 When President Barack Obama signed the spending bill into law on November 18, another piece of the legislation trotted in under the radar. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, better known as the spending bill or H.R. 2112, allocated funding for several federal departments and agencies - including the U.S. Department of Agriculture - until September 2012. And part of that bill lifted a 5-year-old ban on the slaughter of horses for meat. In 2006, Congress "prohibited the use of federal funds to inspect horses destined for food, effectively prohibiting domestic slaughter" according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Currently, there are no horse slaughterhouses in the U.S. If that were to change, the USDA assured it would conduct the appropriate inspections to ensure humane methods of handling the animals and humane slaughter in a statement. The Humane Society has already published a Horse Slaughter Petition Act on its Web site, writing: "Horses in America are not raised as food animals; they are companions and the very symbols of our freedom. When horse slaughter did exist in the United States, USDA documentation confirms that it was a bloody and terrifying process." And in a unexpected twist, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is in favor of the USDA's decision, supporting domestic horse slaughtering instead of shipping horses to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. “It's quite an unpopular position we've taken,” PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk told the Christian Science Monitor. “There was a rush to pass a bill that said you can't slaughter them anymore in the United States. But the reason we didn't support it, which sets us almost alone, is the amount of suffering that it created exceeded the amount of suffering it was designed to stop.” We have asked before if our readers would be willing to eat horse meat and were slightly surprised by the outcome:
And an Eatocracy poll from earlier this year shows a shift in perception toward horse meat consumption in the United States.
With the possibility of horse meat on the market as early as December, has your opinion changed? |
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Hello everyone,
While I personally believe whether you eat horse meat or not is a personal decision, I think we should all recognize that there are many impacts to the horse industry that need to be evaluated. Horse slaughter can be a touchy and passionate issue. After researching for a paper, I have found I support the re-opening of horse slaughter houses; deciding that heavily regulated American slaughter houses will provide a better fate and more positive side effects than allowing horses to be exported over borders and subjecting them to especially grim fates there.
Would you mind reading my blog at http://theopinionatedequestrian.blogspot.com/? I would like to have your perspective.
Rachel VR
The Green Room at Iowa State University
Europeans need to stay the hellout of American horses.All of you eat polluted horsemeat full of bite. Then years later cry cause you have cancer. Phenylbut a known carcinogen
American horses full of it. Raise your own horses and eat them
I'm all in favor of a stable food supply. I don't know why there are so many neigh-sayers. When my daughter gets engaged, we hope to serve a horsemeat platter for her bridle shower.
Please do eat up as much as you can. This guy got caught but then again they only test one sample in 50 tons.
Here is the first warning to a horse killer from the FDA for falsified EID and the horse was positive for bute.
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2012/ucm313462.htm
Horse Owner Survey Shows NSAID Use Trends
In a recent survey, 96% of respondents said they used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the joint pain and inflammation in horses, and 82% administer them without always consulting their veterinarian. More than 1,400 horse owners and trainers were surveyed to better understand attitudes toward NSAIDs, in a project sponsored by Merial, the maker of Equioxx (firocoxib).
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14073
People like you make me sick. You would stick anything in your mouth as far as I'm concerned. Horses are companion animals, not livestock. Hope you gag on your horsemeat and die.
I'm impressed with PETA for taking a rational position for once. This is the same organization that petitioned Ben & Jerry's to use only human breast milk in their ice cream, don't forget. They're usually extreme to the absurd.
I give them credit for recognizing that banning US horse slaughter often means a worse fate for the horses in question.
If the food label says 100% beef it should be 100% beef and that is the point. With the BSE scandal 20 years ago everything that goes into beef products should be scrutinized to make sure it doesn't happen again. If horse meat got into the beef so readily, who's to say checks are being carried out on the food that these animals are consuming? This is a horrible failure whereby these checks are clearly not being made. You might be OK with eating horse meat but but do you really want BSE?
If you eat meat, what is the difference if it is a lamb, a swine, an oxe, an horse, or a dog? Besides the taste, nothing.
It is mindlessly cruel, evil and selfish to kill animals only to eat them, when we can easily, and more healthily, get all our nutrition from vegetarian food.
* NeoCeon *
Aside from the insane, horrific, cruel treatment they go through, they are full of bute, a chemical not meant in any healthy way for humans. Look it up.
Why on earth not? – Once one has overcome the ethical and other aspects of meat eating, why would a horse be any different from a cow? – They are both herbivores. The fact that the labelling is incorrect is a different matter. A purchaser has a right to know what he or she is buying. Some Muslims might have been spiritually compromised had pork found its way into the supposed beef products but – hey – these things happen.
What on earth does 'spiritually compromised' mean? anyone who believes god would punish them for accidentally eating pork is well beyond the category of 'beliefs worthy of respect'
If you limey morons are so gung ho to eat "Trigger Burgers" or "Flicka Steaks" eat your own blasted horses and leave those in the Northern Rockies where I live the hell alone!!!
If the meat is labeled beef, there certainly should not be any horsemeat in it. Aside from that, there is nothing wrong with eating horsemeat. In fact, most European high-quality salami has some horsemeat in it.
My mother used to make horse roast and it was delicious. I am not eating meat any more but sure, horse meat is just as good as any meat. It took longer to cook but it was outstanding. I don't think horses should be raised for food but if they are old and need to be put down, why not use it for food? I hear human meat tastes like pork? Of course I never tried but I read in some rear instances human meat was eaten to survive.....
I'll have to stand with PETA on this one. Europeans, Mexicans and Canadians are down right brutal when it comes too slaughtering animals for food, Veal (infant cattle) go's for top dollar in all those places. I'm a hunter but there's no way I could see myself killing baby seals with a baseball bat! God, Eating any baby animal sounds so sick too me! And lets get real, just the idea of eating black beauty really levee's a bad taste in my mouth. This hole mess Makes one wonder if We should start telling Dick & Jane that spot and fluffy might be what's next on the menu?
Can't We all just stay backwards Americans and levee ponies, puppies and kitties off our dinner plates? And yes Mr. and Miss Troll nothing was said about Puppies and Kitties, Yet!
Were you home schooled? That rant was almost unintelligible, verging on illiteracy.
I think it is funny people pick and choose which animals are ok to eat and others are not, based all on emotion. You cannot look down from an ivory tower while wiping hamburger grease from your chin.
People are really dim when it comes to what they put in their mouths. I believe they are so shallow that they assume "cute" is taboo but homely is fair game. I suspect few people have a clue where their food comes from and that they will likely be supporting animal cruelty and thinking they are moral because they are nice to their fuzzy tiny dogs created by breeding programs to be small and cute. American pedigree dogs are not accepted in Europe because all the skills and intelligence have been breed out of the dogs so they look nice. Pigs are way, way, way smarter than cows or horses. They are at least as smart as dogs and are very loving and playful. I grew up around cattle, horses and pig on farms that were free range before the current era of ignorance and greed. I happen to think pigs are really cute but the reason I do not eat them is because they are sentient in a way other food animals are not. It has nothing at all to do with cuteness.
Horse meat is pretty common where I live in Italy, and it's pretty good. It's a nice change from beef every once in a while.
Hi David in Italy, I would like to know if it is possible to kill these animals kindly and if so please share. I can't stand to see the look of joy in a sick man's eyes as he repeatedly stabs horses to death all day. Is this person that crazy sick to start off with or do you think they get like thatsoon after taking this 'JOB'? Just asking not accusing at all. There's got to be a better way, I fear I am going to lose the battle to ban horse meat in the USA so am looking beyond that in case..Help! Ciao! Jymmi
Oh, come off it! I'm sick of this ridiculous reasoning – or lack thereof. Food animals have been bred for many, many generations to be food animals and to be as docile and non-reactive as possible. If they get too upset during the slaughter process, there will be too many stress hormones in the meat – called a "dark kill" and the meat cannot be used by humans. Also, food animals are farmed – strictly regulated as to what can and cannot be used in or on them from birth to slaughter.
Just the opposite is true for horses. Horse breeders have always tried to maintain the horse's "spirit" and "brilliance." As a result, horses are still panic-prone flight animals just like their ancient wild ancestors. They panic at something cattle wouldn't even notice. For that reason, they cannot be humanely slaughtered in the fast moving assembly-line environment of the modern commercial slaughter plant. Even Temple Grandin can't do it, and concedes that at the present at least, there is no humane way to slaughter horses. That good enough for ya?
Captive bolt study: http://www.box.net/shared/3jbna7fyga
From Pasture To Plate FORBES: http://www.forbes.com/sites/vickeryeckhoff/2011/12/06/horse-slaughterhouse-investigation-sounds-food-safety-and-cruelty-alarms/
Dodman Report: http://www.box.com/s/l6i1nid7ffjrktligft8
Investigation Underscored USDA Documented Cruelty: http://www.box.net/shared/mn0i4jxilbgf479oy74l
A Look At The Horrors of Horse Slaughter: http://www.box.net/shared/p488uvqx7yss5q66zlus
New evidence secured refutes the myth surrounding the return of horse slaughter in the U.S. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs161/1101655399670/archive/1112090175722.html
Besides that, since horses are not considered food animals in the US they are not bred, raised or medicated in accordance with the food safety regulations of the US or the EU. Some 70% of horse prescription medications contain substances that are banned for ANY use in ANY food animal at ANY time during their lives. NO withdrawal period for banned substances. Not only that, but many of our most widely used over-the-counter products also contain substances banned from the human food chain, and are plainly marked on the label NOT FOR USE IN HORSES INTENDED FOR FOOD PURPOSES. That means it's criminally dangerous to feed our horses to humans. Get it?
Our horses are acquired by "kill buyers" any way they can – theft, purchase under false pretenses, rigged auctions, whatever it takes. They they take them on a horrific trailer ride to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada – and it was the very same thing when slaughter plants were open here – for an even more horrific death by slaughter. If cattle got even half as excited as horses, their meat would be too contaminated by stress hormones to use. Horses go into a flat out panic and you can see the arteries pumping stress hormones in their instinctual flight response. This is not only completely out of compliance with Humane Slaughter regulations, it's out of compliance with food safety regs as well – along with all the contamination with banned veterinary drugs with NO withdrawal times.
Besides, humans breed animals for different purposes. Horses were bred to carry us into war, be our transportation and work animals on farms. Now they're bred to be competition/racing/sport/recreational/companion animals. For God's sake, isn't THAT ENOUGH? Aren't they entitled to something better than slaughter when they have done all these other things? Most Americans think so, and people in the countries that do eat horses do NOT want our unregulated, untraceable, contaminated horse meat on their tables and who can blame them. Our horses ARE dangerous for humans to consume, especially CHILDREN. Is THAT enough?
Why The UK Is Right To Be Horrified By The Horse Meat In Their Burgers And Lasagna http://www.businessinsider.com/bute-why-horsemeat-is-so-worrying-2013-2
Go "Prostitize" about something that makes sense.
t
I don't know where you and Ms. Hauenstein are, but if you're in the U.S. you're both just plain ignorant of what meat is "allowed" and "not allowed" for human consumption. Neither of you know the cause of "dark cutting", either. Here's a clue for you – it's not "excitement" immediately prior to or during stunning.
I'm not supporting renewed horse slaughter in the U.S. If the drug residue issues are as described by many here, then it doesn't sound like a good idea. However, it would be nice if people trying to use "science" to make a point actually were familiar with the science and used it correctly instead of making up junk as they go.
The point though is that consumers have been deceived into believing that they are eating beef rather than proper labelling so they are fully informed to make their own choice and the only reason the food suppliers have used horse meat is to make profit as the mix of horse meat added to real beef from cow meat will make the food cheaper because they most likely use dead horse or the ones put down as a result of injury and that is a scandal that needs to be investigated and taken seriously by the govt and food regulator.
of the Libor cases by banks and miss-selling of PPI, alleged price manipulation by the energy companies etc. All aspects of society have broken down with deceit & manipulation of consumers in free market societies and society has become decadent. We have to get back to our real values of honesty, integrity, care and love for our fellow citizens and human beings which made us great and humane.
That is not the point in this article? Yes that has been in the news, but this article is focusing on the fact that there are people that do eat horse meat. I could care less if someone wanted to eat horse. I am a vegitarian now, but when I ate meat, I had horse when in Italy. It taste like tought stringy beef.. I think the real point is that americans only think it is bad, because it's NOT cheaper than beef, because we have not had the stream lined slaughter house set up for them like we do with cows, and soit is less seen
I've had horse sausage (basically all left over parts of a horse, just like regular sausage is with cows and pigs), smoked horse meat and something similar to a steak.
Taste wise it's a bit more "complicated" to explain and I think I would have to say I like it better than the regular old cow and pig meat. It does come with a premium price of course because not as many horses are used for the human food industry, but I have no problem eating a bit of horse every now and then.
Also, if I were to serve you a piece of cow meat and a piece of horse meat, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference just by looking at it. After cooking it you most definitely won't be able to tell the difference by just looking at it.
I disagree that horse is considered a premium meat, and priced as such in Europe. Often restaurants won't even refer it to as horse meat, they will merely list the cut of meat (rump, sirloin). Much of the European horse meat comes from the equine industries in the UK and Ireland, where horses that no-longer perform their intended duties are shipped over the English Channel for disposal.
horse meat is delicious. It is lean and has no fat...Far healthier than all the meat out there. good idea...waiting to cook horse meat in my kitchen....
There is nothing wrong with horse meat. It tastes good. In Japan, during the war, they ate human meat. It tastes like pork and in PNG where it is still practiced in the remote areas, it is called long pig. Indeed, if we overcame the psychological hurdle, eating dead people would solve a lot of problems like burying bodies with limited cemetery space and food for the hungry.
Read Johnathon Swift's essay on saving Ireland by eating the excess babies. I believe the title is "A Modest Proposal.' It is quite amusing.
Horse meat does not only taste good but is also more nutritious than cow's. For example, it contains more iron. Further it is highly likely that horses are still nourished in more natural ways (i.e. with grass) rather than with pellets. Do you know what do cows' pellets contain? I don't, but till some time ago there were the mad cow's prions in there.
I think the public, as well as the press, should focus on more relevant and urgent issues, such as for example the constant poisoning of society by trans-fats, fructose and other bad fats. Despite loads of data, all of these are still in our foods today. Only St. Schwarzenegger had th guts to ban them from foods in California.
The decay and disappearance of the Roman Empire, the first great civilization in history, has been blamed on 2 main factors: lead poisoning (lead became the 'new' and cost-convenient material for making kitchenware and glasses) and alien infiltration, especially in the army. perhaps our politicians and lawmakers should be reminded that history cyclically repeat itself. God save America and Americans save themselves!
I tried horsemeat when I was a teen, and the issue here is 101% cultural. USA is the country of cowboys and dogs....
Horsemeat is way better than beef. There's no physiological aspect about it, or even moral one, preventing people from consuming it.
As usual, the hysteria is coming from people being incapable of thinking past their social conditioning and allowing emotions to control them.
Yep! I have had horse and quite liked it. People are so overemotional and dramatic about food.
People have replaced reasoning with unsupported opinions based on their emotions. Unfortunately, the Internet did not remain the domain of intelligent people who could not only use a computer they could build one. It has been overrun by the barely conscious who think the educated are bad for society.
The humane society is at it again....trying to push their moralistic values upon everyone through sensationalism and appealing to emotional weaknesses instead of taking the rational and realistic position. Who cares if the animal is a "symbol" or "companion"? That has nothing to do with eating animal meat. No one is talking about going out and butchering every race horse or little kid's pony. As long as the animals are raised (under guidelines for human consumption) and slaughtered with consideration to their suffering, they are no different than any other animal in the food chain. People with a problem about this are socially conditioned beyond help.
The Humane Society exists to take care of animals and make sure that they are not abused. They are not once again doing what they are doing. They have always done what they are doing and if you are too dim to understand that it exists because enough people agree with them; so many that they are able to do the work they do. It did not pop up just recently. You are not, thank goodness, the arbiter of what is acceptable for people who care about other living beings to do. You are just a nasty little bug who wants everyone to be as lacking in compassion and human decency as you are.
It's diabolical degenerates like you that are leading this world into the darkness.
What flavor is your dog and cat and soon your babies?.
The cruelty you allow to the animals , supported by the slaughter industry, are the same people who are gaining more and more control over our lives, laws and liberty.
Yes, karma comes ,however slow. We are what we create.
People of america, please listen, if you want to live a long and heathy liife avoid all red meat. I have and I feel great. The beef industry in this country along with the federal government are not telling you the entire story on how our food especially red meat, pork, etc, is being processed and linked to many diseases. Do yourself a favor, avoid these foods as much as possible, your body will thank you in long run.
And what do you say to other people who lived a long and healthy life who did or do eat red meat? Anecdotal evidence is worthless.
Humans evolved as omnivores. Even chimpanzees enjoy an occasional snack of baby baboon when they can catch and kill one. (They each grab a limb and make a wish until something gives, then they dine.)
Horse tastes good. I have it a few times a year. Anybody who eats meat would like it.
I had Horse Steak in Norway as well as Whale meat
I think Eating horse is Just fine,its a joke when you eat Cows Goats Chickens and many other Animals
and say you think eating Horse is any Diffrent !!
It's about the cultural perception. We've been conditioned to see certain animals as food sources, and other as pets/companions and nothing more. Just as Hindus cannot imagine eating a steak or hamburger made from cow, and Muslims would never force down a pork chop, we as Americans for the most part cannot imagine eating a horse.
This is EXACTLY the situation.....social conditioning......and the people at the Humane society do not wish to recognize this. They just want to push their narrow minded moralistic values upon everyone.
It is their job to take care of animals and advocate for them. Millions upon millions of people around the world volunteer and support the organization. It is an organization of scientist, lawyers, veterinarians and regular people who do care. You are one. We are legion. Get used to Democracy. They are not trying to do anything to you. It is a very old organization and you likely had never even heard of it until this thing about horse meat.
i couldn't agree with you more..it's totally a cultural thing...you nailed it...
what is everyone is talking about ? in Germany and Austria you can buy Horse meat and do you know what is the Leberkaese that you buy in Austria ? it's made of Horse Lever and Cheese . and the Gypsy In eastern Europe eat Cats and Dogs .
Don't try to shock with the leberkäs ingredients – that's complette BS.
Complete BS?
So the Horse Leberkäse available hot dog stands is Austria are fake?
.
Are you saying no-one eats horse meat?
So the 720 Thousand metric tons of horsemeat sold annually worldwide is.... something else?
In the bible it states that one hoofed animals are not to be eaten. I always suspected the Church was Satanic in nature ignoring the laws of God and dabbling into child porn of which THE POPE does nothing to mend.
Thou shall not kill.
Horses are our messengers and their message to the American people is clear. If people can do this to so great and inspiring animal such as our companion, the horse,
nothing is sacred and no friend is safe from the appetites of the satanic ones.
The way our global population is exploding I think our great grandchildren will be quite happy to have horse meat or nutria on the table. Clean drinking water will be a high priority too.
Sure I eat horsemeat, sometimes it is on sale at the supermarket but not too often. Not bad at all, best when well ripened (two weeks in a low temperature room, in airless packing).
Why the Hysteria about this. I am an American who lives in Switzerland. I can buy horse meat
in the chain supermarkets. It is a little less expensive than beef. Before I could read german well
I sampled horse in ignorance. Really not that different from beef. Why not let the market decide if
this is a viable option for N. Americans. On my last visit home, I saw obviously hungry people
living in the streets, some psychotic, maybe americans need to focus on core issues confronting
the culture.
right on!!!!..let the market decide...just make sure what's inside is "as-advertised!"
You should stick to your horse activism, because you obviously don't know squat about post-slaughter biochemical changes in beef animals.
The "dark cutting" you are referring to is caused by a very high 'ultimate' pH (usually in the range of 6.5-6.8) in the meat. The ONLY way this can happen is for the glycogen stores in the muscle to be depleted well before the animal is slaughtered. This is a long-term – many hours, if not days – process, not a short-term "fight-or-flight" response. In fact, an animal with normal muscle glycogen reserves that is subjected to high adrenaline release just before slaughter will have the glycogen 'dumped' into the bloodstream, with the resulting effect that 'ultimate' pH will be quite low (tyhpically 5.5 or less), actually resulting in meat that is quite pale in color. And, contrary to what you posted, there is nothing illegal or prohibited about selling dark-cutting beef in the U.S. After reading what you posted, one can't help but wonder if you truly are this uninformed, or if this "mistake" was intentional.
* This was supposed to be a "Reply" to Karin Hauenstein (www.HorseActivist.com)
And also a very good reason for quiet and non-stressful killing. Stress hormones damage the taste of the meat. This is very old news so it is a shame so few people are aware of it. Most people go through life without once looking critically at their own opinions and those of others.
I now realize what happened to Hoffa and Prisons are going Vegan.
A friend of mine went to a horse auction in Farmington, Missouri a few years back. She came out of the auction a few hours later to find two decrepit, lame horses in her trailer in the parking lot. The problem with the horse slaughter ban is that it required horse owners to shell out money to euthenize and dispose of derelict horses, instead of the old method of selling them to a slaughter house that would come to your farm and pick them up. And the result was that a lot of people just turned the old horses out to pasture and quit caring for them, or had them trucked to Mexico or Canada for slaughter (or pawned them off on unsuspecting farmers with unlocked trailers).
There are people in the world who are starving. Literally starving. And we're passing laws that require farmers to bury and dispose of 2,000 pounds of good horse meat at a time. Think about that. How many people could that horse save from starvation?
PETA is on the right track here.
While I agree with most of what you say, I have to point out that the "there are people starving out there" argument isn't very solid.
Yes, there are people starving out there – half way across the world where the horses that are disposed of are. It isn't really at all practical to move those horse carcases to where they would be most needed, and have the meat stay fresh. The expense would be much, much more than just buying and trasporting, say, grain, to the same locations.
A derelict horse? Old horses? Worked almost to death? How good is the meat on a derelict animal? I know that it is a waste of time to eat people who starved to death (The Donner Family comes to mind.). If they starved to death there are no nutrients, fat or protein left. So, I am thinking starving or ancient horses might not be a good source of healthy meat. How many of us want to eat diseased animals?
What really needs to be considered in this issue is the serious risk to human health that is contained in commercially slaughtered horse meat. The levels of adrenaline and cortisol produced by equines are far, far greater than any legal levels found in any other meat harvested for human consumption. Horses are specifically bred for adrenaline production, not for human consumption.
The fatally flawed head-shot kill method (severe head trauma) used in all commercial horse slaughter ensures that all of the adrenaline and cortisol that can possibly be produced by the animal is delivered throughout the flesh post shot. This is evidenced to any layman by the pulsing of the animal. In commercial beef production they call this “dark cutting” and the meat is not (supposed to be) legally approved for human consumption by the USDA. Adrenaline and cortisol consumption by humans causes Colorectal and other forms of cancer.
Indeed. On a simple, practical level, slaughtering horses for food is just not going to produce good meat.
Horses are slaughtered using equipment and methods designed for cattle– and they do not work properly for horses. New methods would have to be designed, and this would take time and money. Other countries that slaughter horses en masse such as Mexico and Canada have not bothered to develop humane methods to slaughter horses, and there is no reason to believe that the USDA (which believes raising animals in enclosures that aren't big enough for them to turn around in is A-OK) will bother to develop humane guidelines for the slaughter of horses.
This is completely leaving out the issue of medications and supplements that the horses consume. Sure the USDA will regulate that, but hey... isn't this the same USDA who just a few years ago decided that maybe using the meat of cows that were too sick to stand might not be such a great idea?
The only way I could ever consider it is if the horse were slaughtered kosher, which specifically forbids the animal from feeling fear or pain. However, all the Jews I have ever known consider the slaughter of such an intelligent, sensitive, useful animal as the horse to be an abomination unto the Lord.
Just sayin'.
Do you know how kosher beef slaughter works? The animal is not stunned prior to being bled out. The animal is restrained with the neck exposed. Then a rabbi slices through the neck with a long knife. Then, as the animal bleeds out, it is rendered unconscious.
How do you think that horse slaughter would be different?
Thank you. I will follow up on this.
This person knows what she is talking about, there is no really humane slaughter house for horses and the meat is usually tainted can cause cancer and most meat sent to Europe does not pass the test and is then sold I suppose as dog food? Horses can be humanely euthanized by a vet for cheap and then the packers can come get them for the price you would spend eating fast food for family of 5! We need to change the laws to help people in this situation with some kind of funding to humanely put down a old, decrepid or ill or broken leg etc, horses are one of Gods favorite creatures!
Sorry Karen, there is NO humane way of slaughtering any animal.
I understand that this is an issue for horse lovers like myself, however there is a larger issue. Our entire food supply is at risk from big agra. The solution is small farming. I have an acre, I have chickens and rabbits and blueberries and grow vegies. I have no dairy animal, but would if I had more room. We all should be growing a garden of heirloom seeds only. Buy milk without the hormone in it. or organic milk. (Vermont cow is the best milk I have ever tasted in my life) – going to the grocery store if fast and easy, but it won't do the job if push comes to shove. I would never eat a horse or eat my dog. there are some humans though that might be tasty...
Funny! Soylent Green anyone?
I remember, I hope correctly, reading somewhere, that some American Indians tortured animals before slaughtering and eating them because this process tenderized the meat. Is that a possibility? Am I remembering correctly something I read probably 30 years ago?
Can you supply any genuine scientific references for any of this at all?
Obama got bucked off a donkey riding to support Horse Slaughtering in America. ! Support HR 2966 & S1176 ! Keep your multi million dollar Horse Slaughtering business and we don't want it in America !
Horses dancing in the barns across America to HR 2966 & S1176 ! Crank up the music to "Down Home Shake Down " and call Congress to support.Find the technology wizards on CNN ? Beam a horse into Blitizer's live coverage and support http://www.humane society.org. Horse has a straw hat on....support HR 2966 and S1176 ! There is a red Holiday bow on his tail and on the ribbon you see HR 2966 & S1176. Are the baseball caps selling yet ? No Horse Slaughtering In America !
To Sarah LeTrent (editor of this article)
As this article and the associated video are unfairly biased against Horse Slaughter could you please refer to the comments made by Susan, JennyLeigh, DKB, BrendaT, Danielle and myself who are more informed on this issue and offer not only legitamate personal experience but our factual arguments as well. Real Horse owners deserve to be fairly represented on an issue that directly involves horses and the people that own them. I have no doubt that as a writer for CNN's Eatocracy you are a highly intelligent person, and you may be a Horse owner yourself, but it must be stated that your article is completely inadequate and is not held in any high regard in the true arena of this issue. The only value in this article is to dramatically entertain and not to educate.
Sincerely,
Alyssa
What are your credentials that make you the expert? Are you operating with more knowledge than CNN or are you making an emotional argument not supported with data?
Horses are not screened for serious illness prior to slaughter. Let me fill u in unemotionally. I know horses that contract lepto-spirosa carry it in their body through their lifetime and its a killer bacteria to all animals including humans. They are not tested prior to slaughter. Horses now contract and carry Hepatitis just as humans do A,B, and C and are not tested before slaughter, as well HYPP, lime disease, and west nile, so if you wish to win the lottery and take a bite of horsemeat and hope you are the only person with the immune resistance to these illnesses by all means take a bite. As for a survey, they give percentages based on a group of 25 people so if they say 10 percent of the people polled its only 2.5 people out of 25 persons polled. you want to make your decisions based on CNN 25 persons opinions? Let me answer you this-I value my own life and my children's more than a bite of horse meat. Do you? If you don't you will die faster and go through much less pain if you commit suicide so why eat horse meat. I don't think after all that I would consider it at all.
Horses running with cattle often get lepto, cattle can get shots for it cattle spoil good water, their run off has polluted and killed most of the freshwater streams in usa and they destroy entire eco systems a horse can be given antibiotics for lepto, as long as people continue to eat massive amts of meat they will never be healthy. I have been to the slaughter house and seen and smelled have you? In mexico they slaughter horses alive throw them off loading docks and other cruelty, people need to go back to small butchering meat packers monopoly has ruined our country!
The scary part is that since this meat is sent to France, Belgium and Japan as meat for human consumption, that means our government may choose to reclassify horses as food animals (food intended for human consumption, like cows are classified). The problem with that is the is a ton of money in the cattle industry to get medications approved by the FDA for cows. There is not so much money in the equine industry, so medications that we can currently give to our horses may not be legal for horses anymore... that is until they are approved for 'food animal' equine use by the FDA. The process of approval is extremely expensive and long. So a horse could get a mild colic and if we can't give Banamine because it is not approved for food animals, the colic could progress from mild and treatable to severe and potentially fatal. This really ticks me off.
Beyond that, it sets up an opportunity for criminals to steal horses and make a quick $500-$800 with little effort. It happened all the time when horses were being slaughtered before the ban. In this horrible economy, I predict this will be an even bigger issue.
Actually slaughter horses are only going for around $125 per head. I've been to enough auctions to see that that is definitely the average. They don't go above that, generally, because the packer can't make a profit.
This is just silly. Horses will never be reclassified as "food animal." Not with all the equine enthusiasts. Given the multi-billion dollar industry of performance horses, I guarantee you this will never happen. You have people who pour thousands of dollars into their performance horses, mostly for lameness related issues. The government will never say, "you can't treat your horse because of the slim possibility it could end up as meat." That's what the meat inspection process is for anyway, to make sure the meat is safe for consumption.
Actually there has been talk of reclassifying them since they are being used for human consumption (and many of the meds and chemicals that are available for them are not approved as safe for secondary consumption). So all it takes is someone claiming illness or death was caused from eating 'tainted' horse meat. Horses are covered under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and thus must be slaughtered under federal or state inspection. If data from residue monitoring shows residues that are not in accordance with regulations, there will likely be a change in their classification.
Killing our horses is tantamount to taking our guns. next thing you know they will be cheating at cards.
Your argument is emotional and not based on scientific data. Was there a severe horse wrangling problem 5 years ago as opposed to now? Data does not support your premise. Does Banamine cure mild colic? Definitely not the case at all. Do you know how Banamine works? Do you support the cruel transportation of horses to be slaughtered in Mexico or Canada thousands of miles away in cramped trailers with no food or water? How about the way they are slaughtered, do you think Mexico or Canada will do it more humane? Do you support horses abandoned to starve in the deserts or vacant lots? Do you think crippled horses should suffer and be in pain until they waste away from agony and die naturally? Are you really able to make decisions for other horse owners on what is best for their horse?
Agriculture Spending bill ? What languagge is left out and why ? Ride fast for support in reference to American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act !
http://www.humane society.org ! SUPPORT THE AMERICAN HORSE SLAUGHTER PREVENTION ACT ! 70% of Americans are against slaughtering horses for human consumption. Rep Adrian Smith Neb 308-384-3900. White House 202-456-1111.Humane Society 202-452-1100. Beam in a horse on the Blitizer show and connect to the movie War Horse for support and positive connection.
The fact that this law has been overturned under the Obama presidency, who had promised to keep it and also stop export of Horses to other coutries for slaughter, has been the last straw in my support of this man, he will not have my vote any longer, and it's sad to see how many of his promises have fallen sideways, most of the horses that are slaughter for meat are older and also have been given drugs that may be harmful to humans who will even dare to eat such meat, knowing the horrible suffering the animals go through before dying.
Horses are historic animals who have helped build, fight and defend along side humans and our history would be much different if not for them, to easily cast them aside as food once they're too old shows you how inhumane we still are and how much we have yet to progress, furthermore looking back in history horsemeat has been eaten during extremely hard economic times (french revolution, wwII), and for Obama to even overturn this law in the "eve" of his reelection does not show us this "strong" image of the nation he wants us to have.
Obama has been awful when it comes to animal rights and I hope I won't see him back for 2013.
Gandi said it best " The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” and by the way Obama is going about animal rights we, Americans are most definitely on a major decline.
I couldn't agree more. I was an enthusiastic supporter of Obama. But this horse slaughter law is the final straw for me too. I wondered what was going on with him when he renewed the feds attacks against medical marijuana. And observed his continuing lack of support for animal welfare issues. But reviving horse slaughter here instead of both STOPPING not orse slaughter here and ALSO stopping the export to other countries for slaughter. PETA's support is shameful..saying it's better to kill them here than have them travel and suffer to be killed elsewhere. How is that humane? IT IS NEVER HUMANE TO KILL A HEALTHY ANIMAL! NEVER! We need to look to the SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM...which is overbreeding, poor breeding and a race industry that exploits (all too) young horses and then dumps them onto society. Killing is NOT the solution. The solution is to PREVENT unwanted horses through solution-based approaches.
they want to remove all forms of alternative transportation for us. passport to leave the country, TSA to dissuade air travel, GPS to track us when we do move, banks want to use RFID chips, big agra is poisoning our food, chem trails are poisoning our sky, they can lock us up without due process or kill us without trials, make no mistake, horses are a target because they mean survival and they do not want us to survive. i am sorry its come to this. so fast too. I think I want a horse now. I think I will move to a larger piece of land and get at least one.
A key issue regarding horse slaughter in the U.S. is the method by which the horse is slaughtered. The plants that were closed in 2006 all used a device called the "captive bolt" which is a hand-held air pressurized gun with a retractable bolt.
The captive bolt was designed for cattle. Applied properly, it kills/stuns the cow in one shot. Now the Imagine the short neck of a cow vs. the long, swinging neck of a horse. When horses are scared they throw their heads around. It is almost impossible to kill/stun a horse with a captive bolt in one shot. So what happens? The first attempt misses its mark, and while the horse is freaking out, the man holding the captive bolt must wait for the air pressure to build again before taking another shot at the horse. It may take three or more attempts to incapacitate the horse. The other alternative is to slaughter the horse while it's still alive. If you want visual confirmation of what I'm saying, just do a Google search.
Yes, horses sent to Mexico and Canada were worse off but that doesn't make the brutality of using the captive bolt on horses acceptable. I believe a society is measured by how it treats its animals. And I firmly reject the argument that horse owners can't afford to euthanize their horses. It is the cost of responsible horse ownership, if you can't afford euthanasia, you can't afford the horse, sorry.
The country was built on the back of horses. How we have treated them over the years is absolutely shameful. And for all those lining up for their horse steak, enjoy your bute.
Bull. Check out the facts. The AVMA give guidelines for humane euth of horses and it INCLUDES the penetrating captive bolt gun. http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/unwanted_horses_faq.asp Mistakes happen but to allow that everytime it is used there is a misfire is completely false and it would NOT be consider humane by the AVMA.
Also Re: the bute issue. More speculation. drugs are metabolized and excreted by the body over time including Bute. The problem is that no studies have actually been done on horses for this exact issue to know exactly how long it takes for it to exit the body and meat. Every slaughter animal is vaccinated, dewormed and treated when injured. The difference is that the drugs for cattle, sheep etc has been tested for safe withdrawal periods. We need to do the same for equine.
I do not romanticize the horse over another animal. How we treat "pets" in the country is the real travesty. I love horses but I have seen so much suffering in the last 5 years as a farrier. I see out in the back 40s and travel through the back country a lot. I can verify, it is increasing exponentially. There are just not enough places for them to go and the slaughter shipping lanes are too far from many parts of the country. Lets not even talk about how terrible the super long shipping ITSELF is very hard on the horses. Many do not survive the trip.
Horse processing may not be very palatable to some folks, but it IS necessary for now to have a bottom line price per lb for equine. It WILL reduce suffering. Exporting our problem to other countries to process out of our control and ability to regulate is a complete cop out. Making equine slaughter via humane and ENFORCED methods is the best solution for now. The more places a horse can be processed means a couple very good things if you can look it it logically and as a big picture solution for the suffering we are seeing. A. Less rushing to process a large amount of aminals such as there was when there were only 3 and then less plants that processed equine. less rushing means less mistakes. Less numbers means more ability to moniter and keep the lines calm which is the goal of any processing plant no matter what propaganda you are fed. B and the bigger picture for me – MUCH shorter trips for the horse and we do not export our problem somewhere we cant regulate it. when slaughter left our country for places like Juarez, it condemned the least of our US horses to torture by a knife to the spine in the neck. the horse was indeed still aware and bled out subsequently alive. This is NOT humane and a real lack of foresight and planning in a logical way to reduce suffering from anti slaughter folks gloating over their "victory" here in the US.
We have to think ahead and plan. Currently, as we sit here today, not having slaughter in our borders is condemning thousands of equine to suffer greatly. We need to rectify that and THEN find alternatives if it is possible. Any other way is not good stewardship of all the US equine living today. Sometimes we have to think with or heads AND our hearts – not just our hearts. I love horses too. I love them enough to know we cannot continue to ignore the real problems the lack of close regulated equine processing is causing.
I fully support Danielle's explanation, and I'll add that the CNN report is very biased. The original Horse Slaughter prevention act created more problems than it solved. Citing the Humane Society of the United States of America was a poor choice. Had the CNN reporter referred to the American Veterinary Medical Association, viewers would have been more informed of the real situation. Real horse owners need Real solutions. Its not easy to put the right answer in as few words as possible and this issue needs to be guided by well-informed and realistic people such as the comment above and more like it.
Well done Danielle. You must be a DVM to know the issue that well. We just need to educate these horse owners on your level and what is best for the horse will be done.
I am a lifetime horse woman, and would like to add a comment about the emotional side to those who are not horse people. Not all horses are mentally usable or trainable. Once in awhile there is no option but to put a dangerous animal down or take it to slaughter. Horses are a average 1000 pound that can kill you. Until you have had one try that, or unless you are able to personally care for such an animal, I would suggest reserving your opinions.
" I believe a society is measured by how it treats its animals" have you ever visited a modern pig farm, a chicken processing facility, you think all is well there? Wake up Dorothy, Kansas is long gone.
Provided the slaughtering of horses can be done in a humane way, I see no issue with it, better then the alternative, ever seen how a neglected horse is living it's final days?
The USDA fails to mention that the European Union (EU) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have issued new rules concerning inspections of horse meat for human consumption. That means that horses sent to slaughter would have to have complete health records showing they have not received banned substances. Banned substances from food animals range from toxic wormers to phenylbutazone; the “aspirin” of the horse world. Use in horses is limited to use in horses not intended for food and it states this on the label. There are currently no approved uses of phenylbutazone in food-producing animals. Since all American horses have probably been given bute during their lifetime it makes them unfit for human consumption.
As for pro-slaughter supporters claim that the federal ban has had unintended consequences such as an increase of neglect and abandonment of horses, it is obvious that if the option still exists to ship horses over the borders to Mexico and Canada to be slaughtered then neglect and abandonment cannot be blamed on a ban. Neglect and abandonment of horses is tied to unemployment which is a direct result of the poor economy; not a lack of horse slaughter in the US. The negative impact of resuming horse slaughter in the US would be an increase in theft, pollution of the air, water and land and an increase in equine abuse and cruelty where these plants operate as has been well-documented when plants were open in the US. Violations occurred at auction houses, feedlots, transporting horses to slaughter and at the slaughter plants and they are still occurring as horses are shipped over the borders to Mexico and Canada.
Over 70% of Americans support a ban on horse slaughter so it is ill-advised to keep pushing for reopening horse slaughter plants in the US rather than looking at solutions and viable alternatives that would prevent horses from entering the slaughter pipeline to begin with. It doesn’t make any sense to pass legislation that would cost taxpayers $3-5 million a year to support an activity that the majority of American people oppose.
Well said Brenda!
Over 90% of Americans have no education regarding why the ban was overturned in the first place. Do I support it 100%? No. But so many horses were being abandoned, neglected, shipped across international borders (resulting in terror and injury), that the ban actually HURT more horses than it protected. You really want to ban horse slaughter? You need to have funds allocated to take care of all the unwanted horses in the US to make sure they aren't tortured and neglected. Shelters are full and there are over 100,000 new unwanted horses every year. How do you propose to keep them from suffering? Where are the funds? They simply aren't there in this economy. It's not a perfect solution, but it's the best one we have. People, don't be ignorant. Don't blindly oppose the ban. Do your research first.
You are making stuff up to support you emotional argument that we should not eat horse meat. How in the heck will horse slaughter pollute air, water, and land?. That is a leftist tactic to attack conservatives that doesn't even really work politically anymore but seriously use some facts. I would argue hauling horses thousands of miles barbaricly without food or water would do much more to pollute than shorter distances. So....if a horse was given Bute anytime in its life it is unfit to eat. So one dose of Bute lasts a lifetime? Why do horses need it a couple times a day to make them less painful? Must be a conspiracy of the evil corporations that make Bute to get you to buy and use more. Do you think 70% of Americans are well educated about this law and the suffering the slaughter ban has caused horses? I would argue about 30% of Americans know horses from elephants and that 30% is the part that has seen the harm done by Washingto DC politicians to horses through this ban. Politicians know that 70% can be fooled to think they have done a good thing when they haven't. This is one of the few things Obama has done morally correct. While you are at it, please explain how those who support the slaughter of horses are racist, sexist, homophobes, clinging to their Bible and guns. Then your emotional argument will be complete with all the fabricated arguments.
Why not eat horses? Cows, goats, pigs, sheep and other farm animals are eaten. There is a big problem with disposing of unwanted or needed horses. Why not slaughter them here instead of shipping to foreign countries. It is more human then letting them starve.
“FEMA promotes alien invasion scenario. Are we being prepared for a false flag alien invasion?”
Horse d'oeuvres?
... and if wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak!
I am a member of the other PETA; People for the Eating of Tasty Animals. Go munch your flacid celery stick you whiny rabbits!
Hey Beefburger, this joke acronym for PETA you've chosen has been posted on every other controversial articles regarding the eating of meat. For some reason you ilk finds it necessary to roll down out of the hills and put out this drivel, with the only real purpose of trying try to (pardon the pun) get someone else's goat. BTW, I am a meat eater, but I respect other mature adults opinions and prerogative on whether they choose to or not. Think maybe you'd like to try a bit of growing up and acting like an adult yourself? Doubtful!
Hey GTR, why don't you chill a bit and stop being the self righteous jerk you seem to be.
Hey GTR! Grow some skin....
I'd eat a horse in a minute. Let's just hope they don't artificially inflate the price initially, while it's still a novelty, or, if it does catch on, you'll see wholesale illegal horse slaughter nationwide, just like shark fins in Japan and China.
dude , move to Chile , I've heard they sell it in roadside stands like barbecue , but then that's Chile , they are soooo advanced.
Horse meat, as mentioned earlier by someone else, is a very sought after and choice meat in Europe. There is even a certain breed, the Avelina, or a type of Haflinger from Austria/Tyrol that is breed just for consumption. I have lived in Europe for over 17 years, and enjoy horse meat from time to time. My favorite is a sausage the Italians make. However, I've had some really yummy cuts/dishes from Germany and France as well. Horse meat is a very good choice for a lean meat, and is very rich in proteins. Yes I do love horses and even own one, but I also see the practical side of horses. Horse meat was very much a staple diet of Europe during the 40's due to the war. It is revered on the gourmet table in Italy as the wedding choice food to serve. I for one would love to see horse meat available. Now if I could just get the supermarkets to sell rabbit like they do in Europe....
I grew up on a ranch and our family has owned hundreds if not thousands of horses and still do today. When they come out of production they should go into the food chain just like dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Our country has spent millions and millions of dollars to pay ranchers to feed unwanted horses in open spaces, while people go hungry. What you need to know is that now slaughter horses go to Mexico to be processed. That is ugly as you can imagine. Thanks for bringing sanity back and saving our tax dollars.
Of course it is a good idea. Better to kill humanely than to turn old crippled horses loose on public lands to starve to death. Or to make horse owner maintain a horse that can only be hurting. Let's get real, folks!
Which PoS politician slipped that amendment in? Time to vote the MF'er out of office – permanently.
Oh hell , let's just go all roadkill. Another piece of flatcat my dear?
Carl Edwards run for your life!
It's obvious a lot of people out there have never been hungry a day in their life much less weeks on end...If what they used to kill the horse kills you then consider the human herd culled of a weak gene in the survival of the fittest game. If things don't change real soon, eating horsemeat will be least of your worries.
True. That's why I advocate eating human fetuses. This would both help reduce the world's population and provide hungry people with a fine source of protein. Just say: "Fetus, please!" Until it's legal, I'll keep abortion clinic dumpster diving.
Do horses have lobbyists? NO. As long as you dont have a lobbyist in this country to bend the laws for you and bribe the politicians you dont stand a chance.
HSUS is one of the largest lobbying groups in the world and had a hand in defunding USDA inspections to begin with. The American horse has become the poster child and stepping stone for animal rights advocacy groups to continue chipping away at animal agriculture as a whole and to fulfill their eventual agenda of a meatless America.
My horses are dewormed 4 times a yr. A box of dewormer reads this: >WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for food purposes<
My horses also have all had Bute which is like aspirin for people except Bute can cause terminal illnesses. The label reads this: Human Health Risks
Humans should not inhale the powder or ingest Bute. Wash hands immediately after administering Bute. In humans, bone marrow, renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects are associated with use of Phenylbutazone. Anyone care to eat my horses? Would you like fries with that?
and don't forget that unlike a number of other substances used in horses there is NO withdrawal period for Bute – residues are retained in body tissue for life.
Actually, lots of humans have taken phenylbutazone on the advice of their physicians for various musculoskeletal conditions. It was taken off the market by the FDA many years ago, but was widely used prior to that time. If you want to get excited about a drug that lots of people still take, look up info on colchicine, which is used for gout. That'll scare ya!!
Correction: Humans USED to take Phenylbutazone, until the FDA banned it for use in humans because of severe adverse affects, including death. Now it, along with various other chemicals commonly used in horse to treat/prevent illness, are banned by the UK, EU, USDA & FDA (among others) for use in animals meant for human consumption. ONE dose of bute in an a horse's lifetime renders it ineligible to enter the food chain.
What is next? Eating human babies?
Already exists, there is a famous soup in China.
What do they NOT eat in China?
thats what i said!!
Humans are animals and are eaten in other countries. What's the difference between a cow, goat or a human? Meat is meat.
Eating horses is okay why? Because they dont speak your language and can't tell you themselves that it is cruel and wrong and that they dont want to die a misearable painful death getting butchered?
Whatever happened to investigative reporting? What happen to the press representing and protecting the weak and those that can't speak for themselves? What happened to exposing the truth and the facts? What happen to reporting the news as it is rather than supporting the money makers?
You know when they will report on it, when the meat posions someone, how you like that, people wake up. Do any of you go out and eat things like aresnic, or asbestos, same thing as eating the current horse herds.
I will not be eating horse if it shows up at my supermarket, but I don't begrudge anyone who's totally okay/excited about the prospect. The thing about this article that stuck out most to me was what PETA had to say about it. That they support horse slaughter is NOT surprising. After all, their real goal is to get rid of all domesticated animals, including our house pets. NO, really.
That is not what PETA said at all. What they are saying is that slaughtering the animals locally is, sadly, a kindness to the animal than subjecting them to a torturous and often times lethal cross country shipment that takes days, and in the process the horses are starved and maimed. If the animal is going to die anyway, and it looks like that is going to be the end result of this madness, than it is better to kill it quickly and "humanely" (if that is even possible) than subject it to a prolonged period of agony and suffering.
IF they do successfully open equine slaughter houses in the US, it won't necessarily cut down on the inhumane treatment of these animals. America is a large country, and we have horses here from coast to coast; there are auction houses that kill buyers frequent as far east as NY, CT, NJ, FL, etc, and as far west as CA, OR, etc, and everywhere in between. They aren't talking about opening hundreds of plants, just a handful, if that – I think the most commonly projected number is 3 – so there will still be long transport times, and the inhumane treatment doesn't start with transport, it starts the moment a horse is designated a kill horse at the auction house. A lot of times they are transported to feed lots to await shipment to slaughter houses, where they are left to the elements, crowded into outside pens full of feces and urine.
I saw the report on tv. There is no humane way to kill and butcher and animal. Horses are extremely intelligent creatures and humans ought to be ashamed of themselves for killing horses, much less eating one. Some one ought put the political cow from wyoming on the menu. Shame on CNN for not defending horses and allowing a pro killing stance on air. Why don't we allow the butchering of cats and dogs while we're at it! Other peoples in the world eat them. What kind of excuse is that! Geez
Pigs are smarter than horses and dogs, but most are OK about eating them...stop slaughtering animals..
I agree!! Stop the slaughter of animals entirely. A plant-based diet is far more healthy for humans.
there's not nearly enough meat on a cat .c'mon get real
Most pampered indoor cats could be rendered for lard.
Actually, if you rewatch the CNN report you'll find its actually biased in your favor...
The speaker they had on said that the slaughterhouses in America abide by the rules put forward by the USDA regarding the humane slaughter of animals.
It has been proven by examination of the carcasses that go through slaughter houses that many of these animals were not sufficiently stunned before being bled. Slaughterhouse employee's have quite because of PTSD from watching these animals thrash for their lives or scream while their dying. Not only do the animals suffer but the people who work in this industry do as well, mostly with psychological issues like PTSD.
I personally have educated myself on the way my food is processed and have chosen to go with a local ranch in which I have witnessed the slaughtering process ensuring that the meat I am consuming makes its way to my plate in accordance to federal standards because it's followed to the letter.
Many of these mass extermination slaughterhouses put the animals through with such expedition that they don't have time to ensure that the animals are being treated in a humane matter. Maybe if their were tougher consequences for violating these laws, and CONSTANT 24/7 monitoring by humane organizations or officials of the USDA this wouldn't be the tragic yet factual appalling truth.
These people are not Horse Lovers, they are Horse EATERS.
When my beloved horse could no longer get up, she two BIG needles in the neck.
A slaughterhouse was never even the most remote of possibilities for her.
If people were setting horses free, they should have been prosecuted.
Horses should never have been allowed to be shipped out of the country for slaughter.
I am fine with it. Nobody dies and they are animals. Just like Pig and cow. Animals are animals. Get over this taboo crap and get with reality.
....You're just an animal. Don't you know?
No, he's a human. There is a pretty big difference...you know?
Akemi! Yummy! You sound so delicious! I want to cut your head off and eat you too. Yummy.
I prefer the company of my companion animals to humans any day. Saying someone is a human is no compliment.
I'm just wondering if anyone can set aside their personal felling(s) for one moment and answer this.
What's wrong with Slaughtering horses?
Does it in some way change the world as we know it?
Does it have some adverse affect and the natural process of live as a source of substance in this world?
Is there some fall out from horse slaughter that will end life as we know it?
Why can't people stay out of other people business when it has nothing to so with them, LIke horse slaughter?
Who are YOU to tell someone they can't do as they choose with something they have legal ownership of as long as they are not causing it to live an un-humane life?
Still your emotions and answer the questions please
The thing is horses were breed for work...not food...much like the difference between a egg laying hen and a meat bird we have in effect "designed" them to be what we want.
It is not to say you cannot eat horse...but there are far better alternatives...just like you could train dogs to plow fields...but why would you?
Horses
Horse
Have you witnessed how they are slaughtered? It makes you think twice. You can look it up on YouTube "Horse Slaughtering". Hammered on the heads to nock them out, pulled by the back legs, hung, necks sliced to let blood out and of all, they are still alive. The blood is so full of chemicals it's been illegal in many states to pour onto land which will eventually enter the waters or famlands. The meat would contain these chemicals that are not meant for humans that will cause cancer and other illnesses. If a horse has to be put down, euthanise
"The blood is so full of chemicals that it's not legal ...... "
And you don't want slaughter? My question to you is WTF are you giving your horses? Maybe we should send the humane soc. out to look your horses over.....
Get to know some facts about causes of death. Cows are walked into an area and shot in the head with a spike.. Dead.. Hung to drain the blood, processed and whala you eat them. Horses are done the same and guess what.. People eat them. Such is the process of life as a farm animal.
have you seen how the process hogs, cattle or chickens?...if not I'll save you the trouble...it's worse.
Have seen chickens and cattle slaughtered when a youth. Both entertaining! Just don't stand too close...
If you euthanise a horse that means that you're administering phenobarbitol...which is legitamately pumping thier blood full of chemicals. Please realize that you argued they pump horse's blood full of chemicals at slaughter, which is a contradiction. Horses slaughtered in the US are killed quickly with a captive bolt gun and they're dead before they hit the ground. Euthanising horses isn't a better solution, its just another option with its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantage: horse is at home in its own pasture with its owner. Disadvantages: costs over $100, horse violently hits the ground and dies on the ground, you can't bury the horse because phenobarb at those levels can pollute ground water, you need to align your work schedule with your veterinarian to euthanise the horse and the knacker man to pick the horse up. Slaughter is a viable option as well and you shouldn't look down on other horse owners who need that option.
I hope anyone who eats horse meat gets sick and dies.
A nice, well-reasoned and mature argument. Will you hold your breath until you turn purple if we don't get sick and die or simply lie on the floor and kick and scream?
Europeans have been eating horse meat for centuries if not millennia.
What was Mr. Ed's last word before going to the slaughterhouse?
Wiiillburrrr!
I thought it was "EAT ME!"
leave horses alone you big idiot peopl i can't believe morons like the all of you are still yammering all about eating ponies and like other stuff. how stupid can you morons be about it! THEY ARE PONIES YOU RETARDS PONIES ARE NOT FOR EATING THEY ARE FOR PLAYING!!! DUH!!
how would you like it if somebody decided that cows were for eatings? people like cows cus they are cute and stuff for not pnies?!?!?! what in the face is going on here? don't eat hourses they are nice. stupid morons
What are you, four years old?
Good lisa... I can feel your anger!
Right on Lisa
Troll.
Can we please not make everything about politics?
What wood you lick to stalk about in(her)stead?
Get out of here you crazy liberal swine!
That spending bill from Obama and Congress was even used to fok over horses. They are all such a bunch of lowlifes.
I think we should barbecue Nancy Pelosi – pretty tough and old and bony, but with with sweet porkfat. Light meat or dark meat – lets grill the politicans. We'd get tons of lard out of them bums!
Fok? Do you mean fork? Although fok lo mein in a chinese restaurant is sweet and sour horse, with a side of rat fired rice. Now they have fried lice! too. Goes with poodle sub gum and cat pot stickers.
hasn't MacDonalds been serving this for years?
I hear KFC uses big fat cancerous ghetto rats! And the cole slaw aint cole slaw!
It could become the mane course.
Just be polite and don't look at gift-meal in the mouth.
Kentucky Thoroughbred’s are the best and healthiest choice almost zero fat.
Lets eat democrats. Lots of fat on them carcasses!
yes, yes, let's start with them fat democrats!
I'm just plain old grossed out by the article and comments. I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling quesy just from the thought of humane vs. inhumane, tasty vs. not tasty, and tabboo vs. non-taboo discussions! Blech!
But I'm sure you eat pork and beef? Look how cute cows and piggies are? Its just what your used to – but horse is probably healthier because its the only animal not given cancer causing hormones! Chow down and giddyup!
If this actually happens, they will eventually pump horses with the same "unsafe" hormones that they do with over livestock. So that doesn't excatly hold any bearing on this conversation. Horse meat was on the menu during the Great Depression – kinda feels like we are heading the same way. I hate the idea. I do eat meat, but will not eat horse meat because I grew up with a love of horses. I think its important that humans consume meat and poultry but I do believe that animals need to be treated humanely up to and including slaughter. I wish that horses were not sent to ther countries either and that they could just not be seen as a food source – it just makes me sad.
It is so grose to eat pork and meat when you know how filthy they are raised and slaughtered, it's a wonder there is so much salmanila, ecoli, cancer, etc. I quit eating meat, lost weight, more energetic. Beats a damn diet.
You're right...I get grossed out by all of it. Yes, I'm a bleeding heart, but I still eat SOME meat. I've seen all the videos and such...that's why I'm grossed out – it's my vivid imagination at play.
I, personally, couldn't eat horse; pork, rabbit, lamb, and venison all gross me out. Why some and not others? Well, some are due to what I've seen personally and/or on video. Also, I blame the Disney movie Bambi for the venison. LOL
I almost made Tofurkey on Thanksgiving thanks to some of the things I've seen! (almost) :D
Horses are about as intelligent as cows, so why not eat cows. On the other hand, pigs are smarter than dogs. If you've ever known a pig you'd question eating them.
Sounds like a tea party idea to feed the poor.The 9-12 year olds can clean the schools and then grt a free horse dinner
Just wait for the dems to throw this at welfare moms! Free cheese and a good galloping gourmet roast!
i cant believe any of you morons would ever want to eat horse. they are our friends and they are pretty! Im not some veggie moron i like burgers just like the rest of you, but I don't support the killing of any of gods animals. cows and pigs have feelings too. horses are just up there with them and need help, not eating them. DUH!
You don't make any sense, if you eat burgers how would you get the meat? From cows that self died?
Kamikaze cattle!
Hari-kari cows!
Ask any horese owner who will tell you that horses never bond with their owners – they are basically mean spirited animals to be riden and used – just like their cousin camels. A calf or a big however can bond with a person – so you are a hypocrite. Become a vegetarian and shut up.
That is completely false!!!!!! Horses and owners do bond. If a horse is mean it is because it is a response to how humans have treated it. Most horses are kind, gentle creatures who love their humans, will take care of children on their back. This and the treatment of other animals is why I am slowly becomnig vegan. The ill treatment or abuse of any creature, human or animal, completely disgusts me. Just because we CAN do something, doesn't mean we SHOULD!!
Take your meds Lisa, please
Well stated, Lisa. Your argument is infallible.
DO YOU WANT YOUR DOG TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED AND EATEN?If not, I would suggest you call your reps and senators and ask them to support house bill 2966/senate 1176 which will ban horse slaughter.... because the dogs are next it. Humans DO NOT need to eat meat to live vital, beautiful lives. HOWEVER, if you do–
it is unnecessary to acquire and eat meat from animals that have been savagely, brutally and cruelly slaughtered.
Horses have a rich inner life and are brilliant, social beings. They have been our friends for thousands of years–as have been our dogs..
My dog? No.
Your dog? Hell yes
You live-up to your name.
LOL
Apparently you've never hear of natural selection, we eat animals because we can, and are at the top of the food chain. There is this thing call science and evolution you may want to check out.
Of course dogs should be put down. I dated quite a few in my day. Good for dumping or eating!
This is a horribly uninformed article.
Friend of mine had this to say:
I will take a captive bolt any day over starvation. People don't plan to lose their jobs when they buy horses. That said, this economy and this drought have made it so that folks are having to make a choice of whether to feed the horse or feed the kids. The auction barns won't even bring what it would take in fuel to get the horse there, nobody is buying horses because they cost so much to feed with hay so scarce, the vet charges an arm and a leg to euthanize plus the cost of removal, and faced with these grim facts desperate people are turning horses loose to fend for themselves. At least when there was a slaughter market there was an established "bottom" to the price of a horse and if it was your last effort you could at least be assured his sale would cover your cost of taking him to the sale. Not so, now.
I own horses, and I don't want one of mine to end up in a slaughter house. However, I see it as a necessary evil to help other not so fortunate horses not have to endure other evils associated with living in a time of real hardship. Not pretty any way you cut it, and I sure don't get giddy at the idea of horses being slaughtered. Legalization of slaughter horses here in the U.S. is going to be a hot topic and people are fiercely divided. However, when the rescues are full and people can no longer afford to feed themselves and there is no market for horses, I just don't see any other viable options to help.
Aisa market for horse meat is huge.
I'd rather create US jobs, and humanely slaughter these otherwise starving animals, than ship them to Mexico (which is what is currently done), and know they were being butchered in horrible ways.
DKB: Why not just butcher you own horse and eat them? Maybe you already do?
WHY WHY –if you love them - why why argue to slaughter them for ANY reason.
DKB: Really? Really? You can argue for this and you own horses? I wouldn't want to be one of yours....
kkat,
In Texas, we've seen hundreds of thousands of acres burn with wildfires, we're in one of the worst droughts on record, and lakes, rivers, ponds, and wells are going dry. Horse rescues were maxed out with the fires, auction barns are turning horses away....owners are being forced to euthanize or turn horses out to fend for themselves. When the water runs out, there aren't many alternatives. It's just a fact of life. If a horse is going to be put down, doesn't it make more sense to use the resources? No one is talking about raising horses to slaughter. The slaughter house was always the last resort.
BTW, if you're so opposed to killing horses and using their resources, you may want to go apologize to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Hoof glue is still used to make cabinets and other furniture.
Euthanasia would be a viable option under those circumstances. Slaughter is not the only alternative to starvation and neglect. Wringing the last dollar out of a horse by sending it to slaughter is just plain selfish. Take a look at the captive bolt videos out there, it often takes three or four shots to kill the horse. That is after the ordeal of the auction and shipping in overcrowded trailers. Slaughter being the lesser or two evils is just a cop out for people who think it is worth putting their horse through hell to make $300 of them.
Euthanising horses isn't a better solution, its just another option with its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantage: horse is at home in its own pasture with its owner. Disadvantages: costs over $100 (and not everyone can afford that), horse violently hits the ground and dies on the ground, you can't bury the horse because phenobarb at those levels can pollute ground water, you need to align your work schedule with your veterinarian to euthanise the horse and the knacker man to pick the horse up. I'm glad that if you had to you could choose to euthanise your horse. Please realize slaughter is a viable option as well and you shouldn't look down on other horse owners who need that option. There are horse owners who need the option to send their horse to slaughter in the United States. If they don't then they're selling to Mexico (which can't meet our humane standards) or they release their horse into the wild (and that is not responsible).
sounds like you have a reasonible head on your sholders....maybe we can have another export w/ the horse slaughter. Europeans eat equine. It was readily avaliable when I was in Italy, of course so was venison in Sweden. Different countries, different customs. Remember there were no horses in America until the Europeans brought them over.
You are COMPLETELY correct in your argument! To euthanize and dispose of a horse's carcass is roughly 800-1000 dollars! When you are losing your job and your home, you surely don't have that kind of money to put down a 1000 lb animal that you just can't dig a hole in your backyard and toss it in. Captive-bolt (when done correctly) is much kinder than forcing them to starve or get sold into the "bloodsport" trade.
Thank you for putting up the first rational comment I've read in these comments.
Stop the pity party for horses. If they are such wonderful companion animals, then why ride them? That is animal cruelty, and not that much different than the way whites treated blacks for too many years, forcing them to do things they didnt want to do. You think horses love lugging your fat rear-ends around, or pulling that cart with your bratty kids? I think not! People that call horses companion animals would surely ride dogs or cats if they were size appropriate.
Actually, my horse seems to enjoy pulling me in her cart and she willingly plows as well. Animals like having jobs, unlike many of the bipeds I know.
I'm going to eat some horse, baby! YEAH!
I have a casserole receipt for colt that is simply to die for....
This is not at all about whether anyone would eat horse meat, but you have no idea the effect this 5-year ban (ugh, has it been that long?) has had on all of us who actually HAVE horses, whether a lot or just a pet in our back yards. It has crashed the market on horse prices, which has made it nearly impossible to sell anything for much of anything. This has impacted the poor folks who are trying to make their living from horses (difficult under the best of circumstances) not to mention those who even have a horse, they have become a liability instead of an asset. Finally, when these animals reach an age where they can no longer be ridden, many can spend easily 10 years as pasture ornaments, too lame to really be used. I love them, but they are animals, and they are not like your family dog who simply sits in the corner if he can't walk too well, etc. – maybe just a little mess on your carpet. Horses take hundreds of dollars every month to maintain, and if you get nothing back for 10 years, plus escalating health costs – really?? It's just a fact of life they should be put to some use rather than drag on their owners. The stereotypical glue factory has got to be an option, else those horses who are actually useful tend to starve in favor of those who are already placed but lame for the 10 years. I know this sounds heartless, but it is true. I don't think you can get to have an opinion on this (or certainly influence decisions of law) unless you actually ARE a horse owner. Hats off to PETA for taking the stand they have, there have been a ton of neglected and abandoned horses because of this. This – is basically all the issues. That's the difference between horse/livestock owners and you ridiculous people who just have a dog or a cat that you dote on – we are in the middle of REALITY of what this all entails. Thank goodness our options are back, and I can't wait for the first slaughter facility to open. I will be at their door with a fruit basket.
The casual reader would be wise to read the above comment, its outstanding.
I own and have been around horses half my life, and as other several other posters pointed out, horses are not raised as food animals. The amount of drugs, supplements and chemicals injected, injested and applied even to strictly pleasure horses would make this meat so unsafe I can't even imagine eating it.
Different countries have different customs. Depending on where you are, rats, cats, dogs, dolphins, insects, baby chicks still in the egg are all considered food items. I had a pet pig but I still eat pork. I had a pet horse, and I've sampled that in Japan. I have aquariums but I still eat fish (except for green ones).
I wonder if the USDA has similar bans regarding dogs and cats.
I've had horse in sausage form and it's delicious. As long as the horses are raised free range and not in some noxious factory farm, I think this is fine. Horses are delicious, most animals are, as long as they aren't pumped full of chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. That's the real problem with meat. It's quite healthy otherwise. Eat game meat, eat free-range meat, vote with your dollar, stop supporting factory farms.
Well-balanced post. Unfortunately, if horsemeat was ever mainstreamed into the American food supply, you'd better believe horses would be treated the same way as cows, pigs, and fowl – inhumanely.
I truly wish farmers could find a way to produce humanely raised and organic meat at a lower cost. Then it would be accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford to shop at places like Whole Foods.
You are absolutely correct. Cows are not treated humanely before they are slaughter, many times there death is drawn out and painful- same for pigs. Chickens are so modified to grow quickly and plump many cannot even stand up! Not because they don't have space to in their crates (they don't), but they cannot physically maneuver their hormone ridden body to lift themselves. This would eventually be the same for horses, get them as big as possible as quick as possible to maximize profits. I do not support horse meat even if it was regulated out the wazoo. Apparently Americans aren't fat enough already (and yes I've heard horse meat can be lean... if you eat a correct portion size, but newsflash- most people over eat and extra protein in the body turns to fat if it's not utilized. Based on the number of people that exercise daily, I think overeating protein is a huge issue in the U.S.)
Marco that wasn't sausage. Horse tube steak maybe but not sausage
This piece still has marks where the jockey was hitting it! – Rodney Dangerfield
this is a subject that could get me in a lot of trouble, so i will only say one thing and will not return to this page... ANYONE who thinks it's ok to eat horse meat should have their spouse/partner/parent/sibling/child or any other person they may love, slaughtered and fed to them (now how insane does that sound? just as insane as the cruel and heartless killing of a domestic companion animal for food). Better yet, why punish the innocent, lets just slaughter you instead.
If you would calm down and restrict it to teenagers I would support it.
Wow I want to eat your horses now.
Equine Lover is mad that her steak was overcooked last night.
You are all SICK PUPPIES........Speaking of sick puppies.......Honey ,What's for dinner..
Horses are NOT companion animals. That would be a dog or a cat (and a lot of people eat those!). Horses are SLAVE animals. Forced to carry the burdens of humans. Humanely raise them, humanely slaughter them, then cook and eat them!!
It all depends on your perspective. You view horses strictly as companions so the idea of eating one horrifies you. Other people (including many Europeans) have a different perspective.
Agreed! NEVER slaughter horses. I would starve first. Long time (15 years) healthy vegetarian. Not sick, not even a cold in the past 15 yrs.
NOT EVEN A PLEASURE! :-)
Your example is a bit off but really to some people a horse is another family member in the same way a cat or a dog is. People can love animals as much or more than humans. I agree that horses should not be eaten. And will people stop with the "other countries eat it" crap. Iceland and Japan kill and eat whales on sushi, China eats dogs and cats, this defense is as juvenile as "but everyone else is doing it." It does not make it humane nor the norm. Also spend a day with a horse, cow, pig, sheep, dog, etc. – they are very capable of having personalities and in my belief emotions. (They don't belong on a plate)
I agree!!! This article makes me so mad I can hardly reply.
It is a very peculiar kind of sickness that many humans have where they betray their own kind in favor of non-humans. When you think about it, people like this should be locked up, as it is just common sense. They would save an animal over a child, and that is clearly wrong. I love my horses, but they do not EVER compare to my children – or anyone else's, or the bum in the street, or the elderly person dying of cancer. We have places for people who advocate the murder of others, and I have seen shows such as Criminal Minds that are about people just like you. At the very least, if you value your pets over your children, someone should be calling CPS.
Who in this country would eat horsemeat except perhaps a few gourmands? Consequently, where is the demand at the main street supermarket? Also, there are more people allergic to horsemeat than milk. Remember when a certain injection was mixed with horse serum many years ago and the problems it caused? Frankly, I think horsemeat is substituting for something else!
have the republicans OKed eating the poor yet?? all this demonizing and marginalizing has to be leading somewhere..... if your not productive your DINNER! skid row is the new meat case.....
This is a food blog. Please do not bring politics into it.
The poor is what Republicans eat for dinner, then they brainwash them with Faux news so they'll vote for them. It's ok to bring politics to the Food Blog, don't listen to people who try to censor you. As the French say, "you either do politics, or politics do you."
maybe NEWT came up with this new idiot scheme. he favors child labor so next let the poor eat horses.i say to the people who are doing this. A would you eat this? B yes we need jobs. but come on! horses????????? I would rather eat my shoe before i would eat a horse. And I AM IN POVERTY.
Um, *Obama* signed the Bill, says so in the first paragraph of this story. He could easily reverse that portion of the law with an executive order, but he did not. The bill passed BOTH the Democrat controlled Senate and the Republican controlled House.
So don't bring your rabid wing-nut-ism into this, when both houses of Congress and the President ALL share in this blame!
I can't wait for Pony Burgers. I had horse in France, and it was pretty tasty.
I just see lots of crying on this page from people that just want to be angry about something.
If that horse meat was imported from the US chances are it contained bute which is known to cause aplastic anemia in humans.
The most deadly chemical on the PLANET is Water.
Guess all you wussy bleeding heart liberals will now what to dry up the oceans.
GOD loves us and that's all that matters. If he didn't want us to eat horse, why did he make them so tasty?
Since it's always been legal to ship horses to slaughter, then the closure of the US plants can't be associated with any increase in abuse or starvation cases. The same number of American horses are being slaughtered now as when the last three plants in the US were open. Like any other industry, slaughter is demand driven. The plants only take in enough horses to fill the contracts they have with their customers. The owners of 1% of the 9,000,000 horses in this country want slaughter, the rest of us don't. Why should taxpayers have to pay another $5 million in taxes to pay for the greedy, irresponsible behavior of the 1%? Horses are not raised as food producing animals. One of the many common medications given to our horses, Bute, is known to cause cancer in humans. Bute is completely banned from the US food supply. Only 3% of horses killed in the US plants were tested for Bute even though bute is as common to horses as aspirin is to humans. The US plants employed less than 200 people with the majority of them being undocumented workers. All of the plants were foreign owned meaning they paid little to no income tax to the US. Go to kaufmanzonimg.com and read the 906 page report from the USDA which detailed just some of the abuses that took place at one of the Texas plants. The Illinois plant was repeatedly fined for waste violations. A Canadian plant was recently shut down for dumping blood into a river. THIS is the industry Duquette, Backus and Wallis want taxpayers to support. By the way, Wallis saw nothing wrong with the nude couple that crawled inside of their dead horse. Says a lot about her character doesn't it. Wallis, Backus and Duquette epitomize everything that's wrong with Washington. Lies, corruption, stealth ammendments, illegal fundraising and lobbying, etc.
Read the article. Funding wasn't increased for this.
$5 million is the number Wallis and her pro slaughter fanatics are tossing around.
Your numbers and reasoning are way off the mark.
I would like to know where you came up with 1% of horse owners don't want slaughter. That's not even close to a real percentage. Most horse owners to want slaughter and the majority of horse breeders do as well. Not having a slaughter market has depleted the horse market in the U.S. and anyone in the horse business will agree. That goes for trainers, breeders and so on. The market is now so saturated with low quality horses and backyard breeding horses that you can't move prospect horses for a decent enough value to justify the cost of breeding and raising.
With our lovely economy more and more people are releasing horses into the wild or dropping them off in someone else's back field. There's no way to get rid of a horse and recover at least part of the investment made.
I love horses and I own horses. I enjoy everything about them but I also understand the need to be able to manage them in life and death. People have been eating horses since the beginning of time. Other countries pay a premium for quality horse meet. There's no reason why just because we're "American" we can't profit on those market places.
What's worst a new tax to pay for feeding the horses released on state lands or someone making $$ by selling horses to a slaughter house which employees Americans and then an American selling that meet and making a profit? I bet you vote for a tax..... I vote for the American and an open slaughter market.
Correction or better way to word it.. on my comment:
"Not having a slaughter market has depleted the horse market in the U.S. and anyone in the horse business will agree. "
Not having a slaughter market has depleted the value of horses............
Having a huge number of slaughter market quality horses in the open trade market has driven the price of quality horses down.
Based on the accepted 15% livestock mortality rate, about 1.38 MILLION horses die each year. Only the owners of 1% of them ship to slaughter. The rest of us call a vet.
The pro slaughter cult continuously claims that horses are being starved because there are no horse slaughter plants in the US. This is simply not true. The option to ship to slaughter has always been and is currently available to horse owners. Opening plants on US soil won't stop people from abusing or starving their horses. If the pro slaughter faction gave a damn about anything but money, they would be fighting for greater fines and penalties for those who abuse and starve animals.
Personal feelings aside, Why are horses needed for food? There are already a lot of other things out there to eat in abundance ( especially obvious when you see how heavyset the general public has become... ).
I cannot wait to try it!
REALLY you people REALLY? Hoiw sick does this sound: He has signed a law that says it is okay for people to eat my best friends.....really? how great does that sound..IT DOESNT! ITS LIKE KILLING EVERY KIDS DREAMS OF WANTING A LITTLE PONY!
*hands over a t@mpon, some Midol and a shot of whiskey*
Here you go, honey. Try to calm yourself.
I want a little pony. And maybe some fries and a Dr. Pepper!
No, no. Pony meat would fall into a different category, like veal. Iknow how you feel. I felt the same way when they started eating squid. My pet squid was the only friend I had and he/she was soooo cute!
You better hope you never make friends with a (delicious) cow.
Pony would not at all be like veal, a pony is not a young horse, just a small horse. Like a dwarf. This is a perfect example of people who should not have ANY say in this matter – you do not know even the basics about horses, what they entail, how to care for them, etc. You should go play with the plastic ponies and let the adults make decisions about these things. Or-go buy a horse, care for it, feed it, pay for it, etc. – for the THIRTY years it lives. When you've done that, get back to us.
I'm a vegetarian, so I don't eat any kind of animal, but I think it's really stupid to think it's okay to eat one animal and not another. Why the picking and choosing? It makes zero sense.
agreed
Agreed. Why is eating a cow ok but not a horse? What about rabbit? Plenty of people keep them as pets but there is no uproar about rabbit meat being available at my local butcher shop. The important issue is that if animals are going to be slaughtered for human consumption that it be done humanely.
In Ljubljana (Slovenia) a Horse-burger is a popular fast food dish.
No prejudices.
It makes me really sad that horses have to suffer the consequences of people's selfish actions..Why are we breeding so many horses if we just plan to kill them? People need to be held accountable for the well being of their animals.
No horses should be killed period. it would be better if there were actually restrictions on who can purchase a horse in the first place. it would also be better if people would stop being so stupid breeding horses that aren't obviously are not quality and whose offspring will have no potential career. Maybe if the majority of Americans started breeding high quality horses then people wouldn't be so tempted to kill them. There's too many horses here and its too easy for neglectful people to buy them. There needs to be restrictions on horse breeding and purchasing.
Restrictions on who can purchase them?
That's got to be the stupidest thing I have read on this subject and there are plenty of stupid ideas here.
Let's take pleasure away from EVERYONE and then say if you are XYZ and can do ABC you can own a horse..
We have to many laws in this country as it is that can't and aren't enforced.. Let's just add one more really stupid one to the list.
Next you can't own a cat or a dog of and BTW you can't grow a garden or a shovel..
Horses can spend many years as elderly, aged animals that cannot move around and carry us in the ways we need. For this we need younger horses. It is a natural part of a horse's life to end when it is no longer useful, just like chickens who stop laying eggs. God, you people need to go to a real farm and learn about where your food comes from. Death is a natural, necessary part of it. We don't put them on blood pressure meds, insulin, and give them false teeth, you know.
This news disgusts me on so many levels. The US is taking a step backwards everyday it seems! Shame on the human race for being so pathetic, ignorant and cruel. As if torturing cows and other livestock was not enough now horses need to be tortured so fat Americans can eat horse.
Nope, it was before this that they were truly being tortured, not even worth a bullet in the head to end it. You haven't seen what really has been going on. Go back to your little apartment.
Honestly, if you think about the natural world and the way the food chain is supposed to work, humans do eat animals, plants, and fruits and that is just (for most people) a fact. Meat is part of many people's diet and that is perfectly acceptable. But, the way we were originally designed to get meat was by hunting and killing an animal in its natural environment, with few exceptionally unfair advantages. I am not saying this is the way it should be now, by any means. But if we are going to eat the meat, we need to develop less debatable and more humane ways to kill them. I think that the worst part of animal slaughter is the cruelty so often associated with it. If you raise animals in decent conditions, treat and feed them well, and then when they reach a good age, humanely kill them, that can be deemed acceptable, especially when not done in surplus. But if you breed or buy animals to starve them, beat them, and tie them in filthy pens with little to drink and nowhere to move, that is absolutely immoral. Treat animals correctly until you plan to use them for food, and it would be nice to kill them in a decent way.
totally agree with you. humans are designed to be omnivores and are at the top of the food chain. that means we should not feel guilty or that it's unhealthy to eat meat, and that we have a responsibility to use our brains to raise and harvest our primary source of protein as humanely as possible.
Alright back to work. Someday, people will stop viewing their own needless, selfish desires as above the extreme suffering of other sentient beings. The fact that something tastes good is not a reason to torture it.
What, time to get back to killing stray kitties and unwanted puppies at PETA?
Once again, rather than making any meaningful attempt to actually think about the issue you just hurl jokes and insults. Oh well, it is the internet.
I've thought about the issue. And I've come to the conclusion that you don't deserve to be taken seriously.
You are a deranged member of a cult, obsessed with shoddyy pseudoscience and dedicated to trying to infringe my rights and liberties.
Dismissive contempt is all you deserve.
Too bad the horseys are powerless to stop us!!!!!!!!!
MUAHAHAHAHA!!
And yet again.
Meh, I gave my "meaningful" view of the subject a little ways down. There is only so much serious discussion I can put into the internet before I start realizing i'm just bashing my head against an anonymous brick wall.
Ok, I have issues with slaughtering horses for human consumption...but lets be serious. Are you honestly claiming they are sentient? Do you even know the definition of that word? I love animals, I respect them and I respect them as a food source. And due to that respect I believe they deserve humane and honorable processing for slaughter.
However, claiming sentience. Wow...that's out there and frankly can only HURT the cause of trying to insure animals are treated fairly.
Being rational is far more effective than speaking in hyperbole.
us humans have no respect for what life truly is. we don't respect our own race and see all other life forms as inferior objects when the energy that makes them live and breathe is the same energy that makes us live and breathe. Killing any life form is barbaric and ignorant. Plants are life too but there is a big difference because they give us fruit and keep on giving the fruit. I hope soon the world can see what a blessing life truly is and we can work together with the laws of god in nature to restore balance in our planet. peace to all and leave animals alone!
so i should only eat fruit?
we get lost in the wilderness together with nothing to eat but some small amounts of flora, after a few days i think i would consider eating you, not too much tho dont want to get the shakes from all the iron intake.
This whole vegan thing came from people watching cartoons like looney tunes or sonic as a kid and associating animals, falsely, with human traits. Same as how people see anorexic models and want to emulate them. You are taught from birth if you watch that kind of a cartoon. Its completely non factual and illogical
The people who are vegan for health reasons are completely different however its debatable if its actually healthy people sometimes just associate alternate lifestyles with magical healing powers.
I really like how you used a lot of facts and deep philosophical analysis to support your point. Seriously? You think people are vegan because of cartoons?
No, people are vegans because they're emotionally stunted antisocial nuts.
Personally I think you and Mike are extreme. Two sides of the same coin. Most people are moderate. They don't want to be vegan but they don't want animals to be tortured or killed unnecessarily. Americans have plenty of food.
Eating meat is by definition needless torture.
Weather you are for or against horse slaughter, day dream about unicorns, or hate horses, are a vegan or a meat lover, there is one big factor that people aren't talking about.
Horses in the US are not raised and farmed for slaughter like beef, chicken, or pork. Horses in the US are raised to be pets and performance animals. As such, they are treated with drugs and antibiotics all their lives. Even simple salves and fly spray, which are all labeled not for use on horses intended for human consumption, are applied daily...for some 20 years. Once the unfortunate ones are no longer useful or affordable, the animals end up in a kill pen at an auction and then shipped to slaughter. All of the drugs and chemicals given to the animal over the years stay in the meat and cause it to be poisonous. People all over the world get ill and die from eating US horse meat every year (be it slaughtered in Canada, Mexico or domestically). Looking at it objectively, in my opinion, it is simply irresponsible to slaughter US horses that are not raised and farmed for slaughter. People die from it.
I remember readaing that our milk has the highest rate of puss in the first world. The food industry in the US wouldn't pass in any other country due to violations that would disgust the average person alone. Be it grain or meat.
By any other country i'm only including civilized democratic nations.
makes sense
Sorry to say but all the aforementioned animals are also pumped full of antibiotics and hormones to be healthier and fatter for consumption.
Yes, antibiotics and hormones may not be considered poisonous. However all of the barbiturates and other anti-inflammatory drugs that horses are treated with are. Cattle, chicken, and pork raised for meat are not injected with these types of drugs and chemicals.
oh yeah i do agree with you, maybe i should have added that at the end but i imagine all that bs in the other animals could not be all that good for us either.
They are pumped up with lots and lots steroids for large muscle mass.
I've spent decades around farms and ranches and have never seen or heard of anyone giving their horses steroids.
Lila confuses the over-medicated horse racing industry with the reality of recreational and agricultural horses. Farmers, ranchers and most folks who keep horses aren't dosing their horses with anything more than some pyrethrin spray when then flies are especially bad.
This is true. I have plenty of moral objections, having spent the better part of my life training, showing and now just enjoying my horse. But from a human health perspective, we absolutely do pump our horses with things you don't want to be eating, not just fly spray. Halter horses are often given steroids, most horses are on suppliments. My horse gets his vaccinations twice a year. A horse you pick up at an auction to slaughter doesn't come with a record of what it has been dosed with.
The whole thing is a mess – Why don't stupid people just stop breeding – themselves as well as dogs, cats, horses, etc. etc. STOP! the slaughterhouse is horrible go to one before eating your next steak and if you think the cows have a problem the horse is even worse they are flight animals and do not go quietly (like sheep & cows) to their slaughter – they panic and guess what the people in charge are not animal lovers (who could be and work in that nightmare) the whole thing is disgusting – I say kill and eat people instead.
I've gutted a fish and ate it, i'm sure I would have no problem with the same thing but in terms of cattle
Some people are just disgusted by blood. This girl I knew would get sick at the sight of a cut finger so I can see how someone wouldn't eat cattle after seeing it slaughtered. That is the reasoning, not some moral quandry you make it out to be with your vast leaps are illogic.
Do you know anyone who works at a slaughterhouse? Some people love animals, but will do what they have to to feed their families. That could well mean working in a slaughterhouse. Don't make sweeping generalizations that working in a slaughterhouse means you can't possibly love animals.
Killing and eating people can lead to contraction of kuru. And it has been shown that it can occur spontaneously, that is, without the consumed individual having had the disease. Something about eating your own species, I guess. However, I have seen documentaries in which the cannibals say that human meat is the best tasting there is. But, maybe they don't have much to compare it to.
Another sociopathic "animal lover."
Hitler wept when his dog died...
Listen I eat meat but I DON'T eat meat unless the animals are treated right before death your all adults right? well you sound mean and fight over things we have no control over you have your beliefs are yours other people have there's beliefs what you want but don't act so childish.
Don't like the idea of horse meat don't eat it
Like it eat it
Against bad slaughter conditions buy from more expensive meat sellers
I know I can't change many or any people by posting this but, think first
Oh really? Do you sit by the animals for the duration of their lives, follow them to the slaughterhouse, make sure everything goes ok? Of course not. Don't be ignorant.
no because I can't if I could a would I'm not going to fight with you over something we cant control
Well then you shouldn't be eating meat.
You shouldn't be stealing oxygen.
3 points:
1. Horses are NOT smart. Science has shown time and time again that horses are less intelligent than swine.
2. Horses were once widely eaten throughout the world. It is not NEW to use the horse as a food item.
3. I'd wager that the average hamburg eater would blanch at the idea they were eating a cow.
The rule of life is "eat it before it eats you". Everything else is social rules which change on a whim.
Interesting. So you are basically arguing that morality does not exist.
No. I am saying that eating animals of any sort is a natural expression of our omnivorous body. We eat about anything that is edible to insure the species continues, We don't eat our own because that would do nothing to preserve our species. And , I do NOT see the eating of food as a party to morality. Any food aversions are entirely socially or medically induced. Eating is a "habit" not a form of moral or ethic considerations. Man is as an undomesticated wild omnivore designed to eat anything that is not poisonous. Anything outside that observation is naive.
The world you describe is not one that we live in. You treat man as if he is ruler of the law of the jungle, but ignore the fact the the entire purpose of human progress is to move away from that law. Your argument would lend support to the notions of murder, rape, theft, and any other action that would improve our own selfish instincts. Eating is one of the most moral choices we can make. Like I said, you are really arguing against the concept of morality.
And why is it that something is moral just because it is "natural"? Are you contending that we can just treat animals however we want?
Not "morality" as vegan cultists pretend it to be.
The problem is that in the western world, horses have been prized for their usefulness to humans far more than their caloric content for hundreds of years. Similar to the way we prize dogs for their usefulness, these animals have been considered companion species to man for quite some time. It is difficult to change that perception after generations upon generations of our ancestors have passed it down to us. We consider horses and dogs our friends, cows and chickens as resources.
We seem to have similar ancestral-originated feelings over predatory species. We see the power or nobility in these creatures, but not so much in their prey. Most would have no problem shooting an antelope to feed their family, but would scoff at killing a Lion. Same thing with Hawks and Doves... one is hunted regularly for food and sport, the other, despite not being endangered, is not.
A lot of the feelings we have today regarding animals and their uses were passed down to us by our ancestors, some due to practical reasons, others due to cultural values. Its up to us each to decide individually if we are to honor what they passed down to us, or if we are to decide for ourselves what is more fitting to our own current beliefs.
Imagine brutally murdering an animal merely because you enjoy the sounds of its screams. Now replace hearing with taste. Is it suddenly moral?
Give it up you are only making people think you are even more an idiot than they already do. You already said that animals are sapient being capable of reason and thought. Now this insane dribble. Take your schitzo pill Dr Dolittle. Cartoons like Lion King and Fern Gully are not documentarys.
I remember reading that the Messianic Age in Judaism is supposed to be a time when lions eat grass with cattle. I'm guessing you think we should force them to do that as well since we kill animals far more "humanely" than they do.
I'd like to eat troll for dinner. I'll start with you
I'll assume that means you can't answer the question.
Its like answering the questions of a raving stoner at burning man, its absolutely pointless as its literally retarded
I'll join you because trolls are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
Here is my response that I wrong and decided not to just to satisfy the trolls apetite.
You already said that animals are sapient being capable of reason and thought. Now this insane dribble. Take your schitzo pill Dr Dolittle. Cartoons like Lion King and Fern Gully are not documentarys.
I remember reading that the Messianic Age in Judaism is supposed to be a time when lions eat grass with cattle. I'm guessing you think we should force them to do that as well since we kill animals far more "humanely" than they do.
Ate quite a bit of dog and rat meat in Vietnam. 45 years later....still chooglin'!!!
It upsets me that the bill has been passed because I love horses. But honestly, who is going to demand horse be on the menu?
Guinea pigs, baby cows, dogs, lambs, all these things get eaten and are considered adorable by a lot of people. I wouldn't touch them, but I guess if you want a horse steak...well that's up to you. Just please don't tell me about it.
See this is a rational argument here this fine lady has given. Thank you for a contrary opinion that is reasonable.
Meat is Meat – you don't get meat without killing something and you cannot say it is wrong to eat horse anymore than it is right to eat cow or wrong to eat a dog or wrong to eat people. It boils down to human beings as a whole are not ready yet to respect each other or other animals. I cannot make anyone vegetarian nor should I. It must come from the heart, from compassion. I could not eat a horse because I love horses and have known many in my life, they are intelligent and friendly and return the love you give them – that is my experience and that is why I will not eat horse. I can say the same of other animals as well for me. If you feel like you would eat horse then I encourage you do so because it will probably be a pleasurable experience – you know it kind of cracks me up really, people that would not go near a horse or a cow while they are alive have no problem with putting the body parts into their mouths and deriving pleasure from that experience – I happen to prefer them in the living state and I usually don't put them in my mouth.
I, for one, don't really have a problem with any animal's meat being available to purchase, except for that of a human. You can call me a hypocrite on this matter, but I would disagree with you. No other animal has shown the amount of self-awareness, intelligence and logical thought that humans have which brought us to our (some would say unfortunate) dominant standing in the world today. Humans may be animals, but we stand out so much from the rest of the animal kingdom as far as what we have accomplished and the impact we've had on the world – that to lump humans into the same category as "animals" is an incredibly gross oversimplification.
Agreed. Huge moral difference between Meat, and Sapient Meat. Animals are not people, despite the cute bumper stickers to the contrary.
Never ate horse meat but know someone who accidentlally ordered a steak during a trip to Canada. She said it tasted horrible and could not swallow the first bite. When she asked the waiter why her stake tasted so rank, he informed her that it was horse meat. So go for it if you can stomach it. As an aside, people should stop mindlessly breeding horses the same as with dogs and cats. Also, let the wild mustangs be, they do no harm to anyone and certainly are not breaking the wealthy western ranchers.
Horse tastes fine.
Your friend sounds like a typical "American cheese-food product" eating, catsup-drenching loser.
fun to pet, better to chew
It's not really that bad, but I can understand if you were expecting beef instead of horse then it might have tasted a bit gamey.
I've never had it as a steak before, but it's quite tasty in a ragu.
I imagine it would be tough due to all the muscle horses have, but treat them like Americans, feed them until they get to fat to walk, then need a hover-round to get from point A (stable) to point B (slaughter house). Somewhere along the lines they might get early onset diabetes but who cares.
Horses are work animals. That makes a huge difference in how meat tastes and the texture of it. The meat is going to be leaner and tougher, and it's much harder to cook meat like that well. So no, this isn't necessarily a case of the "cheeseburger loving American" or whatever.
Plus, if someone is expecting a cow steak, and gets horse instead, that's naturally going to taste bad to them because it won't meet their expectations. Just like if you order a pie expecting something sweet like cherry, and get something like a mincemeat or chicken pot pie, you're going to think it's bad. It might be the best thing ever made, but because you were expecting something else, it won't taste right to you.
It tasted like beef with a sweeter and more fibrous texture but all in all I would definitely eat it again if I came across it at the market. I don't know what the person ate in Canada but I would guess that if it tasted that bad it was something other than a horse. Moose, anyone?
Moose does have a bit more flavor than beef. Sort of a hint of liver. But it's good. Real good. Better than beef.
I really doubt that your "friend" was served a surprise horse stake in Canada. Personally I've never seen it on a menu and yes they do have to identfy on the menu the meat you are apparently eating. your story is a load of horse apples.
Is there a single person out there that can make a moral argument for the torture, killing, and consumption of a pig while rejecting the same practice for dogs? I'd love to hear it.
Food for thought meat is meat peroid.
Meat is meat???? BS think of your own self as meat to others, now lets see you say meat is meat....
Pigs are too slow to catch rabbits and don't swim well enough to retrieve ducks?
Nope, but I would say that I wouldn't mind dog meat being available for purchase either.
Most people will probably disagree with me though.
At least you are philosophically consistent
I would like to hear a moral argument about not eating humans. Humans have been eating humans longer than they've been eating farm animals yet that's taboo today.
You have to kill them first. Murder. That's pretty much the the bullet-proof corner-stone argument my friend.
In the case of those cannibals who only eat there own, and only after natural death... there are a myriad of health issues that can arise from eating other humans.
I think it's all soilent green
*soylent
Barry/BO – Dumb and dumber – Disgusting.
I am all for this. Horse meat is lean and good for you not to mention it would be nice to see something other than beef and chicken on the menu.
Mo-Ron, you aren't very smart are you? Have you ever thought about the drugs fed to horses in the US? Race horses, rodeo horses and even pleasure horses? Not a single drug given to horses is approved for use on animals raised for food. So, if you want to eat a poisoned horse I say eat up because we can do without thinkers like you. However, the majority of Americans are a tad smarter and don't feel the need for pithy replies on CNN.
Few horses are as dosed with drugs as industrially-farmed chickens or cattle.
Even fewer horses are given anything more sinister than run of the mill antibiotics that people have been prescribed for years.
Sue W sounds like one of the horse-obsessed fat chick squad. Get laid, Sue, and stop pestering people with your unhealthy equine fetish.
You are wrong, horses have much more drugs than cows and chicken, I grew up around race horses and saw how much was put into them.
Lila, something I agree with you on. LOL.
Here's a free hint: race horses make up a tiny portion of the horses in the US.
The same is true of work horses, actually. The only horses you'd want to eat would be wild ones.
Anyway, if some want a choice different than beef, they should try a buffalo burger. That is *much* more tasty than a tough, chewy, muscular horse.
I think those that don't believe they have enough choices in that respect would be surprised to find the diversity of game meat they could purchase in their own locale.
"The only horses you'd want to eat would be wild ones."
Unless this catches on and they become domesticated.
True. And it already is the norm in other countries. But I doubt it will catch on in any great numbers in the US. We still identify with the horse as a symbol of the American west.
Is there demand for horse meat? Seems more like a meat of last resort type situation, probably better than cat/dog though...meow/woof
We ate a lot of it during world war 2. it was about the only meat we could buy at the grocery store.
During WW2 the average American was half the size they are today. It boils down to being unnecessary considering the amount of food we have access to today.
ready your ability to completely misunderstand even a wikipedia article is truly stunning.
Kinda taste like chicken, right ?
I think eating horse is immoral. They are intelligent animals and there are plenty of other animals that are more appropriate for eating. They are a symbol of national pride and part of our history as work animals, pets, and companions. Eating them just seems wrong. Just was wrong as eating dog. I realize where there is a supply there will always be a demand, but please people, grow up. Not everything is on the menu – just because you CAN kill something and eat it doesn't mean you SHOULD. This is why we don't eat each other and are not cannibals. There is a moral line that should be drawn.
The voice of arrogant ethnocentrism has been heard from.
There's nothing "immoral" about eating horses. They're no more intelligent than cows, if even that.
Ah,,,,, now the big players will figure out a way to bio engineer a breeding horse that is extremely obese to maximize meat production just like the cows, turkeys or the chicken we eat. all for the obese American people who want more food...
Earnán you have an IQ of an Bovine, you need to reduce the consumption of asinine
You call that a counter-argument? Tossing out random insults? The voice of a internet troll has been heard. (yours). PATHETIC.
idk, i think your off the wall insane person views are more likely to be a troll
Nothing random about ID'ing you as an arrogant ethnocentric azzhole.
You made a baseless emotional claim about eating horses being "immoral." You were given factual information about horses being anything but "intelligent" and it gave you a case of butt-hurt.
Too bad. Grown up and mind your own business.
Horse
You ignored the core of my arguement, because yours is so weak, Earnán. Why don't we eat people? Simply put – most of us think it's wrong. Every society defines its moral boundaries. It's PART of society. We have ours, others have theirs. Just because YOU have none, doesn't mean that you should get some free-for-all pass to do as you please. If you think cannibalism is not wrong, society will beg to differ and toss you in jail if you do it. That's what morals are – completely illogical, yet critical, elements of what makes a society function. Eating dog is wrong according to us. In India, eating cow is. This isn't ethnocentrism, it's your ignorant "my view is more important than anyone elses" attitude. It's pathetic.
This is outrageous! Horses are the most beautiful, elegant animals on earth... they should NOT be used as food! I WOULD NEVER EAT A HORSE! HORSES DESERVE OUR PROTECTION!
Let me guess.... you were the 200lb something girl in high school that would wear sparkeled unicorn shirts?
Now that's just rude. Even if it were true, you shouldn't go saying something like that.
lol
I know in some parts of Europe, Spain for example, horse meat has always been on the menu. I think people should be more open minded about things. It's not like they're on the extinction list.
The people mostly against this are against eating meat alltogether because they aren't all there in the head. Like Mike below.
I love meat, but I love horses. They are beautiful creatures that God put on this Earth for a reason, and I don't mean to eat, I mean to raise like your own child and use in productive ways. You shouldn't assume that we don't like meat just because we don't want to eat horse meat. Really think about what you're going to say before you type it.
Annie is one of the nuts who calls domestic animals her "children."
Pathetic.
ready-
Do you have arguments other than "that's the way the world is"? The production of meat in this country causes unbelievable torture to millions of sentient animals every year and people accept it because they don't have to look at it. The suffering is completely needless. We do this because we want to. It's fundamentally selfish and immoral.
Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive or be conscious, or to have subjective experiences. Eighteenth century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think ("reason") from the ability to feel
My dog: has the ability to "reason". I guess I should argue the merits of socialized medicine with it.
This is exactly what i'm talking about, completely devoid of reality.
The fact you call animals sentient either means you are a moron or a troll. Take your pills if animals are sitting at your table plotting their overthrow of oppressive mankind something must be unbalanced in your head. As that is what any sentient species would do to their slave masters.
I would almost argue at this point that you are not sentient as you are just have knee jerk instintive idiot reactions to whatever I say as if i'm throwing a ball to a dog and it runs through anything to get to it.
Ready, can you read? The article you just posted defines sentience as the ability to feel. It says philosophers used sentience to distinguish sentient beings from those that can reason. It's say the exact opposite of what you are arguing. I'm not sure why I am ever arguing with someone who doesn't understand the definition of sentient. Also, when debating, try not to use the first line of a wikipedia article.
Mike, I agree with everything you said.
I feel that instead of moving forward as a civilization, we really move backwards sometimes. Shame on Obama for not stopping this. I've had people from other countries ask why there's no horse meat sold here and I was always a little proud to say that it's not something that would be done here. :(
Yes we certainly do take backwards steps, but at the same I'm confident that the slow march of humans towards civility will eventually lead us away from the constant torture than we inflict on animals.
Then the world would be overpopulated than it is suppose to right? That's why cats chase rats, dogs chase cats, tigers and lions eat smaller animals, The ocean small fish gets eaten by smaller fishes and scavenger fish eat the big when they die. Nothing is suppose to be wasteful except humans because we are the highest of the food chain. So if you want to be a small fish eating on plants that's your thing!!!!
Considering humans are the ones breeding these animals, no.
Typo: smaller fish gets eaten by larger fish
What?
Did you really not read what you wrote? You just called yourself the highest in the food chain, and what is that- the pride of the humans. But what happens when all that pride is all people think about, you people will believe they are the top the food chart when you don't even see that their is other things in this wold that can over power that. Even the human mind is only seek to killing each other so cats chases rats, dog chases cat, well humans chases humans. Don't worry when the time comes your mind will open up more.
Yawn.
Meat is murder. Delicious, delicious murder.
Just so long as it isn't Mr. Ed......
You know i understand where all this comes from, but don't you see, its people, the humans that cause all this, they have all asked for more and for more and they never stop asking for more and its the very human mind that sees this as a way to feed and that's fine, everything must eat something, but you know that their is way too much humans in this world and everything is running out because they don't treat this earth for what it should be treated, humans see this world as their home but almost no one treats it as their mother of birth, stop and think before you say the actions that are placed on the world.
~Shadow
I think we should start eating humans....
As shadow steps away from his machine he uses to disperse his pure logic and reason to the world he wraps his plad scarf around his neck, dons his short brimmed fedora, places his sunglasses on his furrowed brow, hops in his VW Jetta and rides off to the sunset.
oh man did i have a good laugh at the comments you posted. I honestly hope i run into other threads you have been on lol.
HORSES ARE NOT MEANT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION! BY THE WAY THE WRITER OF THIS PAPOSTARIS ARTICLE I WOULD LOVE TO BE THE ONE TO WATCH YOU SEE THE REACTION TO PEOPLES HORRID DISBELIEF WHILE YOUR STANDING IN THE CENTER OF ABOUT 1000 PEOPLE THEN ASK THEM TO THEIR FACE
How very wrong you are as growing up in the time of world war 2 when we were using war ration stamps to buy gas and other nessities we were limited to what we could buy. i remember the big dark red round steaks in the meat market. we ate them often. only after the war did we learn that it was horse meat. just think back then we could not buy choclate candy or the ladies but nylons. we collected gum wrappers and aluminum pots and pans for the war.
What an ignorant comment. And I do not believe that cursing demonstrates how intelligent you are.
Veganism is the only morally responsible way to eat.
Inorite? How else am I supposed to get an inflated sense of superiority?
You are either a troll or a retard, either way you are an idiot.
Can you please get with reality? I mean how can someone be so disconnected from facts and reality yet still keep his snobbish nose high in the air?
So your argument is that things are moral because they exist? Brilliant reasoning.
No, my argument is that your "morality" is fabricated by a bunch of people that have no comprehension of what that word means and want to apply human traits falsely to animals that are not sentient. try again.
I think you need to look up the word "sentient"
Next you're going to say i'm racist to horses and apes like I argued with a petard in debate class
Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive or be conscious, or to have subjective experiences. Eighteenth century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think ("reason") from the ability to feel
My dog: has the ability to "reason". I guess I should argue the merits of socialized medicine with it.
This is exactly what i'm talking about, completely devoid of reality.
Trolltard – it makes PERFECT SENSE!
I can't really belive you guys are arguing about this. People will always have their own 2 cent about the matter and you just make this whole thing stupid
Oh a vegan?? I should have guess... So stick to your way Bronchiasaurus some of us like being T- Rexes you know!!!!
T-rex here. Comments like these make the internet worthwhile :)
+1 to you good sir!
Well seeing as everyone has different morals, and most people dont have a problem with eating meat, how can you say that it is the only morally responsible way to eat?
I've found that eating while not stabbing people is also morally responsible.
Ha ha ha ha ha you kill me ....
Yeah too bad veganism is an impossibly difficult diet to maintain. We, humans, are omnivores and have evolved as such for various reasons get over it. Every vegan I have ever met has looked mal-nurished, pale complexion, and is constant state of being "sick." Why???? B/c your body is not getting the necessary sustenance it requires and soy beans are notoriously difficult for our digestive system to break down which means you need to eat A LOT more to make up for deficiency.
And don't get all high mighty about veganism... Your tofu, most likely when purchased in America, comes from illegal burned down rain forests in the amazon so that soy could be grown.
This is pure ignorance.
To bad its kinda true
And how many bugs have you eaten with your peanut butter? Sorry to tell you, but in any processed food you are bound to eat several bug parts. Aren't bugs animals, or are certain animals such as insects acceptable to eat? True, eating insect parts in unavoidable, but aren't they animals? The moral thing to do would be to grow your own food and screen out all the bugs. You must end the slaughter!!!!
The issue is sentience.
Ah, so would brain-dead born animals be okay to eat? Or animals that die from natural causes (it's a corpse at that point)? How about unfertilized eggs? Which always makes me wonder vegan's point of view on abortion because that is terminating progress of a sentient being and it is not for sustenance. Is honey okay? Using animal products for other uses other than consumption okay? How about animal waste? Maybe I shouldn't hound a vegan, but curious as to where you draw the line because everyone draws a line at a certain point. Some vegetarians ("semi") eat fish.
"Veganism" is a cultish mental disorder.
Humans are omnivores. We've been eating meat since long before we we walking upright.
So actions are moral because they have lasted a long time? I think the slaves would disagree with you.
Veganism, the cult followed by such paragons of morality as Adolf Hitler and Pete "nothing wrong with having sex with animals" Singer.
Veganism, the cult followed by such paragons of morality as A. Hitler and Pete "nothing wrong with boning animals" Singer.
And if Homo Erectus felt this way, then Homo Sapiens would not exist. Thank goodness for eating meat.
And if Homo_Erectus felt this way, then Homo_Sapiens would not exist. Thank goodness for eating meat!
To be honest, I'd eat anything. Horse sounds like something I'd try....
Ya know, I actually didn't like horse. It tastes kinda like sweet beef. I some people will like it, just not my thing.
So why not people? Would you try people meat? no? Why the sudden delay?
I JUST HAD A HORSE AND CHEESE SANDWICH......WHAT FLAVOR.
I'm thinking a nice Gruyere and Rye would compliment that well...
YUM brands (fast food conglomerate) sponsors the Kentucky Derby. It's called YUM Kentucky Derby. I don't eat fast food or meat, but thought that might educate some readers.
Sorry everypony. Your numbers came up.
HOW DID SHE FIND ME?! I DONT EVEN LIVE IN EQUESTRIA!!!!
Eventually, humans will look back with great shame on the way they treated other animals.
Congress and Obama have allowed the killing of wolves again in the western states. It is a shame that our government won't protect these creatures. They have the misfortune of living in the west, but they are America's wildlife.
I find it amusing how ignorant people blame Obama for the GOP controlled Congress's choices.
It's not the first time Obama let craziness through on a spending bill, he also let guns on federal land in certain states after a successful 100 year old ban. Obama either doesn't read/ understand what he is signing or he let it through. As a Dem this stuff horrifies me, we are turning into a third world country.
This is classic Republican tactics... trying to add some useless personal benefits as a precursor to pass a bill. Almost like a blackmail.
Phearis, how can you have a 'Republican controlled Congress" when you have a Democrat controlled senate? Lets review:
President: Democrat
Senate: Democrat
House: Republican
Seems like Democrats have more than their share of blame here. Besides which, Obama could cripple this with an Executive Order.
No.... they wont Mr. Peta
I am not against or with the eating of horses. I think as long as you consume them that should justify the slaughtering of them. So, because someone have a pet horse and another have a pet pig, the pig should meet it's maker first because of people opinions on horses? No, I think not. People eat a lot of things that I would not eat such as snakes, bears, raccoons, possums, squirrels, and all types of stuff. So why not add horses for people who love that type of meat. I'm just saying....
But we'll always look down on cultists like Mike the Vegan freak.
They are transporting horses LONG distance to Canada and Mexico NOW for slaughter.
In Mexico, who knows under what conditions they are slaughtered under.
It's going to happen again in the US whether we want it to or not.
It's not going to be the older or useless like they want you to believe.
I did rescue for many years. It's young horses, pregnant horses, etc.
People have to quite breeding in a saturated market. It's the same now
as it was years ago. If there aren't homes...don't breed. It's the
backyard breeders as well as the big breeders.
Slaughtering is going to happen again.
When it does, it's time to make sure it's done humanely and with as little suffering as possible.
As much as I hate the thought of it happening, I would much prefer to have it happen here,
under more humane conditions, than have the horses travel all the way to Canada or Mexico and be
brutalized during the trip and then be brutalized during the slaughter process on top of it.
I don't like it, but it's going to happen again sooner or later.
Pick the battle that benefits the horses.
Slaughter is an ugly process on any scale. What's in the best interest of the horses?
Ship them far far away and let someone else do it under who knows what conditions?
Slaughter them here and at least keep an eye on what is happening?
You do not know that it is going to happen again.
Had horse overseas a couple of times and it was pretty good. Hope to see it available at my local supermarket sometime here in the near-future.
Make sure there is enough for the Halal market. Allah Akbar everybody.
You can feed it to low income families but I want filming rights and the opportunity to profit from it.
Good, we should be allowed to eat any animal that is not endangered.
I would argue that we shouldn't be allowed to eat any animal.
Change your species then.
I would argue that we use Vegan cultists for medical experimentation.
What about human?
If no laws are broken i dont see why not. (ie. no murder, willing participate that died naturally)
Any action that is not harmful to other PEOPLE should not be banned. Emotions should not count.
Thats just sick
Good! maybe I'll eat you
I wouldn't say 'nay' to it.
The horse would say, "Neigh !"
Is that a thinly veiled pun there alex?
Good they are tasty! Cat and dog should be on the menu too!
What a bunch of brain wash clueless idiot's .Next you well all be eating your kids.
Dog meat is fine, but cat is just disgusting, bony and not much fat, just sinews.
Helllooooo! Mr Irony from Ironoland!
We should also humanly eat stray dogs and cats. And don't forget foster children. Watch the ABC news now..
I prefer my foster children be free range with little to no antibiotics, k thx ^^
At what point did society draw lines in the sand on which animals to kill and consume? Killing is killing. Do meat eaters think of the cute little calves playing in the fields when they are picking out their veal cutlets at the market? Most likely you are thinking about the price per pound. Once it hits the market, meat no longer has a face. I see no difference in slaughter houses for cows, pigs, horses, etc. It's hypocritical to say you should butcher cows but not horses.
The problem is really twofold. First, people tend to be extremely ignorant about where there meat comes from and how it is produced. If people were to talk one walk through some of the largest slaughterhouses/factory farms in the U.S., most would never eat meat again. Second, social norms developed over a very long time have allowed people to rationalize the brutal killing of some animals while fiercely protecting others. It's a complete joke, but it's not changing anytime soon.
Humans drew a line in the sand when they took humans off the menu. From there on we evolved our eating habits. Considering how obese most people are, it's alarming they are looking for more meat to though. You would think we would want to eat less because of all the food available to us.
What does eating meat have to do with obesity?
Everything. 60% Americans are obese. Only first world people are heavy meat eaters and eat it 3times a day. Most people on the planet eat very little.
Do you have a study linking meat-eating to obesity ? I would think that first world populations would be more prone to obesity because they eat more food in general (especially fatty and sugary foods high in calories) and we are, in general, lazy people who don't have to do much physical work in our daily lives.
I'm curious, when your blood work comes back with high numbers, does your Dr. recommend cutting back on meat and animal products or fruit and veggies? I'm very lucky to be able to travel and eat food with other people in the world. The portions of meat is insane in the states. Every meal revolves around it.
Lila, No, my doctor does not recommend cutting back on meat-eating. He recommends cutting back on fats and cholesterol from any food source.
No Drs specifically say cut back on high fat animal products. Can you provide a study from a DR that says a high meat diet is healthier than a moderate or low meat diet?
Lila, No, I cannot provide any reports, but I am not making any claims saying that eating meat is healthier. I've been around, too, and one thing I've noticed is that we eat more food, period. Not just meat products. But, I can cut back on the fats by how I cook the meat, removal of skin and removal of large portions of fat. I have been slender and in good physical shape all of my life and I have eaten like a pig. Whereas, I have known vegans and people who eat way less than I do who are obese and have serious health issues. Genetics plays a large part in how our bodies process fats and proteins. But everything we do is going to take a toll on our bodies. So, as long as I'm doing alright, I will enjoy my food.
I asked for a study because as you recall, you asked me for a study. I already knew such study did not exist. as a better of fact Dr Gupta has a full series on a more plant based diet to help health. You should find them they are very informative. Saying that, I am not a vegetarian advocating anything, but it is dishonest to deny the link between meat and obesity.
But, Lila, you're not listening. You made a claim that our obesity was an effect of how much meat we consume. That is why I asked you for a study. I did not make a claim that eating meat was healthier, therefore, I should not be asked for a study reference. What I said is that I figured our obesity was caused by our consumption of more food. I did not claim that as fact, either. It is an assumption.
Welllll.... Lopaka, as a professional equestrian (where I do VERY well monetarily) The other animals you mentioned such as cattle and pigs CANNOT be trained in the manner that horses can be. Do yourself a favor and watch professional horseback riding. It is an Olympic sport after all. Perhaps that will better your ignorance;)
First of all, pigs are one of the most intelligent land animals. Second, why would the intelligence of a being have any effect on whether it is morally correct to brutally kill and eat it? Is the ability to suffer not of primary importance?
What do you do to make money in the horse industry? That's an accomplishment right there, lol.
Guess bonding with animals aren't in your nature- no surprise. This is just pissing me off, so I am going to sign off and ride my horse. Bottom line jerk-os this issue is WAY to split to ever become what I would fear the most.
Not very smart are you? What should we do with uneducated people, cannot be trained.. and you say pigs are not smart? I am afraid for you, before someone eats you..:)
You are the ignorant one here Pro Equestrian. I think you cannot get over your own income enough to realize how ridiculous the comments you just made are! Have you ever heard of truffles? Truffles bring much more then your income, and you know how they are found? By pigs! Hmm that's funny. And have you ever heard that in some religions cows are considered sacred? Probably not. And I sometimes wonder what happens to horses that do not make the cut to be "Olympians," racers or riders. I think lots of times they make their way to the Humane society where good people like my grandfather rescue and resuscitate them. And let's not forget about other countries where eating horses is normal, historical practice. They would be highly insulted by you.
Horses have been man's beast of burden for thousands of years. They were lifesavers when horses were the only transportation available. It is ingrained in the human psyche that they will help us if we take care of them. Cows never got there.
Fine but that's not a moral argument.
Not true, really. Oxen were the animals that pulled the Conestoga wagons across the prairie. Cattle have been used as beasts of burden throughout the world for as long as horses have. They don't have the speed, and they don't have the wealth/luxury factor attached to them...that's the only difference.
Lopaka, agreed!!!
Idoits... Horses are not food animals. They are nothing like cows, pigs, dogs and cats... they are not pets although some make them so... They are bread and trained for companionship, sports, work and play. I own 5 of my own and if anyone tried to harm them in any way, I'd protect them with my life as you would your children. My God put certain animals on this planet as a source of food for human consumption and he said "Eat only from the split hoof except for the swine". (although I like pork, which makes me a sinner just like you!) but pigs were not put here to be trained for obedience and companionship as the horse was. Of couse this is my opinion which I will support unconditionally and yours doesn't matter in this case if you are indefferent and ignorant. Perhaps you come from some place on the globe where any meat is fair game... better keep an eye on your kids, some pantywaste idiot may soon say they are fair game too just like the idiot that will let this ban pass. And the idiots are coming out of the woodwork... gimme my free shit! You go Pro Equestrian!! I'm right there with you 100%
Its not the butchering of horses that most people struggle with. Its the complete brutality of it. They are killed with equipment designed for cattle, which results in many horses having their throats cut and bleeding to death while fully conscious. If this changed, I would not object to horse slaughter at all. I also strongly believe that the slaughter of other animals for human consumption could and should be done in a much more humane way. The horrible death of cows and chickens doesn't make the cruelty of horse slaughter okay. Its all wrong in the end.
I always thought "Hope I hit this one right square between the eyes with the hammer so it dies quick."
Lopaka, these choices were made over hundreds of years, we inherited them from our ancestors. In many western countries, horses were far more valuable for other uses, than to be raised just for meat. Dogs likewise. Other animals had fewer or no immediate uses (ever try to take a chicken hunting?), but were docile and tasty, so they were raised for their meat.
In many cases, we viewed our working animals as partners, therefore the squeamishness to devour them.
There ARE slaughterhouses in the U.S. right now, they're run illegally. And like previous commenters noted, most of the meat is exported out. I did a story on this last year in Miami, and it is true that those who work in this "industry" DO commit such crimes as stealing horses from private properties.
think outside the box people. no slaughter of horses for human consumption. and no shipping of horses to be slaughtered oversees for either u.s. or foreign consumption. PERIOD!!!!
I agree and no more congress trying to slide controversial legislation through in a bill that has no relationship to the thing tacked on.
So they'll just be killed and left to rot or made into dog-food.
Thanks for making clear that, like most of the ethnocentric bigots here, your real concern isn't "saving horses," it's imposing your small-minded prejudices on people who don't buy into your dietary bigotry.
I just lost a horse I had owned for 22 yrs. this past weekend. They are pets just like a dog or cat. Especially if they are your favorite riding horse. What stiinks is paying a rendering company $150 up front to pick the dead animal up. When they died suddenly you don't have much time to get a big hole dug. I know what happens to the body but once dead it is just the shell of the spirit of the animal anyway. I really miss my big friend. Anyone who is a real horse person won't put one on a plate nor should they over bred and not care for any animal.
I will have your portions. Had it once before, not bad tasting. I'm sure if seasoned better and cooked a little rarer it would have been even better. If this is a free country I should be able to eat any non- human, non- endangered animal I choose, whether you like it or not.
You are an absolute, total JERK!!! Have you no compassion for Marie's loss? Having such a majestic, intelligent companion for 22 years is a blessing. Horses are extremely intelligent, and loyal. I was riding before I was walking. Horses have always been, and always will be a part of my life. I'm from Texas, from many generations of ranching families, and do understand that reality is what it is. We do need the slaughter houses for horses, and it hurts my soul to admit that.
I also agree that you are a jerk. I hope you enjoyed all of the dangerous and unregulated chemicals in that horsemeat (aka bute, acepromazine, etc. Most horses are pets, so they are medicated such. If you eat horse, you are getting a cocktail of unknown drugs with it.
Give it a rest, Quanah. Horses are dumber than Democrats, though I will admit they are more useful.
Poor human
Goes to all animals too. Guess you have never seen a cow before it's death... Have you? or chickens too.. Hypocrisy has it's limit too..
So, are you Vegan? The human animal is omnivorous. Meat is part of our diet, just as it is for lions & tigers & other predatory meat eaters. Ever watched an animal kill on National Geographic? Find it 'humane" or palatable? As supposedly intelligent members of the animal kingdom and food chain, you would like to think or hope that we had the heart to find and establish more humane slaughter house conditions.......but our compassion seems to be confined to our outrage when anonymously posting on stories & sites such as this. Otherwise, changes would be forced to be made. And, so you know, I'm a rancher and raise cattle and goats. I know each cow personally, and each calf. It's NEVER easy to send them to the sale barn because you know that most will go to slaughter, but that's the business we're in, that's the way of life in which I grew up, and which puts food on your table...okay, you don't eat meat, so...many others' table.
@QuanahTX
Is your farm the traditional farm, where the animals are treated humanely, or are you running a feed-lot where the animals are crammed into tight spaces, being loaded with antibiotics and god-knows-whatelse, polluting the surrounding waterways and land with their waste run off? Just curious....
I am a vegetarian, and one of the reasons that I made that choice is because of the impact that industrial meat production has on our environment. Everybody has the right to their own choice in this matter, but from what I see in the comments here, most people's reactions are based in ignorance of nutrition, as well as ignorance of where the meat in their grocer's meatcase actually comes from, and what is involved in its production. Even though the products in our stores may have cute little pictures of family-style farms on their labels, where the products actually come from have absolutely no connection to such idyllic places.
I'm really sorry for your loss Marie.
People cry foul over the slaughtering of horses but have no problem supporting the brutal treatment and horrible deaths of millions of cows, chickens, and pigs every year. Hypocrisy at its finest.
A horse is a pet or useful farm animal. You can't 'horse' around with a chicken. Eating a horse is like eating your pet dog or cat.
Sign me up. Not so much for cat through, from what I understand they are too stringy and chewy.
Sure you can! Chickens actually make great pets! And pigs are as intelligent and trainable as dogs.
Or it's just a large animal that converts grass into meat.
Chickens make great pets, are you serious? Try teaching them to go in the litter box. Or try teaching them anything, for that matter. They really have no use other use to us other than livestock.
Pigs can be useful in limited niche ways, such as hunting for truffles. But compare them to the versatility a working ranch horse, or a border collie, or sheep dog... Pigs just don't have that much to offer us. Are ancestors knew this, that's why we now think its OK to slaughter pigs, but it is taboo in many of our minds to do the same with dogs or horses.
Pigs and cattle aren't in Olympic Sports. You are dumb!
What does the Olympics have to do with anything??????? And why do you keep bringing up pigs and cattle. Do you seriously understand that pigs and cattle are raised so inhumanely in this country that it is ridiculous. I think you need to get out of your own little tiny world that consists of the head of a sewing needle and grow some common sense!
Neither are fat chicks, and I've seen more of them on horses than horses in the Olympics.
The cruel treatment of cows and chickens doesn't make the even more brutal slaughter of horses okay. Many horses slaughtered have their throats slit and bleed to death while fully conscious because they are killed with equipment designed for cattle. Wrong is wrong.
I don't agree with this AT ALL. I think it should be illegal to kill horses for meat or purposes other than the humane way of putting a horse down (A racehorse with a broken leg for example), and they should not be shipped elsewhere with the intend to be killed. This is my opinion and I'm not changing it.
Do you eat meat?
If you were truly a horse lover, you would support the lift of this ban. It's better for the well being of the horse. Do your homework.
I do not think it's right to kill horses for the purpose of eating them. Wild Horse Annie pushed to make it illegal and NOW IT'S BACK!!! I know racehorses must be put down when injuries occur but they don't get killed for food!
I grew up around race horses and I'm against lifting this ban.
I don't care what you think. I don't like being told what I can and cannot eat. If it is not a human or endangered I should have the FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
If it was truly a freedom of choice, humans and endangered animals would be options.
So then its safe to say you're also pro-choice and pro-equality in marriage? Its funny how a lot of people on the right want total Freedom of Choice but ONLY for what suits them.
Sooooo, you are against humanely killing a horse for food, but you're OK with putting a little person on it and having him beat the animal until it goes as fast as he wants it to, and to help it go faster you're OK with drugging it. And then if it injures itself you OK with killing it because it's now handicapped?? BEAT them, but don't KILL them. Uh huh. You sure you're a horse lover?
As much as I hate to interfere with your delusions, pet lovers are NOT advocates of animal abuse, NOR do they facilitate it... Read the original post before you start ranting. There's a huge difference between purposefully causing an animal suffering, and trying your best to reduce/eliminate it's suffering.
I never said I was for people beating horses. The only form I support if you can call it that is when a horse has a major problem, like a broken leg beyond repair from a cause that could be as natural as tripping over a rock and falling. I never said and I doubt that I even IMPLIED that I am okay with ANY of what you said. I do not think horses should be killed for food, or tortured of anything of the sort.
I Like that point.. All these so called horse lovers but they beat on them and take them to an early grave for a sport. If anything you should not have them as slaves(I mean pets) and let them live there on life without you.
And if you have a major problem should you be "put down" Killed in plain language? You would be a burden to society...
FHL, you don't want to eat horses, then don't eat horses.
This is a free country. If I want to buy a horse to eat it's none of your damn business.
Who decides whether a horse's life (or a dog or a cat's life) is more precious than that of a cow or a pig? Aren't they all God's creatures? As long as they are treated humanely in the way they live and the way they are killed, what difference does it make if they are being slaughtered for human consumption, pet food or glue!
The problem is none of them are ever treated humanely.
I agree, and that is what we should all be talking about instead of arguing this ridiculous point.
Agreed
Genesis 1:28
That god said,
Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
NOT KILL. any excuse to kill..
Couple this bill with the recent push to move to a chained inflation index (google it), and it becomes pretty obvious as to what the Commies and the 1% have up their sleeves for the rest of U.S.. CONNECT THE DOTS, PEOPLE!
I live near one of the BLM Wild Horse and Burro management facilities. There is actually an overpopulation of wild horses in America. Which by the way isnt native to America. The BLM is force to cull the herds by killing some of the horses. Why shouldnt the meat be used to feed people? Im in no rush to go out and by horse meat but I dont have a problem with other people eating it.
Good grief, and 300 million people are native?
Thank you for a voice of reason. This is the same as people who have problems with deer hunting. Deer are not native and their populations are way out of control.
The wild horses are NOT truly overpopulated. When deer are overpopulated, they use all over their available food in an area, and most will die, without human intervention.
The wild horses are in NO danger of dying of overpopulation.
The truth is that they are in danger of using public lands that private ranchers have been promised, so they can feed their domesticated cattle. The government is essentially killing wild horses in order to give away the use of our grasslands for free to the big cattle barons.
Our Public lands should not be used for private business purposes! Its no better than handouts to banks or the auto industry.
Oh, and now I have a reason to open one of my bottles of Amarone, Pastissada de Caval.
Bloody Frog. Don't we have enough to eat?
BTW, horse meat was outlawed for pet food in the United States in the 1970s, according to Wikipedia.
Slaughtering and eating dogs is legal in about 35 states. So I guess dogs will be next?
I suppose you don't realize 'they' are preparing us for our future....we are running out methods to produce food fast enough. Read the other articles about food production, alternate methods of making normally unpalatable foods palatable...... Welcome to our future....won't be long till fido is on the menu.
Yawn. People have been eating horses for tens of thousands of years.
Horse was on the menu LONG before anyone tried riding one.
Congress should be marched into a processing plant and have their meat sold off to some countries in the South Pacific. If public didn't already hate these clowns enough, sneaking behind our backs and passing could very well give them an approval close to zero.
I agree it just shows there are more horses asses than there are horses in Washington
AMEN!!
food for home less??? nawwww thats just nasty!!! XP
LIla demonstrates herself to be just another in a long line of vicious "compassionate animal lovers."
Right up there with vegetarian poster-boy A. Hitler.
bravo. naturally all vegetarians can be compared to hitler.
Back in the day when we had lots of horses the meat went for dog food, the hide covered baseballs and everything else went to the glue factory.
Eating...horses...uh-huh...I see. I suppose the propaganda is that this is to feed the starving people of the world...not just another slimy way to make money. "Just look at all those horses. Wow. I wish I could make money off of them. Maybe I could sell them as meat. No, that wouldn't work; I'd never eat a horse myself, unless I was...starving...wait a minute! Starving people! THAT'S how I can make money! I can croak a beloved animal and sell the meat to starving people! Hmm, people, or non-starving sorts of people, wouldn't take to kindly to that...hmm...well, what I could do is try to slip this into the government to make it legal under the radar such that people don't know about it!"
See, "Food, Inc."
Why not people? There are cannibals in the world therefore according to the PC police we must accept their culture and do the same.
Well big business has been ACHING to break-ground on involuntary Soylent Green factories as their latest cash cows, or soon-to-be-called, cash horses, both to make yet more money as well as having a place to rid themselves of old or uppity labor as a big win-win (for them).
Hmmmm..... Horse Meat..... Hmmmm.....
This provision has nothing to do with the food aspect of the horse slaughtering. Almost all of this meat would be exported to foreign countries where eating horses isn't taboo. Under the current ban, when a horse has outlived its use, what do you do with them? Conscientious horse owners continue to feed the horse into old age and bury the body once it has died. However, there are those that would rather get the $500 meat price instead. Their motives are obviously economic. Currently, these horses are sent to Mexico for slaughter, where treating the horses in a humane manner is less of a priority. This is about the humane slaughter of the animal. Very few people in the US are going to eat horse meat.
You are partly right. As a horse owner, I am happy to see this ban lifted. I certainly don't want to eat a horse, but I don't have a problem if somebody else wants to. The unintended consequences this ban created were far worse than a horse being slaughtered for food. And it's not an easy task burying a horse. If you don't own your own property, where do you bury the horse? Not to mention it is a huge undertaking in itself, they are huge and can't just be picked up. I don't think most horse owners really care about collecting the $500. I lost a horse a few years ago and I had to pay to have him euthanized and then hauled off to be used for meat. I would have much rather had him buried, but it just wasn't possible.
That is THE most sickening thing I have ever heard of! Next it will be cats and dogs...barf.
What? No cats and dogs? Guess we'll have to eat PB&J's for dinner since Fido and Fluffy are not on the menu. I know, maybe we'll get some Chinese takeout. No, wait a sec...
On a serious note though (to all) how did this get passed with the spending bill? I'm so tired of things being 'snuck in'. We need to change the law so that only one thing or a group of related things as a package can be put up to become law. No more of this sneaky, sneaky stuff.
In typical fashion most people do not understand the issue at hand and cnn twisted the news and added a pole to make it seem like we're all going to be eating horses whether we like it or not.
In reality, as even PETA pointed out this isn't about eating horses this is about making sure that they are put down in a humane matter rather then being shipped to Mexico. Not every horse gets to live a peaceful life as someones pet until it dies lovingly in someones arms. Having slaughter houses in the US means that their are rules on how horses are killed rather then: (A) abandoning your unwanted horse so it dies of exposure or starvation OR (B) shipping it off to Mexico where the humane treatment of horses likely isn't high on the list of priorities.
Maybe it's unfortunate that we need slaughter houses for horses, but the treatment of horses will be better with them in the US.
Is it more arrogant for us, as a species, to decide that we will eat an animal, or for us to argue that the suitability of certain animals for food is determined by our use of them. If you're vegetarian that's one thing. But if you eat animal meat, or approve of others doing so, then there is simply no reasonable argument to separate horses (or dogs, for that matter) from cows, pigs, turkeys, etc.
Simple, these attitudes are from cultural (and often times practical) practices handed down from our ancestors. I have no desire to eat a horse, however I would not belittle someone of Indian ancestry for honoring the culture of his birth, if he decides to eat chicken but not beef.
Everyone is missing the point. It has nothing to do with actually eating them – horse meat will probably be exported, there's no market for them here. No one's going to ask any of you to eat horse meat. CNN's stupid to have made it about that. The fact is, we're facing a vast overpopulation problem with horses and thousands of them are being abandoned or neglected, and the ones that are being slaughtered are being transported across large distances to be inhumanely slaughtered. It's the lesser of two evils to legalize it here. I have horses and have loved them all my life, but this is our only option at this point. If you actually research the issue or bother to look up expert opinion (like the AQHA), everyone supports legalization of horse slaughter.
Thank you for giving us some insight.
Very well put. Thank you. I would, however, like to see a legal market for horsemeat in the areas of the US (mostly Florida) where those here from foreign countries steal and slaughter horses to get the horse meat they demand.
Why wouldn't horse meat have a market here. I think it's very concievable. I'm sure hispanics ate horse meat in Mexico, so there will definately be a market here. just because you or I wouldn't eat doesn't mean no one here will. It really depends on the price. Personally I think the humane society has no argument. People keep many of the same animals we eat as pets, so there is no argument there. The only reason butchering a horse might be a bloodier mess is because of it's size, but I doubt it's not as messy as a bison, so there is no argument there. Personally, I don't know what has kept a NON-NATIVE species like the horse immune to slaughter as long as they have.
Actually the horse is native to the US but it died out and then was brought back by the settlers. Just a fun fact. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't become a food source eventually, but it'll take a lot of time for the social climate to change enough for it to be acceptable.
And I have no idea what the Humane Society means about it being "bloody and terrifying". Whoever said that clearly has never had any experience with slaughter, at all. That's how slaughter works, the animal is rendered unconscious and then bled out, if they weren't, the meat we all eat would be absolutely disgusting. And I can't see any reason why a horse would be different than any other animals on that front.
The "Humane Society of the US" is an extremist animal rights group closely aligned with PETA. PETA funded a takeover of the HSUS by packing the voting membership with PETA members back in the 1990s, and has since placed PETA members in all of the senior leadership positions.
The HSUS takes in millions claiming to be an "animal protection" organization but they don't run-or fund-a single animal shelter or any other program that actually cares for animals. Their efforts go towards politcal campaigns to ban hunting, ranching and farming, and towards paying lavish salaries and perk-packages to their leadership.
Hispanics don't come from Mexico. Try Spain and parts of southern Europe. And they are not Latinos either. Try Mexican because they come from Mexico.. No wonder we produce such uneducated Americans.
In France, Horse meat is a delicacy. In some countries, it is common to drink horse or donkey milk. It may not be part of our culture, but that does not make it wrong.
As a horsewoman, it sickens me that we have situations where there are unwanted horses in the first place. If people didn't mindlessly breed backyard horses, or feel it's ok to dispose of them once they've served their purpose (racehorses for example) we wouldn't have an need for this. Don't buy a horse if you can't afford one and if you own a horse that has lived a full life, have the decency to put it down humanely if there is no other viable choice. A slaughterhouse is a disgusting way for a noble animal to die.
I agree–legislation is needed to crack down on the mindless breeding of horses for racing and the cavalier and cruel treatment of those "not suited" for the track–those that are abandoned and turned out to starve. How is this different than puppy mills???
For any noble animal. all animals. Stop being emotional about a horse. Killing animals is wrong. You don't have the power or ability to create them.
I have to disagree with the comment about backyard breeders being the culprit of over populating the horse industry! It is the large breeders who do this in my opinion. Look at the fat, over muscled Quarter Horses, the breeders who breed hundreds of mares for that 1 perfect foal for a performance horse or the Thoroubred Breeders...same thing, they're looking for that one special horse that will be their cash cow!!! Back yard breeders actually take the time money and energy for a special horse of their own! Both of my horses are backyard horses and well cared for and loved! The mass production breeders are the ones who are to blame for overpopulating the industry! My GOD look at Artificial Insemination for crying out loud and the harvesting of eggs from mares so you can produce 10 of her foals in one year through suragacy! AGAIIN, it's all about MONEY!!! Back yard horse owners do NOT fit in that category at all!!!
"Horses in America are not raised as food animals; they are companions and the very symbols of our freedom."
What about our freedom to eat horses? If we can eat cows, I don't see why we can't eat horses. Seems to me that I should be able to eat horse under the 10th Amendment, and one might be able to argue a 1st Amendment right based on religious beliefs.
We put horse meat in dog food. So... it's okay for cute animals to eat each other, but we can't? What kind of high horse are we on (pun intended)?
Let's save all the cute animals! Save the dogs! Save the dolphins! Save the horses! Cows? Pigs? Out of luck. Double standard people make me sick.
To say that there are no slaughterhouses in this country for horse meat is inaccurate. What do you think your dogs eat? Horses are huge animals that are too expensive to bury, even for horse owners. If they are living they go for dog meat, if they are dead they go for fertilizer.
Yum
Ill take a side of seabrisket
That was very funny! Good one!
Ha ha ha
What most Americans don't realize is the slaughtering of any animal is pretty terrifying and bloody. Also most domestic animals such as a horse tend to be contaminated based beef. Which basically means the drugs and antibiotics they are given over time degrades the very meat some of you would ingest. Also most horses that have gone to slaughter in the past are either sick or poorly taken care of. So in conclusion eating something that is not a raised beef animal .. is probably not a great choice of steak. I just wonder how educated my fellow Americans are about the reality that surrounds us.. I'm guessing less than 10%. Just saying, Read facts and reports on the issue of discussion before spewing wasteful uneducated ignorance.
Typical of Obama to push the consumption of horses as meat. The party of hate has no respect for life of any kind. I am surprised they are not yet suggesting aborted fetuses as a food source.
Fetus is pretty good. It's very tender and it tastes like chicken.
Just kidding. It actually tastes like pork.
Oh good grief! Obama didn't do anything but sign a bill passed by congress, and suddenly he's the anti-christ. As long as bills are conglomerations and not single items or issues, things like this will continue to get slipped in "under the radar" as this article states. If you are too ignorant to know how laws get enacted, please don't post comments.
Obama originally stated, prior to be elected, that he would not re instate the practice of slaughtering horses...and then turned around and did it anyways. So i have to agree...he is kind of an ass...
Sounds like you're the "hater" to me....
SNORLAX,
(GENERIC LEFTIST REBUTTLE)! (GAY SLUR).
Still pushing for that promotion to mullah in the American Taliban I see. You and the rest of the little girls who call yourselves conservatives have a real problem with the truth.
@Snorlax: I think the name Snorlax says a lot in itself. 'Comon, how do we go from this article to the subject of President Obama? I mean where is the connection? Your thoughts are disturbing, you should look at that. I mean serioulsly.
This is one of the few things he's done that's actually made any sense.
"Party of hate?" That's pretty funny. In fact, that is extremely funny considering some of the other less than humanistic comments that have come from other political parties.
I cringe at the idea. I'm a child of the fifties, when horses were the cowboy's friends and loyal companions. If I were hungry enough, I'd eat people, but this is the USA. No horses, no dogs, no cats, and no people. ( Unless they're Wall St fatcats. Delicious! )
I'm with you. If they have names, they aren't food.
Fatcats!! I want to see Wall Street Fatcats on the menu!!!
Funny, we convince the rest of the world not to eat dogs, then we put horse on the menu...
Outside of being morally opposed to eating horses, there are no regulations in the U.S. controlling the care and feeding of horses slaughtered at plants. Horses are fed and injected all sorts of medications and supplements, most of which are not for human consumption, or not tested on humans. Many substances used to treat horses say right on the label, "not for use in animals intended for human consumption" or similar. Some of these substances are even known carcinogens. Bon appetit.
Um, that's the whole point of the article: the bill passed on the 18th included funds for the USDA to inspect and approve horse slaughterhouses. We didn't make eating horse illegal in 2006, we simply de-funded the USDA's budget for inspections...and without inspections no meat goes to market. With the return of inspections comes the return of USDA-approved horse meat.
Odd how all you "horse lovers" have no problem giving those "cancer-causing" drugs and such to the horses you claim to love.
And for such trivial reasons, if you're to be believed.
Sounds like the most humane thing we can do for horses is to keep them as far away from "horse lovers" as possible.
LMAO!!! now we know why the USDA sued RB Circus – to get the fundage for horse meat inspection!
Funny/sad to see all these well-fed commentors lashing-out.
Billions starving in this world whilst plump CNN commentors cry out.
Thank you! In fact, there are plenty of starving people in the US. It is a shame.
One minute it's "60% (or 75% or 90%) of Americans are obese!" and the next it's "millions of starving Americans going to bed hungry every night. Maybe every day too!"
You whining liberals really need to get your stories straight ahead of time.
It won't be humane clean and quick in the US, horses will still suffer extreme abuse. It won't be only the old and infirm. Its not because we can't handle the disposal of unwanted or dead horses ( over 1 million horses die yearly in the US and are disposed of by burying or rendering) The fact that 100,000 or so are slaughtered is only a 10% reduction. How is it we seem to be able to handle the other 90%??? Horses aren't raised for slaugher in the US and as a horsewoman I can tell you firsthand almost every product we use on them daily has in caps/bold print NOT FOR USE IN ANIMALS INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. THis means horsemeat is even more toxic and carcinogenic than other forms of meat. And the advocates claim it has amazing health benefits! HA HA HA Bon Apetit!
I am a hunter, I kill deer for food and eat other meat (chicken,pork,beef,turkey), so I am not against eating meat.
I am a woman and a mother and a compassion for living creatures, but a respect for those that are our food supply.
I am an animal lover and have a great respect for those animals that have become our treasured and loved pets companions, guards and carriers our burdeons.
I have loved horses since I was a child. Some people love cats, birds, dogs ...whatever. Horses are intelligent beings, companions and have been signs of wealth and strength throughout human history. I don't think we should reduce their status to the bottom of our food chain.
I am not a christain, but I have read a portion of the bible.. for whatever it is worth here, the bible outlines what plants and animals are fit for human consumption.. Animals with split hooves (ie deer, cows) are acceptable.. it says we are not supposed to eat animals with solid hooves and paws... Please do not eat the horses. We are not desperately hungry, we have choices of more suitable food.
You cite the bible, but your not a christian. Let me point out your errors -
The prohibition you cite is in the old testament. Christians consider the prohibitions in the old testament to have been abolished as a result of the new covenant with Jesus, so even if you were a christian, your argument would be flawed. The prohibition would only apply if you were Jewish or Muslim, which I assume you are not, since you eat pork. You claim that horses are too intelligent to be used as food, but actually, pigs are smarter than horses, yet we eat them freely. Your argument is purely emotional and without rational basis.
Said perfectly. They were raised as pets and should not be considered a food source. They are intelligent. They will suffer. It is disgusting.
Texas is in the middle of one of the worst droughts in the State history. There are cities that are on the last few weeks of their water supplies and hay has been scarce (not to mention, extremely expensive). With the added wildfires, hundreds of thousands of acres have burned, Horse rescues are overtaxed, many horses are being turned away from auction barns. The horses that are selling at auction barns are going for as low as $20.
We've seen numerous animals in our area that have been turned out so they don't starve or dehydrate to death in their pastures. and euthanizing and burying one horse costs hundreds of dollars. It's not necessarily a matter of irresponsibility.When resources run out, sacrifices have to be made. If you don't believe it could ever be this bad, Google Groesbeck, Tx. They will run out of water in 6 days.
It may sound horrific to send a horse to the slaughterhouse, but doesn't it make more sense to put an animal down and send the resources to countries that can use them, rather than having them die a slow and painful death by dehydration? People want to feed the world, but they cringe at the thought of using something something "cute" to do it.
Please don't just pull things out of context from the Bible, either you believe all of it or none of it. The food laws were written for the Jews as a part of the old covenant, that covenant was replaced by a new covenant when Jesus came to Earth and the food laws no longer apply. Please take the time and study the Bible it will be the best decision you ever made.
Well said, I'm sure the gov't wants to put horse on the plates of those in poverty while those more fortunate can afford beef, chicken, etc. I can see what will happen, prices on beef, chicken, etc. will skyrocket to the point that only those wealthy enough will enjoy it. Those that can't will have to resort to horse meat or worse, thereagain, this country is turning into a society of those that have and those that don't. Wealthy against poverty, the future is looking grim. Give it time, Soylent Green will be fact rather than fiction. As it is our Oceans are getting depleted, I figure in another 10 years our oceans will be empty. With the Japanese killing whales and Chinese killing everything else, there won't be a thing left. Man will eventually turn on himself for survival, it's only a matter of time.
Please eat the horses, pigs are smarter. Stop reading funny books. You have been misled. I don't eat either..
I’m so hungry, it could eat a horse… why not in Italy doctors would recommend horse meat for people with low iron…
Is there nothing sacred or nothing that human beings will slaughter?? This story upsets me deeply. Please don't slaughter these majestic creatures. So sad.
Yeah, cows aren't "majestic", so screw the cows, kill em all, lol.
What wrong with eating hores? Sure, they might be a bit worn out and you might get some hair or other stuff from the last guy that was there but so what? And sure, you might get a yeast infection, but that's easily cured. Stop discriminating people!! Hores deserve all the foreplay that any other nice girl can have....... wait......what?.......it's.......
Ooooh, HoRse, eating hoRse... Never mind.
A horse, a horse, my lunch menu for a horse.
There's no logical reasoning behind being against eating horse but for eating cow, it's hilarious how people base what animals should and shouldn't be eaten based on how "cute" they are.
It has NOTHING to do with being "cute" - horses are what made this country what it is today. Without them they "west" would never have been won. So now just because we have "cars" means we should eat them?? It's totally wrong to eat a horse. PERIOD!!!
What makes you think while the west was being won that a horse or two wasn't eaten along the way?
no jeff j, people decide what to eat based on cultural norms and knowledge and customs passed down thru the ages, from many cultures. Nowhere has horse been a preferred choice. Many places it has been especially avoided, the people there having chosen and taught one another to do so. We are not at risk of running out of food yet, not until the AgriCorps destroy all biodiversity and all pollinators are dead and we are left with tasteless, nutritionally void, weak strains that take over and then disease, collapse, and disappear from the face of the earth forever along with their archetypes.
Horses are majestic friends that we have forgotten and turned away from, along with all our other living family. The only reason they would be slaughtered now is because it would be a cheap, easy food stock for factory food to be bulked up with or made from entirely. There are plenty of wild-horse populations that are fleeced now for other uses and could easily, with lobbying, be eliminated by food industry use. Definitely not to be approached sustainably. And they will most surely only use the wild horse populations, except for the rare, twisted farmer, since wild horses are essentially free and have been raised and feed by mother nature
Sorry, you lost me when you used the word "majestic". You might as well have said "cute", same thing. A horse's life isn't any more valuable than a cow or a pig's. But since people think they look nicer, they are more valuable? Please. Personally, I doubt if I'll ever eat horse meat, but I'm not gonna say that other people can't if they want to and then go eat a hamburger.
the reason you don't understand the meaning or even the connotation of the word seems to be probably bc you suppress any emotion, empathy, or connection you might feel with anything. struggling with what it means to be a 'man'? horses are very helpful. they have assisted mankind for millennia. As dogs and other species that live in close connection to man, they have traveled, discovered, aided, conquered, created, and help win the lives we live today. yes, they are quite different than cattle or swine, which are only useful as food stuffs and in the wild or even ranged, are some of the most destructive and environmentally detrimental species next to man himself
I can say this much there will not be anyone in my family that will eat a horse. We grew up around horses, idk if anyone else thinks the same or not but when you get a horse and really bond with(taking care of it, feeding watering it) and go for rides on them, they become part of who you are, and part of the family. And to send that to a butcher so someone could eat it is a discrace. maybe it does taste good maybe other people eat cats, dogs or what ever, but I nor my family know that i could never bring myself to eat a horse.
I did grow up with Horses and NO WAY could I eat one. In fact I stopped eating jello when I was a kid and found out that they used to use horses hooves to make gelatin.
I understand. I wouldn't eat my cat either.
Understood, cowboy, but the raising of horses as foodstock would be very different from the typical way horses are raised and utilized. Even if you look at (mostly) Asian regions where dogs are a staple, they are not the same "dogs" that we raise as pets in the West. They are bred and raised just as cattle are and, in fact, many Chinese families have dogs as pets in addition to raising dogs for food and/or buying dog meat from others.
You just took me on a nostalgic trip home!!! Thank you. I was riding before I was walking. Horses have always been and always will be a part of my life & FAMILY.
Pigs are smarter than horses and we eat them.
Exactly...my daughter won't touch anything pig because they are so smart.
For that matter, most pigs are smarter than most of the folks who post in CNN's Entertainment section/
That's because they're delicious.
This is disgusting!!! Horses are not food but a national treasure and should be our national animal instead of the bald eagle. They did more to build this country and without them we wouldn't be where we are today!!
Why would an animal that is not remotely native to this country be our national animal?
First, "They did more to build this country..." More than whom? More than eagles? That's your argument? Ok, but it's still wrong because I think you meant without man's usage of domesticated horses "we wouldn't be where we are today." I don't remember reading any history texts that included roaming bands of horse day-laborers that helped us build new houses, plow the land, etc. I fail to understand how our usage of an animal affects that species' suitability or moral immunity from being also used for food. If you're a vegetarian, that's another argument altogether. But if we raise and slaughter cows and pigs there is simply no reasonable argument to draw the line at horses (or dogs, cats, ostriches, etc.) unless horses someday face extinction and, thus, are granted protection (as the eagles you mentioned are).
What a bunch of crap,another bill that made it through the back door. Trigger burgers are now on the capital hill menu. It's the all new "other red meat."
I agree it is not appealing to think of horse meat as part of a food group. However, my family and myself have seen plenty of horses suffer since the closing of slaughter houses. My family has rasied horses for over 40 years. They need to be regulated and monitored closely as to not be disgusting facilities. It is our responsibility as horse owners to help to make a horses life as pleasnt as possible and as free as possible. There are situations that do not allow us to keep a horse until they are old and swayback.
Its not just the old swayback ones and furthermore how dare you send an old horse that has served you well to slaughter!
I'm a horse owner and I've had many elderly horses euthanized and buried or rendered. You GD Cowboys just want a place to dump em . Send em on down the road. That's the popular euphemism. May you never have another days luck with horses , training or breeding, as long as you send your faithful servants to the killers when there are many far more humane options. JACKASS
And another thing – STOP BREEDING HORSES – If the demand does not meet the supply you must stop producing the product.BUSINESS 101 DUH If you want to raise horses strictly for meat, then be honest about it and annouce that fact as your primary business.
EXACTLY!! Thank you, Billingsworth! No more puppy mills, no more bulk horse breeders.
This shouldn't be too weird. People around the world think eating beef or pork is sick.
I've had horse meat in Japan, and it's quite good. No reason not to eat it.
Seeing you name I see way you would say this - because you are a lunatic!!! Horses are not food!!!
The French and many other Europeans would strongly disagree. Horse is readily available throughout Europe.
I've had 'cheval' in good Parisian restaurants. It's much tastier and leaner than beef.
Just HORRIBLE!!! Whats wrong with people?? I cant even imagine eating a horse. such beautiful creatures.
its going to look so beautiful on my plate straight of the grill
Your disgusting and should be slaughtered and come straight off my gril
Your absolutely sick and f***ing dumb!! I would love to slaughter you just the way they do it in Canada. Yea you wouldn't look beautiful on my plate, I wouldn't even feed your azz to my dog
Horses aren't beautiful. Do you call beautiful people "horse face"?
good one
You're an idiot!! Horses have been around long before people have and will be here long after we're gone. horses are 100% more beautiful than someone like you both inside and out. so guess that means dogs and cats aren't beautiful. Its morons like you who would willing hurt such a beautiful animals that people keep as pets,members of they're families that symbolize the freedom that is our country.
It's food.
I WONDER WHAT ROY ROGERS WOULD DO?
He would stuff em and display at the Roy Rodgers museum.
The reason the demand for horse meat has risen in the U.S. is mostly because of illegal immigration. The illegal cubans in Miami have been running illegal horse slaughterhouses for many years. It is what happens when you keep allowing third world trash to invade your country. As the United States slips more toward a third world cesspool, gross things become more commonplace.
Funny, I bet that was the argument some native Americans were making when the Pilgrims landed as Plymouth. "They're gonna take our land and give us small pox blankets, stupid Euro-trash."
This country was founded and created by immigrants. Patriot, my azz.
Yeah, legal ones. Get rid of the illegals...think it would solve a lot of problems.
true. maybe they should've put something two-legged on the bill instead
Ok lets get the facts straight out of this sensationalized story. The FDA set aside each year $3 million to inspect horse meat. Horses were not being slaughtered! So they questioned why it is necessary to spend money on the inspection of a meat that is not being processed or sold. Where was this money really going? This reserve of $3 million was lifted to cut back some unnecessary and now started an upheaval of responses and sensationalized news articles that lead you to believe that your local grocer will now sell horse steaks. This is the same response to Obama's health care bill that "Obama is trying to kill my grandparents!". Get the facts straight. Poor reporting on CNN's part.
I think that you have your facts a bit skewed. Of course horses were being slaughtered, and the meat exported. Do you see conspiracy around every corner?
Not a conspiracy theory. Just plain budget cuts. Let me know how the horse tastes.
What people don’t understand is that yes it is a necessary evil to have the facilities to slaughter and dispose of horses. The ban 5 years ago meant that horses were sent to Mexico or Canada under horrible… horrible conditions. These sick horses were often in trailers with no water and sometime in extreme heat for days. As much as we don’t want to see them end up in a slaughter house IF we can do a better job of it in the USA we hope it’s less stressful on the animals. How they were treated on these long trips south were unimaginable. No one wants to see an animal have to go to a slaughter house but so many people don’t understand that some things are necessary. So lets make it as humane as possible.
Its not due to a DEMAND of horse meat, we need a safe humane was to slaughter these horses locally and yes meat is a possible side product. Some of you people are missing the whole point.
Its not just old and sick horses that are slaughtered stop lying about it to make yourself feel better. Killer buyers mostly purchase and ship very young and healthy horses to slaughter–Its because of overbreeding and under demand. The horses will never be slaughtered humanely. Horses will still endure long horrific journeys in cramped stock trailers to the slaughter houses. The meat will be tainted with even more chemicals and toxins and be even more carcinogenic than normal meat because we use products on horses that are not suited for human consumption and we don't raise horses (YET) in this country for slaughter (although the American Quarterhorse is getting damn close to being basically a meat animal thanks to the insane over breeding. ) I'm a horsewoman here to out you on your dirty lie that there's no other way to deal with an old or sick horse, I've humanely euthanized plenty and had them buried or rendered. Such ridiculous lies and ignorance. Horses suffer HORRIBLY. HORRIBLY in slaugher houses and transports designed for cows. Wake up from your dumb ass fairy tale. End of lecture. Horses that go to slaughter are there because of irresponsible heartless owners. And, sometimes, the horse or pony stolen from the pasture goes quickly to auction then bang to the slaughterhouse. Oh yes, that happens and that AIN'T no lie.
And cow holocaust is OK? You are a nut. Have respect for the smart pig too. Killing is bad all around.
very true
Just as with Dubya's daddy; Horse at the Supermarket.
The Republicans always create a recession when in power.
I love horses, I would probably only eat horsemeat if my life depended on it, but I am in favor of legal horse slaughter. Regulate the sh it out of it so it's clean, quick, and humane. Better that than being shipped off to Mexico where slaughterhouse conditions are nothing short of horrific.
You mean the same way cattle are slaughtered in a "clean, humane" way? This will just give the horse breeders more reason to raise more horses – more money!
Pretty unlikely. The market for horse meat is small and unlikely to grow much in the near future.
While they're at it, why don't they also eat all the dogs and cats that are euthanized every year? I see no difference.
Good point. there's really not much of a difference is there.....
even more – the market for horsemeat is foreign (Europe and Asia for the most part, with some consumed in Canada, etc). The now-closed domestic kill plants were European-owned, and at least here in the US those plants didn't generate tax income by virtue of the products being transferred at or below cost to the European entity, through which it was sold at a hefty profit. So if the justification is to get some nutrition out of 'unwanted horses', we might just as well slaughter the vast numbers of unwanted dogs and cats that end up in pounds, shelters, etc and ultimately in land fills or incinerators. Meat is meat, isn't it? Someone, somewhere, will eat it... but as a horse-owner for the last 40+ years, it won't be me.
Then, carol, why not eat people? Meat is meat, right?
Those get ground up and fed to pigs so we eat them indirectly.
@Joann: That comment is very thought provoking. I swear it causes me to do some serious soul searching. This is a profound epiphany for me. Can I say-Vegetarian?
Just great! I can see horse owners finding their animals stolen to be sold for their meat. I already have my gates locked to prevent people from taking them as it is. Anyone who owns & rides their horses know their is no other relationship than a horse and their rider understanding & trusting each other. Mine have carried me on their backs safely for 1000's of miles. I could never eat one, they are my best friends!
If there were enough of a market for horse meat to steal your animals, you'd already have noticed. The only thing this recision does is allow government inspection. I'm not expecting a spike in demand as a result.
thank you. some people just cannot understand that at all.
All that matters is: it is not human, tastes good, and won't make me sick.
What a-hole Republican presented this bill? What next... dogs and cats?
You're so sure a Republican presented the bill?!?!?!? But..........a Democratic POTUS signed it, and probably without even knowing what all was in it, or not caring if he did. And, it's just another example of "pork" being stuffed into bills that will be signed, and the "pork" got through under the radar.
Jack Kingston (R-GA) was the one who removed the wording that kept that withheld funding for inspections regarding horse meat. This is one small part of the overall bill that was signed. It is simply regarding funding and not saying wether horses should or should not be slaughtered.If it had not been signed then the funding for many programs would have been in trouble- many programs having nothing to do with this bill. Sue Wallis (R- WY) has been pushing for horse slaughter along with others. There are horse groups who are pushing for horse slaughter in the U.S. For years slaughter has been happening, but it is just in Canada and Mexico. The U.S. has exported thousands upon thousands of horses to those countries to be slaughtered.
ive tasted horse meat before and its damn good...we eat cows and deers..why not a horse..
Eating any animal is insane..Doesn't matter horse or cow..
Maybe all animals should become vegetarians? You know...lions can hunt for cabbage, snakes can swallow cucumbers whole, etc. The day that happens, perhaps then I'll consider becoming vegetarian. Otherwise, where's the beef?!
Loved your visual....
Joe.. Don't mix up ecosystem with this.
Plants are just as alive as animals.
yes, it's insane that we have a biological disposition for eating meat. You do realize humans are omnivorous, right? Actually you probably dont, as you dont even know what that word means. You are an insane PETA reject.
Seems like the less worse alternative tham shipping them out for the same end. I am personally allergic to to horses, or I might consider eating them.
My vote on eating horse is....neigh!
Mmmmm can't wait for the McNay to hit McD's soon...
Horses, like cats, taste like chicken!
I have eaten horse meat back in 1975 in Phoenix, Az. There was one butcher shop that sold USDA inspected horse meat for human consumption. The name of the shop was “Ye Old Meat Market”.
And by the way horse meat does NOT taste like chicken. It tastes like BEEF. The cuts are the same as beef but they are larger. The raw meat is darker than beef, with a more purple color cast. When cooked it looks just like beef and tastes VERY similar. The texture is slightly different with a finer grain. You would be hard pressed to pick it out from beef in a blind taste test.
this is not necessary
eewww...
I'm with PETA, standing alone as well, seemingly. I breed and raise a special breed of horses that are used for kids' mounts and for the benefit of handicapped riders, etc. Occassionally, people come across some horses that are dangerous or impossible to work with, and I believe that although nobody ever likes or even wants to see horse slaughter plants in operation, they ARE nonetheless a necessary evil in this country. However, if unwanted horses would instead be euthanized by vets, at a cheap cost (albeit they're not going to do it for cheap, they WANT their profits) the vets would have no way to then dispose of the countless numbers of horses and ponies that would come to them – especially when natural disasters such as the extreme droughts that have hit this country recently. I am personally thankful and proud that my horses are doini well, and that I am committed to them for the past 29 1/2 years and into the future and mine will not be seeing a sale barn or a slaughter plant.
You're missing a key point, which is that IF horses are humanely euthanized, they CANNOT be consumed by humans because of the chemicals used by the vet to kill them. You can either eat them or euthanize them but you cannot do both. Furthermore, animals specifically raised for human consumption are regulated in such a way and slaughtered in such a way that makes them safe. Trust me, you have NO IDEA what some people in the show business and breeding business do to horses. I would never eat horsemeat because there is no way to know what sorts of things have gone into a former show horse, race horse, or pet. Not that the beef industry is much better, but it is more carefully regulated.
I've been in/around breeding/training/showing for over 30 years...you raise some valid points,however we're running some of the worst offenders out of the business. I still won't eat mine even though they've never been contaminated.
When slaughter for human consumption was legal most of the meat was for export...it was a small market with a major sourcing problem...many of the horses were stolen. There has been a noted decline in horse theft since the ban went into effect...there is no quick,evidenceless cash market for sellig a kids pony. Pass this concept on to Congress...do they WANT to facilitate crime ?
yes they do pete!!! hurray for you!!! they answer has been arrived at, we can all go home now.
Ugh why would anyone eat such a beautiful animal?! They're like dogs.... loyal, work hard for their person and deserve love and respect. Sorry cows, but I'd rather eat you over a horse anyday :(
Sorry Diana,
You are just socialized to accept eating of cows.Have you ever seen a cow nuzzling its calf in the pasture?
Puppies are good eatin in Vietnam and even in interior Mexico. Chihuahua enchiladas, anyone?
Not to mention guinea pigs, which were domesticated to provide a ready meat supply.
All good mothers take care of their young. I am with both cows and horses almost every day of the week. A cow has never nuzzled ME in the pasture, no matter how hard I've tried to make friends with them, but the horses do. I think commercial mass slaughter for any species in inhumane, but the evidence shows that horse slaughter is especially inhumane, as they aren't bred to be "dumbed down" like cows and are highly sensitive, social animals, with a high flight response. Also, if they can't make slaughter humanely regulated to the T for the current meat harvesting industries, why add the workload of an entirely different species that needs a specialized handling process?
That is cruel Diana, What if I ate you?
Many women like that.
All the incredibly stupid men are coming out of the woodwork to post. Oh, aren't they clever?
Eat me
cant eat dogs. they're fuzzy. pigs are ok tho even if they're smarter than dogs.
While I recognize horse meat is commonly served in other countries, I cannot bring myself to consume it. I cannot see how it would gain sufficient popularity to justify general availability.
I generally agree. We're not going to see any increased demand as a result of this bill. Given the alternative – what small demand there is being met by meat processed in questionable circumstances – I have no problem with this change.
do you think your dog or cat cares that its eating horse?
That, and the demand for horse meat in countries like France and Belgium, that eat it as a delicacy, has dropped over the last few years.
I bet the cute ones taste better than the ugly ones.
Do you think the white ones tastes better than the black or brown one?
The sparkly ones are the best.
But nothing compares to fresh unicorn.
White ones are vanilla
Black ones are licorice
Brown ones are chocolate
Red ones are rare
It's all in what you like.
I think you jokesters are a bunch of nuts. How you can talk so trivially about slaughtering an intelligent animal just so you can stuff it in your mouth is beyond me. Maybe you can get a job and do the slaughtering of a living, intelligent animal and that will satisfy your barbaric side.