slaughter in the US was never humane.
Let's be clear. The entire industry is built upon fraud, deception, corruption, and finally, the biggest hoax is trying to tell the public that horse meat is a viable food source. Just to use KY as an example: How many of those race horses have drugs in them that are labeled Not For Human Consumption? They are all filled with drugs that are not healthy for humans to consumer. And many never leave the system but are stored in the muscle. There isn't a domestic American horse that doesn't get cocktails of toxic drugs. So to suggest we open our very own horse slaughter plant to send tainted food to other countries is like China sending lead filled toys to our kids. Like I said, the industry is built upon fraud and deception.
Please see the white paper at www.vetsforequinewelfare.org for the truth about horse slaughter. It must not be allowed .
ReplyDeleteThe pro-slaughter supporters are putting out all kinds of misinformation. Horse meat is toxic for consumption due to the medications and dewormers given to horses. Horse slaughter is not euthanasia. When it was allowed here many horses were dismembered while still alive. 92% of the horses that go to slaughter are healthy and in good flesh according to USDA stats. About 100,000 horses go to slaughter--a small number of the 9 million in the U.S.A. 80% of the public opposes horse slaughter . The horses suffer at the kill auctions, 20 of which are in KY, and during transportation since they are packed in trailers which have turned over recently in TN. Horses helped make KY and this country. They deserve kindness instead of cruelty. Those for horse slaughter care nothing about horses--only the few blood money dollars they'd get by betraying these noble animals. No real Kentuckian would ever do this.
The kill buyers do not want old and thin horses. Starving horses is against the law, which needs to be strengthened, and should be reported to law officials.
Jordan, was this an essay for one of your classes?
ReplyDeleteThis is an editorial commentary, and as such is light on real facts...just a lot of regurgitated opinions from persons who want to personally profit from horse slaughter.
You rely heavily on an article by Wendy Mitchell who quotes unnamed "officials" as the source of her information. She claims State Rep. Mike Denham (KY??) said there were 60,000 - 90,000 unwanted horses in Kentucky. But the source of that information is unconfirmed, as well.
And you state: "The problem has led to unregulated breeding, which has further inflated the crisis." When was horse breeding ever regulated?
And, finally, after you look up the word "acclimate", you should acquaint yourself with the real facts.
Sensational journalism. Make sure they plow up Kentucky Horse Park and Churchhill Downs so they will have someplace to dispose of the blood. GAO? Really? They operate in debits and credits, not humanity and compassion.
ReplyDeleteWhen are the merciless & greedy pro-slaughter people going to stop spewing their lies and admit over 80% of the US does not want horse slaughter here and do not want our horses shipped to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. US horse meat is toxic...when the EU new laws go into effect in 2013, this will all be mute because the EU's new rules will bann US horses because of the drugs given to them. That is, unless, kill buyers are continued to be allowed to lie on documentation saying the horse was not given any drugs. Anyone with ANY moral fiber knows that horse slaughter in cruel, no matter whether the plant is in the US, Canada or Mexico.
ReplyDeleteHere's some of the things the Commonwealth can look forward to in addition to illegal immigrant workers, rise in violent crime, and constant stench :"Dallas Crown was shuttered during Bacon’s last term in office after a 20-year legal battle over environmental violations that constantly overwhelmed the city’s wastewater plant with horse blood and discharge.Belgian-owned Dallas Crown put in a pump to force horse blood through the city sewer system and burst the pipes. Within hours, horse blood backed up into residents’ bathtubs and bubbled up through city streets." http://www.forbes.com/sites/vickeryeckhoff/2012/01/10/texas-mayor-paula-bacon-kicks-some-tail/
ReplyDeleteWhere are my comments ? I posted facts and the truth. Horse meat is toxic and horse slaughter is cruel and is not humane. Only about 100,000 horses are sent to slaughter and there are 9 million horses in the USA. See www.vetsforequinewelfare.org for facts. 92 % of horses sent to slaughter are in good shape and young. The old and thin are not wanted.
ReplyDeleteThat's what you said before ! You are refusing to post facts and are not approving my messages.
ReplyDeleteThe comments must be "published" by the Online Editors before they appear on the website. All comments have and will be published. We apologize for the delay. Thank you for your understanding.
DeleteSo now Kentucky, the "horse capital of the U.S.", is unashamedly breeding horses to discard and slaughter. This is what it amounts to. All advocates of slaughter (there is no such thing as "humane" slaughter) should watch a few of the videos of it on YouTube to see what you are advocating. I do not want any more nightmares, so I will not watch. You should be ashamed. Stop the over-breeding!
ReplyDeleteResponsible ownership and humane treatment from birth to end of life is paramount . No one could possibly convince me otherwise. Owners/trainers/breeders/ have to step up their game. States that have horseracing need to take part in a "horse retirement" fund/or fees to go toward retirement farms. If Ky touts itself as the horse capital of the world, then they must be first and foremost to lead the cavalry charge.
ReplyDeleteEDITOR'S NOTE:
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of the Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Law, I would like to state that we are appreciative of the responses that our recent posts have generated. We want to remind our readers that the purpose of this blog is not to advocate particular sides of an issue, but to generate the productive discussion of controversial issues and to bring these issues to the public's attention. We encourage our readers to continue to provide your input to the diverse topics that this blog covers, but also want to remind you not to direct your comments toward the authors who are seeking to stimulate this discussion. We appreciate your support, and we will continue to provide thought provoking posts that address the many diverse issues in Equine, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Law.
Collier Marsh, Editor in Chief
Your comments would be acceptable if they were true. The fact is that this entire "solution" is opinion rather than fact. Reminds me of the old, trite argument that we need abortion to prevent unwanted children and child abuse. Have you seen the daily headlines? Both are rampant, as life is de-valued across the board.
DeleteBarbara, first let me thank you for taking the time to express your opinion. The First Amendment is fundamental to our success as a nation. With respect to your claims, let me be clear, I have no animosity towards horses; actually, I am a proponent of their well-being. What these animals currently have to go through is horrific. To arrive in slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada, cattle trucks are filled far beyond capacity, where no food and water is provided. Additionally, once these battered animals arrive at these plants, they are still not fed and are not protected from the elements. The actual slaughter is much less humane, especially in Mexico, than what was done in the United States previously. The situation we are faced with in this great nation is a struggling economy. As a horse lover, I am sure you know the hefty price tag that comes with caring for a horse. Whether you believe so or not, horses are being abandoned because their owners are unable to afford them. The GAO recognizes this problem, and in response to their report, the United States again has the ability to slaughter horses after a five year ban, that must count for something. You say over breeding is the problem. I agree, but what plays into that? Horses that are being abandoned and are breeding at a rapid rate. My solution to this problem is providing a facility that is the gold standard of slaughter, implementing safeguards that give these animals the proper care they deserve. My question to you is this, if no method of slaughter is humane like you say, what is your remedy to this problem, and most importantly, how would you pay for it?
DeleteCastration clinics, education, and a responsible nation that values life. That's really the root of the problem. Look at what the rescues are doing--picking up after people who have taken on more than they can handle. They are amazing people, and my hat is off to them.
DeleteJordan you are.misinformed. the Mexican and Canadian plants are EU approved and must meet the EU humane standards. dr Tom Lenz has visited the Mexican plants and given his approval. US plants were not and would not be humane.
ReplyDeleteThe GAO report also recommend a complete ban on horse slaughter and the transport for slaughter.
Horse slaughter is about food production and we don't raise our horses for food. It is a business based upon supply and demand.
The EU is 80% of the horse meat market for us horses. And most every horse in this country had had bute. Per the USDA the majority of the horses, 70% are quarter horses and TBs. Id like to know the source of your projected number of unwanted horses just in the state of KY.
Thank you Jo-Claire and barbara, you have made excellent and valid points.
ReplyDeleteAs a person that takes on horses in need I have
1) Never seen a group of abandoned horses freely breeding on their own. I do know of horses that have gotten out of their pasture and were returned.
2) Of the several skinny, old, or blind horses that I have taken in none of them would have been excepted for sale at auction.
3) of the several well-muscled and healthy horses that I have taken in and either had trained and rehomed or kept on my farm are the horses that killbrokers were after.
4) Slaughter is not humane and not a solution to overbreeding. Gelding clinics are a solution.
5)Where do you suggest a processing plant? I certainly wouldnt want a facility anywhere near my family and I would fear of my horses being stolen for a thief to make quick money.
5) I doubt very much that a horse slaughter facility would do anything but be an economic hardship for any state that supports it. Just look at Kaufman, TX. http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml
Thank you, Horse enthusiast....