“Given the lack of horsemeat consumption, allowing these plants just seems to be a way for ranchers and other horsemen to dispose of old or unwanted horses in an easy manner.”
As we all know, events in the United States affect us at times, to the same degree as if it were happening in our own country. Actually, people are sometimes more interested in what’s happening to south of the border than here in Canada (but that’s another topic). Regardless, recent legislation has passed in the States by President Barack Obama that has caused controversy in both the north and the south. Congress has lifted the existing ban on funding horsemeat inspections and horse slaughterhouses, meaning that they could be up and running in no time.
The defence is seen as slaughterhouses being an answer to the growing amount of neglected and abandoned horses in the United States. The problem is that slaughtering these animals is neither ethical nor appropriate. Neglected and abandoned animals are a very sad part of our society, however the answer that Obama has provided is not right and will cause major controversy.
Horses are intelligent animals, and their purpose to many– especially here in Canada and in the United States– is far from consumption. Horses for sport, whether racing, jumping, or dressage, are worth and valued far beyond the meat man’s price. An Olympic sport, with various disciplines, horses are seen as athletes, companions, and best friends. National-level jumping horses see market prices both in the US and in Canada, far into six figures. Why is it then that the US could see slaughterhouses emerging within a month? Another point some cease to recognize is the danger of slaughtering horses that could have consumed medication such as anti-inflammatories, pain killers, or others, and the potentially devastating effects on humans. There is not enough secure regulation, nor are the practices used by slaughterhouses ethical.
Horsemeat consumption is not a very common dish in North America, as opposed to other places on the globe such as in Europe and in the South Pacific. Why then are these places in existence, especially with the severe controversy surrounding them? Rather than resort to torturous circumstances for these animals, why not work on educating potential horse owners on not only the extreme responsibility, but also the high costs that are associated with horse ownership. Controlling breeding is another factor that could drastically reduce the amount of neglected and abandoned horses. Horses are not only beloved pets, but are seen with a positive, even iconic image in the West. Given the lack of horsemeat consumption, allowing these plants just seems to be a way for ranchers and other horsemen to dispose of old or unwanted horses in an easy manner. They may complain of having to ship the animals across borders and not receive a so-called fair market price. Well frankly, I would not even put a penny in their pocket for an ounce of horsemeat.
Anti-slaughter activists in Canada are striving to try and shut down slaughterhouses here, and this step back in legislation does nothing but set back the hope to end the sad faith for horses here.
Obama has stirred up a lot of issues both here in Canada and in his own country. The lack of recognition of the importance of this animal and the extreme controversy that surrounds slaughterhouses, has done nothing for Obama’s image, particularly in the eyes of any animal lovers. Theres little to no demand here, so why create the supply? Particularly when there are so many more important issues for him to be addressing.
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