This just sent from my vet

[annwnacres]

Got this message today from my vet, interesting:

U.S. horse slaughter exports to Mexico increase 312%
Since all three U.S. horse slaughter operations were ordered closed last year, the number of horses exported to Mexico for slaughter has exploded. As of Dec. 20, 2007, 44,475 horses had been shipped to Mexico for processing for human consumption compared with 10,783 shipped at the same time in 2006, a 312 percent increase.

In addition, American horse exports to Mexico for purposes other than slaughter, such as for breeding or recreation, have nearly doubled in the same period. This increase is raising concerns that many of these horses are actually being sent to slaughter but shipped under false pretenses to circumvent U.S. transport regulations governing the animals' welfare.

[SaddlebredMom]

How do they know that? What/Who is the source of these statistics? I'm just wondering if they are truly valid numbers or an attempt to derail the pending anti-slaughter and anti-transport for slaughter legislation.

[snowfool]

Here's something I saw on another board this morning which definitely adds credibility to your message from your vet:

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/...zYwNzcxWj.html

Susan

[sdlbredfan]

If I had known that shutting down Cavel and BelTex, that at least could be monitored and regulated, would have led to this, I would have been adamantly against shutting them down. I think the main folks sounding the battle cry to shut them down (Holland, et al,) either were deluded themselves as to what really would happen, or did not fully explain in their rabble rousing cries to shut down slaughterhouses, if they knew.

sigh....

[SaddlebredMom]

Originally Posted by snowfool

Here's something I saw on another board this morning which definitely adds credibility to your message from your vet:

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/...zYwNzcxWj.html

Susan

Susan -- I read the article at the link you posted and I must have missed something because no where did I find the source to back up the statistics cited in the Vet's message. In fact, the article seemed to point the finger for the declining equine situation straight at "amateur breeding".

[attafox]

Please see:
http://www.trot.org/forum/showthread.php?t=553

[snowfool]

Originally Posted by SaddlebredMom

Susan -- I read the article at the link you posted and I must have missed something because no where did I find the source to back up the statistics cited in the Vet's message. In fact, the article seemed to point the finger for the declining equine situation straight at "amateur breeding".

I wasn't attempting to show that it supported the statistics quoted in the vet's message but instead, this line was in direct correlation with what was reported in the first link: "Now, some unwanted American horses wind up at Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses. But others linger and starve, often ending up at rescue homes and other charities."

You are correct in that the reasons they cite for horses going out of the country for slaughter are different, but there is no doubt that it is happening - they are being shipped and lack of slaughter houses here in the U.S. isn't making one hill of beans difference.

Sorry - didn't mean to confuse you .

Susan

P.S. - the link to the bill submitted by the VEW in Attafox's link is pretty shabby IMO. I don't think that particular viewpoint in any way represents all vets here in the country and I know for a fact, it does not represent the viewpoint of my team of vets. I think it reeks of PETA-type viewpoints.

[annwnacres]

Honestly, I wish they didn't shut down the US slaughter houses. I live 45 minutes away from one and to see what's going on now is sickening. I'd much rather have our horses travel less distance and their lives ended at a facitily that is regulated vs. some 3rd world country where humans aren't even treated with respect.