Horse Slaughter...

Im not asking you to sign if you dont want to, so im glad we are sorted there.

GTs - i do not have the answer to all the questions, nor have i claimed to, i just feel strongly against slaughtering horses that could have been someones first pony, simply because it was not wanted at an auction. 100 people signing a pladge isnt going to change the world is it now. It just shows that people dont like the way the animals are treated and slaughtered. How would you like it if you wrere sent to a slaughter house, stunned and had your throat cut open while still fully concious?? This is just an example. Horses cant speak, so people who care about the way they are treated are doing it for them.
 
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I assume it's not the slaughter of horses per se that you're opposed to but the inhumane treatment many receive prior to their deaths? In which case I'm with you. However, if it is the slaughter itself you oppose, what would happen to all the sick/broken down/old/unwanted horses that end up at the knackers?
Also, whilst I don't,and I don't think I would like to, eat horsemeat myself, many countries do and I don't see anything morally wrong with it, provided of course it is farmed in a humane manner. Same goes for cows, pigs and sheep for that matter.

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I have no problem with people eating meat of any kind. I would be a vegetarian if i did.

It is the cruelty that horses have to go through just so people can make some money on selling them as meat. The way they are treated and killed. It need to be sorted out.
 
Well my solution prevents that situation from happening - yours does not. It merely creates an extra 24+ travel time without food or water,

I really think it is irresponsible to drum up support based on emotion and not facts - it really is no service to the horses. We both agree we do not want horses to suffer, but your approach is misguided.
 
Oh OK, so we agree then
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so you'd rather close down the slaughter houses in the UK and have the horses have to travel for hours and hours to get to slaughterhouses on the continent which probably don't have as strict animal welfare legislation as we do in the UK?
 
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I assume it's not the slaughter of horses per se that you're opposed to but the inhumane treatment many receive prior to their deaths? In which case I'm with you. However, if it is the slaughter itself you oppose, what would happen to all the sick/broken down/old/unwanted horses that end up at the knackers?
Also, whilst I don't,and I don't think I would like to, eat horsemeat myself, many countries do and I don't see anything morally wrong with it, provided of course it is farmed in a humane manner. Same goes for cows, pigs and sheep for that matter.

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I have no problem with people eating meat of any kind. I would be a vegetarian if i did.

It is the cruelty that horses have to go through just so people can make some money on selling them as meat. The way they are treated and killed. It need to be sorted out.

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I agree with you on that point,but banning the slaughter of equines will not have any impact on dealing with how they end up there!
 
*ahem*
From "The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995"

Humane treatment of animals
4.—(1) No person engaged in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing of animals shall—

(a) cause any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering to any animal; or

(b) permit any animal to sustain any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering.


(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (3) below, no person shall engage in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing of any animal unless he has the knowledge and skill necessary to perform those tasks humanely and efficiently in accordance with these Regulations.






When they are stunned they are rendered unconscious and will be unaware of what is happenning to them.
 
If we didn't over breed horses in this country, there wouldn't be as greater need for slaughter.
This is my opinion, slate me as you wish, but take for example racing, how many horses are bred per year, soley to try and produce "the winner"?
All of my horses have been horses that were "surplus to requirements" and on their way to the knackers yard.
They were cheap and needed some work but have all been good horses.
I think that there are far too many horses in this country and when one breaks down, it's easier to replace than fix, hence horses going to slaughter.
What i'm trying to say is, the problems are a lot higher up the chain than the slaughter man/ houses, thats what should be looked at. Whilst there are lots of surplus horses, the slaughterman will always be in business.
Jo
 
Quote 'When they are stunned they are rendered unconscious and will be unaware of what is happenning to them. '

Do you honestly believe that!!?? My turn , PMSL !
 
so have you ever been knocked unconscious? I have - my friends poked, prodded, shook, slapped me to try and get me to come round and I didn't feel a thing.


Furthermore, if its really that bad then why is it usd for slaughtering all our animals? Because its the most humane and efficient method. Unless of course you have a better idea?
 
I meant do you believe that every animal is knocked unconscious before being killed ?

Try googling Halal and Kosher
 
I don't believe Pixie was talking about Halal or Kosher? And neither was the original post.....so I for one, have no idea what it has to do with this debate?
 
Right I am totally confused now
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. The quote you have used in that post is based on European Abattoirs.......I thought this debate (and indeed the petition) was about British Slaughterhouses?
crazy.gif
 
Pixie posted:ahem*
From "The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995"

Humane treatment of animals
4.—(1) No person engaged in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing of animals shall—

(a) cause any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering to any animal; or

(b) permit any animal to sustain any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering.


(2) Without prejudice to paragraph (3) below, no person shall engage in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing of any animal unless he has the knowledge and skill necessary to perform those tasks humanely and efficiently in accordance with these Regulations.

When they are stunned they are rendered unconscious and will be unaware of what is happenning to them.

I merely pointed out that not every animal is rendered unconscious before slaughter so therefore said animal will be aware of what is happening, for example Halal and Kosher. I hope you now have an idea why I responded to Pixies post in this manner.

I have no wish to 'hijack' a post and apologise to fjudge if I appear to have done so.
 
But Halal and Kosher killings do not go on in regular slaughter houses as far as I am aware.

From what I am led to believe, the whole point of these types of killing is that peace and harmony surrounds the animal before it's throat is slit.
 
Agree with GTs and fully support the principle of humane horse slaughter ... at the same time, have to say I think it is bizarre how many people will pay large amounts of money to keep a horse and enjoy a close relationship while it is in good health and ridable, but turn round and want it euthanised when it is too old/develops long-term health problems.

The older I get, the more resolved I become to only be involved with horses if I can at the same time put aside money to ensure a decent retirement for them.
 
If we are being honest here and keeping reality in mind lets be blunt.

I dont disagree with horses having to be put down for a number of reasons. Also, to each their own, if you want to eat horse do so. HOWEVER, there is not a slaughter house that is safe and keeps the best interest of horses in mind. They are there to make $$. They are not using adequate and safe transport, feed, water and shelter that is law for every other horse owner.

You can agree with it or disagree but you have the wool over your eyes if you think these facilities are up to par. Something needs to be done IF slaughter is going to be allowed to continue.

Also, I think you should only take on owning a horse if you can provide for it. All these abused and sick horses should have been cared for or given to someone to care for them before they got to that point. SLAUGHTER is NOT a fix for abuse. If you justify that then you shouldnt have a horse.
 
I have not signed the petition and I hope it never gets to the PM. The fact that since 1st August 2007 (6 months ago) only 42 people have signed it, and I would imagine it has been toted around every horse forum going, shows that it is a bad idea. Lets hope the govenment can see that too.

I fully support horse slaughter and I have taken my horses to be slaughtered when it was the best thing to do.

I don't support people breeding animals that are never going to have a purpose in life (be that hacking or competing) or who are disadvantaged from the start due to the poor quality of mares/stallions used.

Does the minimum value rule still apply to the export of horses?
 
quote; How would you like it if you wrere sent to a slaughter house, stunned and had your throat cut open while still fully concious?? This is just an example. Horses cant speak, so people who care about the way they are treated are doing it for them. quote;

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that would never happen in the U.K but i do feel however that a more worthwhile petition would be to force all E.U countries to have fully licensed humane slaughter houses with properly trained staff.
also due to the high cost of disposal slaughter houses are a necessary commodity.
 
GTs you know I am with you on this 100% from previous posts on the subject, removing a slaughter option limits choice for every horse owner and increases the risk of neglect.
I don't particularly like it, and the concept is pretty chilling, but as a pragmatist..it has to remain in the UK and be properly controlled.
 
Over breeding = Overflow of Animals

Creates to many for Market = Do Gooders with Little Experience Purchasing

Do Gooders cant cope = Neglected Horse

Solution

Overbreeders should send Unneeded animals Direct to Slaughter, In there Country, Where they are treated humanly up until and during the act. Rather than trying to make more by selling them on

Also Pony Breeders and Other People - Think Twice - Because a mare has a womb doesnt mean she can just keep popping out foals, can you provide a secure future for your foal ? Wuld you have Children and just sell them for a pittance and worse let them be neglected ? Breeders need to be more responsible, people need to have more of an open mind about slaughter after all you need a waste facility, and better done on home turf.
 
Sorry, I haven't read the whole thread, but the petition seems to be about horse slaughter, not horse export. Horses have to be slaughtered, isn't it better to have it done here rather than abroad? What about old, ill and injured horses? They all have to be dealt with.
 
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But Halal and Kosher killings do not go on in regular slaughter houses as far as I am aware.

From what I am led to believe, the whole point of these types of killing is that peace and harmony surrounds the animal before it's throat is slit.

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Absolutely, and what is more the knife is razor sharp, the animal is treated with respect and most importantly, as far as I am concerned, the animal does not see other animals being slaughtered.
 
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that would never happen in the U.K but i do feel however that a more worthwhile petition would be to force all E.U countries to have fully licensed humane slaughter houses with properly trained staff.
also due to the high cost of disposal slaughter houses are a necessary commodity.

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Especially since the hunt ban - if hunt kennels close down, it is an avenue of horse disposal closed off. I would rather a horse was slaughtered in the UK than sent abroad.
 
I agree with some of the earlier posts, I am totlly against inhumane treatment during transport to slaughter etc. but think banning slaughterhouses would only lead to more old or unsound horses being left in fields to suffer. I do think some people are not prepared to take responsibility for their horses in old age. I am lucky in that I have my own land (not much so its hard work keeping it in order) and have kept my daughters outgrown ponies (one with Cushings and one who is a super jumping pony but very quirky). If we were to sell on either of these ponies with their problems it is quite likely they would not find permanent homes so I feel it is my responsibility to care for them to the end of their days. I also still have a 30 year old donkey who was originally a companion for my old horse 21 years ago!
 
Phew I'm quite upset by those photos! It's exceptionally sad that humans cause suffering to animals in such a way. Petition is signed.
However it's important to remember that one euthanised their suffering is over, I appreciate that an animal will naturally feel fear in that enviroment but at least when it's over it's over, the people to blame are those that have allowed those horses to become so severly neglected. So so sad!
 
In support of the petition may I ask everyone this question:

Why do we need slaughter houses for horses?

Personally I care for my animals physical and mental welfare so when it comes to euthanasia I know it is my responsibility to do the best for them. Number one I choose genuinely caring vets.A vet attended my horse and pony at home, both by injection and both were then sent for cremation. My dogs have been taken to a vet surgery, the time was quiet with gentle words spoken. Euthanasia can have added stresses especially if the animal is comprimised -i.e heart condition or aggresive. I believe the difference is allowing the animal the dignity of respect at the end. And before anyone thinks of piping up posts such as death is not all roses etc I will add I worked as a Veterinary Nurse for 6 years and so very used to death on a near daily basis.

So with the option of euthanasia at home or at a Veterinary Surgery why would anyone choose to send their horse(sick or well) to a slaughter house?

Which option would you choose and why ?
 
Thats a very good point Caz. My old pony was put to sleep at home (and buried but don't tell anyone!). However that is in an ideal world and lets face it some people do not feel the same way about their horses. For these cases it is surely preferable for them to be put down by hopefully experienced staff at a uk slaughterhouse than left to suffer until nature takes its course.
 
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