Golden Days: Opinion: International Humane Group Calls for Ban on Horsemeat

2/15/13

Opinion: International Humane Group Calls for Ban on Horsemeat | Horse Back Magazine

Opinion: International Humane Group Calls for Ban on Horsemeat | Horse Back Magazine

Opinion: International Humane Group Calls for Ban on Horsemeat

February 12, 2013
By Janet Schultz

SACRAMENTO – Horsemeat from the U.S. These horses may have by circumstances be in need of a new home, a horse stolen from its pasture, a horse who was given to a “good home,”. A race horse who transferred to another barn and ended up in an auction to be bought by “kill buyers.”. Kill buyers buy specifically to meet quotas – they do not look for legal paperwork, medical records, owner certificates. Most if not all of the 9.7 million horses in the United States are born and raised to be our companions, competitors, or perform some work on the ranches that still exist. . So, for the 9.7 million horses that are not raised for meat – their lives are enriched by veterinary and informal at home care. The equines are cared for using wormers, antibiotics, wound care products, and most importantly pain and anti-inflammatory medications specifically prohibited by FDA to be used on any animal intended as a food animal. American horses are cared for just as we care for our other companion animals with no intention of them ending as a slaughter animal and should be kept out of the human food chain. The dangers to humans upon eating the meat of American horses or burros is overwhelming. The consequences are up to and including fatal failure of the blood and kidney system. Unbelievably, even knowing this, our American horses have been purchased by “business” and transported to Canada and Mexico and slaughtered for shipment overseas. And finally, our voices to ban slaughter of American horses is heard. Please support this effort by the International Humane Society and contact your own politicians and demand a ban on transport and slaughter is put in place. Thank you. If we truly believe in protecting our fellow man, we can do this. Not to mention finally bringing peace to the horse industry.