Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
Yes, they should be vilified for paying someone to starve, neglect, inbreed low end horses.
S
Rescuers create horses that need rescued.
- Thread starter Shilasdair
- Start date
Yes, they should be vilified for paying someone to starve, neglect, inbreed low end horses.
S
cobgoblin
Bugrit! Millennium hand and shrimp.
A good post and said with humanity and understanding.
This is not a black and white area and there is no simple solution.
Anyone who wishes to 'rescue' a horse has the perfect right to do so, and yes, some of them will be inexperienced and equally some will know what they are doing.
I would never condemn someone for showing kindness. I cannot see how it is better to take a horse from a rescue centre than to 'rescue' one yourself. It is the horses that matter not ones petty opinions.
Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
Either you don't understand how supply and demand works, or you think equine suffering is a small price to pay for the 'rescuer's' ego boost?
I can't believe you think it's ok to pay people to abuse horses; if I pay someone to kill my ex (tempting
) I'm still responsible.Here's a BHS article that might help you understand the problem.
http://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/press-centre/news/jan-to-jun-2014/rescue-me
S
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Either you don't understand how supply and demand works, or you think equine suffering is a small price to pay for the 'rescuer's' ego boost?
I can't believe you think it's ok to pay people to abuse horses; if I pay someone to kill my ex (tempting
Here's a BHS article that might help you understand the problem.
http://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/press-centre/news/jan-to-jun-2014/rescue-me
S
This a deeply unpleasant view IMO it's not about ego for many people .
Sometimes a horse touches something in a MOP and they go to bat for it against the world I have watched this moment when a that spark touches someone and it's what I called a white knight moment .
It's special and part of our deepest humanity .
doriangrey
Well-Known Member
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Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
You really are happy to pay someone to abuse a horse so that the rescuer can enjoy that 'white knight moment'?
I'm pretty saddened by this.
I thought people were doing this through ignorance rather than design.
S
ETA I can't bring myself to converse further with you. Urgh.
cobgoblin
Bugrit! Millennium hand and shrimp.
Either you don't understand how supply and demand works, or you think equine suffering is a small price to pay for the 'rescuer's' ego boost?
I can't believe you think it's ok to pay people to abuse horses; if I pay someone to kill my ex (tempting
Here's a BHS article that might help you understand the problem.
http://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/press-centre/news/jan-to-jun-2014/rescue-me
S
Yes I do understand about supply and demand and I do understand about the equine crisis. Oddly enough, I am not a moron! Nor do I think rescuing any animal leads to an ego boost, in fact I think it very often ends in heartbreak.
As for stating that I think it's ok to pay someone to abuse horses, well you should really be ashamed of that comment. What a vile thing to say simply because I do not share your point of view!
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
You really are happy to pay someone to abuse a horse so that the rescuer can enjoy that 'white knight moment'?
I'm pretty saddened by this.
I thought people were doing this through ignorance rather than design.
S
ETA I can't bring myself to converse further with you. Urgh.
It's not a question of enjoying the moment .
You clearly only like conversing with people who agree with you .
Boring and urgh .
mandwhy
Well-Known Member
I do agree mostly, I wouldn't buy from these sources as that's what it is - buying, and I agree about supply and demand. However some of those ponies can go on to be perfectly useful and special to their owners even if they're not the best conformed, and a life is a life, they didn't choose who bred them.
Where do you draw the line though? I personally don't think anyone needed to breed ANY Welsh Section As this year for a start! Even if those studs are reputable, there are so many decent ponies around going for pittance. I have one that was used for equine flu vaccine testing. She's a decent and well bred little pony who was bred on a mountain with many others, I assume by some long serving 'stud' that thinks it has some sort of god given right to breed. I think some of the more reputable ones are worse because they are deluded about the market these days.
Where do you draw the line though? I personally don't think anyone needed to breed ANY Welsh Section As this year for a start! Even if those studs are reputable, there are so many decent ponies around going for pittance. I have one that was used for equine flu vaccine testing. She's a decent and well bred little pony who was bred on a mountain with many others, I assume by some long serving 'stud' that thinks it has some sort of god given right to breed. I think some of the more reputable ones are worse because they are deluded about the market these days.
Ebenezer_Scrooge
Well-Known Member
Franchgate....I remember...
Good points & also maybe all breeding should be better regulated or controlled....though from my experiences of the human species this should be made compulsory too....
off on a tangent there sorry but tried to ring for help when I found a dog running in panic down a main road whilst on my motorbike & I turned round to go & catch her to keep her safe no rescue or warden would help & council put phone down on me as they only rescue in day!!!!! luckily.owners were driving round &they were reunited (dog slipped collar in panic& was new to area) owners were distraught over it.
eta....
Hello Shils...I was beginning to think you were never going to emerge from Hades.....
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alainax
Well-Known Member
It seems there are a few issues, even just around the word "rescue".
Seems it's very cool to "rescue" horses ATM, every other horse on fb ( and many on here!) is a "rescue" . They didn't rescue it, they bought it. Often paying thousands for thier "rescue" . A horse which was previously adequately cared for, but now deemed to be rescued....
Rescuing to me, would be seeing a horse emaciated, or head collar embedding, or any number of horrible cruelties. Finding the owner and offering it a better life. You rescued it. Or failing that, noticing any of the above and finding a charity who will step in, you rescued it.
Another way would be adopting a rescue horse from a charity.
Funding unscrupulous breeders, to keep breeding these poor beasts, isn't really rescuing
Those who try to do so well by these poor mites, are surely trying to do what is right, and help the invididual they see before them, however I find it a bit like mopping up the water on the floor, before fixing the leak. We need to fix the leak...
Seems it's very cool to "rescue" horses ATM, every other horse on fb ( and many on here!) is a "rescue" . They didn't rescue it, they bought it. Often paying thousands for thier "rescue" . A horse which was previously adequately cared for, but now deemed to be rescued....
Rescuing to me, would be seeing a horse emaciated, or head collar embedding, or any number of horrible cruelties. Finding the owner and offering it a better life. You rescued it. Or failing that, noticing any of the above and finding a charity who will step in, you rescued it.
Another way would be adopting a rescue horse from a charity.
Funding unscrupulous breeders, to keep breeding these poor beasts, isn't really rescuing
Those who try to do so well by these poor mites, are surely trying to do what is right, and help the invididual they see before them, however I find it a bit like mopping up the water on the floor, before fixing the leak. We need to fix the leak...
doriangrey
Well-Known Member
You really are happy to pay someone to abuse a horse so that the rescuer can enjoy that 'white knight moment'?
I'm pretty saddened by this.
I thought people were doing this through ignorance rather than design.
S
ETA I can't bring myself to converse further with you. Urgh.
I don't think you were quoting me but I will respond. I wouldn't turn away from any animal in need because I wanted to make a point. Who, legally is in charge and who is getting paid to regulate what is going on? Not joe public that's for certain (but you can bet your bottom dollar they are paying for it), so before you start being disgusted over a few individuals taking on a couple of horses or cats or dogs or hamsters, meerkats whatever - why not get in touch with the local council and finding out why it's not being dealt with in an appropriate way?
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
It seems there are a few issues, even just around the word "rescue".
Seems it's very cool to "rescue" horses ATM, every other horse on fb ( and many on here!) is a "rescue" . They didn't rescue it, they bought it. Often paying thousands for thier "rescue" . A horse which was previously adequately cared for, but now deemed to be rescued....
Rescuing to me, would be seeing a horse emaciated, or head collar embedding, or any number of horrible cruelties. Finding the owner and offering it a better life. You rescued it. Or failing that, noticing any of the above and finding a charity who will step in, you rescued it.
Another way would be adopting a rescue horse from a charity.
Funding unscrupulous breeders, to keep breeding these poor beasts, isn't really rescuing
Those who try to do so well by these poor mites, are surely trying to do what is right, and help the invididual they see before them, however I find it a bit like mopping up the water on the floor, before fixing the leak. We need to fix the leak...
That does not mean it's wrong to mop the floor .
alainax
Well-Known Member
If only we could do both at the same time. Surely there must be something which can be done...
Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
Ok, history lesson time.
The British Isles are, well, islands so relied on a Navy. Other European countries had land borders, so needed land forces - cavalry which resulted in state studs, but also in government regulation.
The UK government has never been motivated to regulate equidae, and excluded them from Agricultural classifications. They were forced to introduce passports to comply with EU legislation, but decided to allow 55 plus PIOs. It's a mess (as the horsemeat scandal revealed). At the moment I have 3 passports but only 2 horses; this shouldn't happen.
So, no one regulates what is going on, aside from that covered by the Animal Welfare Act and associated legislation.
Therefore we, the horse lovers, need to act where we can - individuals can make a difference. I do voluntary work for one of the charities.
S
Edited to wave at Ebenezer Scrooge!
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honetpot
Well-Known Member
For 30 years or so I have been going to horse auctions and managed never to part with any money, even the very sad looking ones an the ones so hungry they have been rummageing around bedding for any scrap of food. My reason, I refuse to line the pockets of dealers an auctioneers with their smart cars that make a profit from this trade. Has this made me feel good, no.You really are happy to pay someone to abuse a horse so that the rescuer can enjoy that 'white knight moment'?
I'm pretty saddened by this.
I thought people were doing this through ignorance rather than design.
S
ETA I can't bring myself to converse further with you. Urgh.
In spring of last year I took a colt that was waiting in the police pound to be shot, totally illogical has cost me a fortune but I can afford it. Will probably live longer than me and really its a waste of resources but does it make me feel good, yes. We have to be honest with ourselves, all humans seem to have a bit of a god complex and we do like a make over and its the ultimate make over. Its not hard, give most animals a brush and plenty of food and they soon start to look better, but really we have just put the problem on hold. I had a friend who was rehoming an exracer out of training that looked a bit rough, I offered to have it to put some weight on it but said she would have more chance of rehoming if it was a bit skinny as people would want to save it, and low and behold someone did. Its sad when its easier to home a hat rack than something that looks well looked after, the horse had actually had the best of everything but had been unwell.
I support horse charities that give animals a purpose, I think the Donkey sanctuary owns 3000 donkeys, you couldn't buy a donkey at one point and they had inflated their value, but people love to give money to save cute donkeys so dealers started importing them and breeding again to sell, so now we have a surplice of donkeys again.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
The repeal of the stallion act was the first huge mistake .
But I don't think we could put that genie back in the bottle .
Having the prosecution of welfare cases in the hands of a charity and not the cps is another .
But I don't think we could put that genie back in the bottle .
Having the prosecution of welfare cases in the hands of a charity and not the cps is another .
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
*sigh*
I've been following the the Templars Stud case that has been discussed on arabianlines as one of my grey's half brother is one of the horses that is possibly dead. I hope that when the sentencing is done that all the people who sold horses to the Peels will find out if theirs are dead or alive.
http://www.arabianlines.com/forum1/topic_new.asp?TOPIC_ID=54906
Just read the last post on the first page and decide if it's better to have a quick end or be shut in a barn to thirst and starve until you die.
Slaughter houses need high standards, strict regulations and regular checks. They must not be banned. you only have to look at the horses that are transported live from the US to see why banning horse slaughter doesn't work.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Faracat you are so right we must must not lose our equine slaughter houses that would be the ultimate disaster .
honetpot
Well-Known Member
If your interested in trying to get the government to use the existing regulations could you please sign this http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/66742
http://hopeforhorses.co.uk/
http://hopeforhorses.co.uk/
Fides
Well-Known Member
Seeing as my name has been mentioned on here, I'd better respond.
The meat colt problem needs sorting - but this won't happen whilst 'coloured cobs' are popular. I upset someone on here who posted about wind knots - I asked 'Who would want to steal a coloured cob?'. Apparently they are popular... Popularity creates demand. Some of the unscrupulous will send the colts for meat - they are not bred for meat, buying a colt isn't creating a space for more as they are a byproduct of producing mares.
Some of the colts going for meat aren't bad animals - the fillies appear to sell for a price similar to some quite reasonably bred Sec Ds. It's just these dreadful people treat them as a product and a commodity and selling for meat will get them more than gelding and selling on as a riding horse.
There is another side to the story as well - 14 of the horses in the Oreo example were actually bought by someone who, themselves sold them for meat. They aren't all 'rescued'.
I hate the word rescue - it's so emotive. A lot of the horses in true rescues IMO should be sent for meat - the ones with no ridden future who are only ever going to be a companion. Who needs a 16h2 ex hunter with arthritis as a companion? Most would opt for a sec a or shettie.
I have failed to adopt from a rescue. One refused me because my fencing was barb and I wouldn't replace with post and rail - 1m55 electric fencing on the mains isn't enough in the event of a power failure. One charity had a bat-poo-crazy owner who had some weird FB conspiracy against her neighbour - steered clear of all that! Another who would have given me a horse - well that all ended in tears. I backed a couple of horses for them at their yard so they could be homed, then when they were short on grazing I took a TB mare for backing for a few weeks. 8 months later they were still refusing to take her back, citing no space, despite taking on 9 more horses. I ended up issuing them an abandonment notice as I didn't have the facilities at the time to keep a poor doer over the winter (plus it was supposed to be grass livery and not set me out of pocket as it was a favour). So that didn't happen. The last one offered me a Suffolk Punch - as they are now being investigated by the ILPH I decided to give that one a miss. I was still looking on horses4homes for either a little un as a companion or a big in that my OH could ride. And then all the stuff with the meat colts happened and the rest is history...
IMO the only way to stop it is to regulate breeders far more tightly than is being done. Having it that passports cannot be issued retrospectively so they have to go either for meat or to a charity. I also think that live export should be stopped. There is a big enough pet food market for these animals without exporting weedy yearlings to the continent.
Previously I have been in the 'kill it' camp but this plight caught me on a bad day. All the reports of them being wrestled to the ground by 3 men just did it for me. Rightly or wrongly I have a colt. I have the space, resources and facilities to deal with him. And I have the experience.
The thread I started wasn't supposed to be an 'aren't I a good person?' Type thread, but a warning for those considering taking one on, just what is involved. My thread was aimed specifically at discouraging people from doing it and also raising awareness of what goes on.
The same for the article in the paper - it wasn't to say 'look at me I rescued a horse'. My interview raised points about how these animals have no value so are being sent to slaughter and the same thing happens every year.
So yes I am a soft touch, I wouldn't say I have denied a true rescue a home as they wouldn't give me one anyway... Maybe I am precipitating the problem, maybe not. They are not going to stop breeding them whilst someone wants the mares
Oreo's future is still unclear - it all depends on the size he makes. Of small enough he will stay with me for life as a lead rein pony for potential mini-fides. I do think though that he will probably make nearer the 13h mark. If he does I will back him and find a home for him where he can be a 2nd pony to someone. Whatever happens he isn't going to be Chappy.
And the pony that seems to have caused all this uproar. The disease riddled, mongrel cob with terrible conformation, a poor back end and no future...
I'm sorry but I wasn't hard hearted enough to let him die. Maybe I should have but he is mine now.
Content
But after that essay - yep totally agree with the OP.
The meat colt problem needs sorting - but this won't happen whilst 'coloured cobs' are popular. I upset someone on here who posted about wind knots - I asked 'Who would want to steal a coloured cob?'. Apparently they are popular... Popularity creates demand. Some of the unscrupulous will send the colts for meat - they are not bred for meat, buying a colt isn't creating a space for more as they are a byproduct of producing mares.
Some of the colts going for meat aren't bad animals - the fillies appear to sell for a price similar to some quite reasonably bred Sec Ds. It's just these dreadful people treat them as a product and a commodity and selling for meat will get them more than gelding and selling on as a riding horse.
There is another side to the story as well - 14 of the horses in the Oreo example were actually bought by someone who, themselves sold them for meat. They aren't all 'rescued'.
I hate the word rescue - it's so emotive. A lot of the horses in true rescues IMO should be sent for meat - the ones with no ridden future who are only ever going to be a companion. Who needs a 16h2 ex hunter with arthritis as a companion? Most would opt for a sec a or shettie.
I have failed to adopt from a rescue. One refused me because my fencing was barb and I wouldn't replace with post and rail - 1m55 electric fencing on the mains isn't enough in the event of a power failure. One charity had a bat-poo-crazy owner who had some weird FB conspiracy against her neighbour - steered clear of all that! Another who would have given me a horse - well that all ended in tears. I backed a couple of horses for them at their yard so they could be homed, then when they were short on grazing I took a TB mare for backing for a few weeks. 8 months later they were still refusing to take her back, citing no space, despite taking on 9 more horses. I ended up issuing them an abandonment notice as I didn't have the facilities at the time to keep a poor doer over the winter (plus it was supposed to be grass livery and not set me out of pocket as it was a favour). So that didn't happen. The last one offered me a Suffolk Punch - as they are now being investigated by the ILPH I decided to give that one a miss. I was still looking on horses4homes for either a little un as a companion or a big in that my OH could ride. And then all the stuff with the meat colts happened and the rest is history...
IMO the only way to stop it is to regulate breeders far more tightly than is being done. Having it that passports cannot be issued retrospectively so they have to go either for meat or to a charity. I also think that live export should be stopped. There is a big enough pet food market for these animals without exporting weedy yearlings to the continent.
Previously I have been in the 'kill it' camp but this plight caught me on a bad day. All the reports of them being wrestled to the ground by 3 men just did it for me. Rightly or wrongly I have a colt. I have the space, resources and facilities to deal with him. And I have the experience.
The thread I started wasn't supposed to be an 'aren't I a good person?' Type thread, but a warning for those considering taking one on, just what is involved. My thread was aimed specifically at discouraging people from doing it and also raising awareness of what goes on.
The same for the article in the paper - it wasn't to say 'look at me I rescued a horse'. My interview raised points about how these animals have no value so are being sent to slaughter and the same thing happens every year.
So yes I am a soft touch, I wouldn't say I have denied a true rescue a home as they wouldn't give me one anyway... Maybe I am precipitating the problem, maybe not. They are not going to stop breeding them whilst someone wants the mares
Oreo's future is still unclear - it all depends on the size he makes. Of small enough he will stay with me for life as a lead rein pony for potential mini-fides. I do think though that he will probably make nearer the 13h mark. If he does I will back him and find a home for him where he can be a 2nd pony to someone. Whatever happens he isn't going to be Chappy.
And the pony that seems to have caused all this uproar. The disease riddled, mongrel cob with terrible conformation, a poor back end and no future...
I'm sorry but I wasn't hard hearted enough to let him die. Maybe I should have but he is mine now.
Content
But after that essay - yep totally agree with the OP.
doriangrey
Well-Known Member
Ok, history lesson time.
The British Isles are, well, islands so relied on a Navy. Other European countries had land borders, so needed land forces - cavalry which resulted in state studs, but also in government regulation.
The UK government has never been motivated to regulate equidae, and excluded them from Agricultural classifications. They were forced to introduce passports to comply with EU legislation, but decided to allow 55 plus PIOs. It's a mess (as the horsemeat scandal revealed). At the moment I have 3 passports but only 2 horses; this shouldn't happen.
So, no one regulates what is going on, aside from that covered by the Animal Welfare Act and associated legislation.
Therefore we, the horse lovers, need to act where we can - individuals can make a difference. I do voluntary work for one of the charities.
S
Edited to wave at Ebenezer Scrooge!
You really don't do any favours to yourself by offering me a history lesson - patronising much? When someone pays me a fat wage for sorting out the passport system for equines I promise I'll do a good job
I already stated in my posts that imo there is nothing wrong with people who have the knowledge and money to buy and care for whichever horse they want. If I wanted to do it tomorrow I could, I have the land and the money and enough knowledge to do it. Would I? No personally, but I'm not going to judge someone with the goodness of heart who wants to. It's the drawing of lines that gets to me, I might not agree with everyone on what makes one horse's life more important than another and who gets the right to choose. That's fair enough. Fwiw I know where you are coming from but I'm uncomfortable of making the choice. You think you have an equine crisis in the UK? I live in the ROI, here's a link that might interest you http://www.thejournal.ie/horse-welfare-ireland-1252307-Jan2014/Shilasdair
Patting her thylacine
You really don't do any favours to yourself by offering me a history lesson - patronising much? When someone pays me a fat wage for sorting out the passport system for equines I promise I'll do a good job
You asked 'who, legally is in charge and who is getting paid to regulate what is going on?'. You even suggested it was the council's responsibility (that begins and ends with licensing riding schools)!
I explained to you that no one does, and the context of that.
Now you say 'When someone pays me a fat wage for sorting out the passport system...' which suggests that either you didn't read, or didn't understand my post. If you are concerned about horses in ROI (and yes, I think you should be given all that I've read) then contact your regulating authorities and/or act as an individual.
S
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cptrayes
Well-Known Member
Fantastic post Fides. I thought the main motivation for your post was pretty clear, to let people know the true cost of taking on a horse like Oreo. And now he has a fan club he is actually bringing some happiness to more people's lives than yours and his. I wish you luck with him.
I'm sorry if it was a problem that I named him but I thought it was pretty clear already which thread prompted Shils post. If I was wrong about that I'm sorry.
Like you do, I agree with her, but I do wish you and Oreo well.
I'm sorry if it was a problem that I named him but I thought it was pretty clear already which thread prompted Shils post. If I was wrong about that I'm sorry.
Like you do, I agree with her, but I do wish you and Oreo well.
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jofwigby
Well-Known Member
widget
Well-Known Member
The local authority animal health inspectors are the named inspectors under the animal welfare act and so do have both the responsibility and powers to act- not to mention the funding. They can also do stop checks on passports too, so far more responsibility than just inspecting riding schools!
You asked 'who, legally is in charge and who is getting paid to regulate what is going on?'. You even suggested it was the council's responsibility (that begins and ends with licensing riding schools)!
I explained to you that no one does, and the context of that.
Now you say 'When someone pays me a fat wage for sorting out the passport system...' which suggests that either you didn't read, or didn't understand my post. If you are concerned about horses in ROI (and yes, I think you should be given all that I've read) then contact your regulating authorities and/or act as an individual.
S
jofwigby
Well-Known Member
Let me tell you they may may have the responsibility but they do not have the inclination. Leicestershire Trading Standards have stated they will not check any horses for passports. We were hoping they could be used to sort out the situation at Fosse Park.
There are currently nearly 50 horses there - all burnt on the buttercups. 2 stallions running with the herds. Mares having bad foalings left for days to struggle. Injuries you wouldnt believe.
No passports, no veterinary attention, no one is bothered unless you can see them dying from the road. The vast majority of fatalities are in the field behind Police Headquarters !
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Seeing as my name has been mentioned on here, I'd better respond.
The meat colt problem needs sorting - but this won't happen whilst 'coloured cobs' are popular. I upset someone on here who posted about wind knots - I asked 'Who would want to steal a coloured cob?'. Apparently they are popular... Popularity creates demand. Some of the unscrupulous will send the colts for meat - they are not bred for meat, buying a colt isn't creating a space for more as they are a byproduct of producing mares.
Some of the colts going for meat aren't bad animals - the fillies appear to sell for a price similar to some quite reasonably bred Sec Ds. It's just these dreadful people treat them as a product and a commodity and selling for meat will get them more than gelding and selling on as a riding horse.
There is another side to the story as well - 14 of the horses in the Oreo example were actually bought by someone who, themselves sold them for meat. They aren't all 'rescued'.
I hate the word rescue - it's so emotive. A lot of the horses in true rescues IMO should be sent for meat - the ones with no ridden future who are only ever going to be a companion. Who needs a 16h2 ex hunter with arthritis as a companion? Most would opt for a sec a or shettie.
I have failed to adopt from a rescue. One refused me because my fencing was barb and I wouldn't replace with post and rail - 1m55 electric fencing on the mains isn't enough in the event of a power failure. One charity had a bat-poo-crazy owner who had some weird FB conspiracy against her neighbour - steered clear of all that! Another who would have given me a horse - well that all ended in tears. I backed a couple of horses for them at their yard so they could be homed, then when they were short on grazing I took a TB mare for backing for a few weeks. 8 months later they were still refusing to take her back, citing no space, despite taking on 9 more horses. I ended up issuing them an abandonment notice as I didn't have the facilities at the time to keep a poor doer over the winter (plus it was supposed to be grass livery and not set me out of pocket as it was a favour). So that didn't happen. The last one offered me a Suffolk Punch - as they are now being investigated by the ILPH I decided to give that one a miss. I was still looking on horses4homes for either a little un as a companion or a big in that my OH could ride. And then all the stuff with the meat colts happened and the rest is history...
IMO the only way to stop it is to regulate breeders far more tightly than is being done. Having it that passports cannot be issued retrospectively so they have to go either for meat or to a charity. I also think that live export should be stopped. There is a big enough pet food market for these animals without exporting weedy yearlings to the continent.
Previously I have been in the 'kill it' camp but this plight caught me on a bad day. All the reports of them being wrestled to the ground by 3 men just did it for me. Rightly or wrongly I have a colt. I have the space, resources and facilities to deal with him. And I have the experience.
The thread I started wasn't supposed to be an 'aren't I a good person?' Type thread, but a warning for those considering taking one on, just what is involved. My thread was aimed specifically at discouraging people from doing it and also raising awareness of what goes on.
The same for the article in the paper - it wasn't to say 'look at me I rescued a horse'. My interview raised points about how these animals have no value so are being sent to slaughter and the same thing happens every year.
So yes I am a soft touch, I wouldn't say I have denied a true rescue a home as they wouldn't give me one anyway... Maybe I am precipitating the problem, maybe not. They are not going to stop breeding them whilst someone wants the mares
Oreo's future is still unclear - it all depends on the size he makes. Of small enough he will stay with me for life as a lead rein pony for potential mini-fides. I do think though that he will probably make nearer the 13h mark. If he does I will back him and find a home for him where he can be a 2nd pony to someone. Whatever happens he isn't going to be Chappy.
And the pony that seems to have caused all this uproar. The disease riddled, mongrel cob with terrible conformation, a poor back end and no future...
I'm sorry but I wasn't hard hearted enough to let him die. Maybe I should have but he is mine now.
Content
But after that essay - yep totally agree with the OP.
Fides you had one of those white knight moments it's not right or wrong it just happened
I had one once when I lived in Turkey it was a cat though not a horse .
I do think if need to regulate one thing more tightly it would be the charities particularly the small ones .
honetpot
Well-Known Member
Environmental Health Officers are supposed to check where and how farm animals are kept, its part of their job given to them by DEFRA because farm animals enter the human food chain, they are not interested in horses. Trading Standards are supposed to check horse passports, I think its a vary low priority on their list when then have counterfeit goods causing harm to humans and I wonder how many would be able to check a passport in a field. The police and CPS are quite happy for the RSPCA to bring private prosecutions as its not coming out of their budget. Its all a mess.