Horses are usually seen on ranches, in open fields, or in stalls. However, they may now be seen on supermarket shelves.
On November 8, 2011, President Obama legalized horse slaughter for human consumption. Wild mustangs, injured horses and retired racehorses are the population of horses designated to be killed in slaughter houses. Often, however, slaughterhouse horses are purchased at auction from private owners or over-stocked breeders.
Slaughterhouses for horses were established by foreign interests in the United States beginning in the 1970’s. Since that time, American horse slaughter has never been made illegal. In 2007, however, a five year ban was put in effect. During this time, Congress stopped funding inspections necessary for the continuation of the equine slaughter. Some say the result was an increase in abandonment and animal abuse cases, because it was difficult for owners to rid themselves of unwanted horses.
As a result of the ban, horses are currently shipped to Canada and Mexico to be killed. This process is cruel. Horses usually spend 36 hours in a slaughterhouse. However, the torture begins when the horse is loaded onto the packed trailer for the long ride out of the country. It is estimated that more than 10,000 horses are transported yearly.
Americans do not consume horse meat. The animal is viewed as a companion and an important part of our culture, not a food source. In countries like China, Canada and Mexico, horse meat is not seen as taboo. In fact, Canada and Mexico have the most active horse slaughterhouses in North America.
With the new legislation, the ban on funding for horse slaughterhouses has been lifted. The Cavel International Inc. slaughterhouse was the last American house to close and will most likely be the first one to reopen. The slaughterhouse, located about 60 miles out of Chicago, would ship most horse meat to international diners.
Associations such as the American Quarter Horse Associations, also know as the AQHA, is outraged. The President of the AQHA, Peter Cofrancesco, stated that the AQHA supports humane horse killing if it is necessary, not horse slaughter. The American Horse Defense Fund, or the AHDF, is taking a stand on this controversial topic.
Many Americans, horse owners and non-owners alike, are outraged by the new law. Online petitions calling for a repeal of the law have been started. The first official petition failed by 5,000 votes. There is another electronic petition which is still in effect and can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/trotaway/petition.html. If 25,000 signatures are secured, Congress will reconsider the law.
