Did you know.....
I was shocked to learn today that nearly 100,000 horses are killed annually in foreign-owned slaughterhouses in America for human consumption in other countries. No, actually I was outraged. I think that you should be too. Please read the article here: http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/01/nelson.commentary/index.html
Then go find your Senator here:
http://www.saplonline.org/horses.htm
Now send him/her an e-mail/letter like the one I sent here:
Mr. Shelby,
I hope that this letter finds you in good spirits. My name is Kelly McNair, I am 28 years old and I reside in Alabaster, Alabama. I came across an article today that I found quite alarming and in many ways very sad. I am very interested in seeing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed and put into place, as I feel that the slaughter of horses for human consumption is appalling and inappropriate. I am aware that if this legislation is passed that would put in place a permanent and immediate ban on both the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and the exportation of live horses for slaughter abroad.
For lack of a more eloquent explanation I am going to quote a passage from the article of which I learned of this travesty:
"Consider the therapeutic riding programs across the country, where horses can have more progress with children with various physical and mental disabilities than their own doctors. The most superhuman thing about horses is the contrast between their unearthly strength and inherent gentleness. Humans abuse their power while horses use theirs only for good. I'd rather be a horse.
With no disrespect to the eagle, I've always thought that the horse should be our national emblem. When horse accepted man onto his back and chose to carry his burdens, it changed the world. Horses have aided mankind through his most arduous and treacherous endeavors, from the sword to the plowshare. Humanity owes an incalculable debt to the horse. In Native American teachings, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and reach heaven. To steal someone's horse is to steal their power.
Contrary to what some people are saying, slaughter is not a humane form of euthanasia, and these are not unwanted horses. The treatment of slaughter-bound horses is most often inhumane, and more than 90 percent of those slaughtered are young and in good health. Many are sold to slaughterhouses at closed auctions, while others are stolen pets.
Humans are not smart to eat horses. Horses are treated daily with products such as fly spray, wormers, hoof dressings, etc. These products have labels warning against use on animals used for food. Anyone with horse sense would not be exporting this toxic product."
-Willie Nelson, CNN.Com
In closing I would like to state that this past August I had the chance to vacation in Montana and Wyoming, visiting such great places as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. As this was my first trip out West I was taken a back by the beauty of it. I remember standing in front of the Teton mountain range taking it in. The untouched landscape, not cluttered by noise or pollution led my mind back to a time long ago where cowboys rode their horses through what I was now standing there starring at. Those cowboys and Indians discovered this country on the backs of horses. Horses who at times where probably much more of a companion than they were a means of transportation. I can honestly say that I feel they would not allow us to slaughter such a wonderful creature for any reason.
Mr. Shelby I am only asking you to do what is right when the time comes and see that this legislation is passed. I believe that when you really think about it there is no other answer. Sometimes we have to stop and ask ourselves if what we are losing at the benefit of some profit is really worth it. In this case the answer is a resounding No.
Thank you for your time, God bless you,
Kelly McNair
Shelby County Voter
Then go find your Senator here:
http://www.saplonline.org/horses.htm
Now send him/her an e-mail/letter like the one I sent here:
Mr. Shelby,
I hope that this letter finds you in good spirits. My name is Kelly McNair, I am 28 years old and I reside in Alabaster, Alabama. I came across an article today that I found quite alarming and in many ways very sad. I am very interested in seeing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed and put into place, as I feel that the slaughter of horses for human consumption is appalling and inappropriate. I am aware that if this legislation is passed that would put in place a permanent and immediate ban on both the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and the exportation of live horses for slaughter abroad.
For lack of a more eloquent explanation I am going to quote a passage from the article of which I learned of this travesty:
"Consider the therapeutic riding programs across the country, where horses can have more progress with children with various physical and mental disabilities than their own doctors. The most superhuman thing about horses is the contrast between their unearthly strength and inherent gentleness. Humans abuse their power while horses use theirs only for good. I'd rather be a horse.
With no disrespect to the eagle, I've always thought that the horse should be our national emblem. When horse accepted man onto his back and chose to carry his burdens, it changed the world. Horses have aided mankind through his most arduous and treacherous endeavors, from the sword to the plowshare. Humanity owes an incalculable debt to the horse. In Native American teachings, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and reach heaven. To steal someone's horse is to steal their power.
Contrary to what some people are saying, slaughter is not a humane form of euthanasia, and these are not unwanted horses. The treatment of slaughter-bound horses is most often inhumane, and more than 90 percent of those slaughtered are young and in good health. Many are sold to slaughterhouses at closed auctions, while others are stolen pets.
Humans are not smart to eat horses. Horses are treated daily with products such as fly spray, wormers, hoof dressings, etc. These products have labels warning against use on animals used for food. Anyone with horse sense would not be exporting this toxic product."
-Willie Nelson, CNN.Com
In closing I would like to state that this past August I had the chance to vacation in Montana and Wyoming, visiting such great places as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. As this was my first trip out West I was taken a back by the beauty of it. I remember standing in front of the Teton mountain range taking it in. The untouched landscape, not cluttered by noise or pollution led my mind back to a time long ago where cowboys rode their horses through what I was now standing there starring at. Those cowboys and Indians discovered this country on the backs of horses. Horses who at times where probably much more of a companion than they were a means of transportation. I can honestly say that I feel they would not allow us to slaughter such a wonderful creature for any reason.
Mr. Shelby I am only asking you to do what is right when the time comes and see that this legislation is passed. I believe that when you really think about it there is no other answer. Sometimes we have to stop and ask ourselves if what we are losing at the benefit of some profit is really worth it. In this case the answer is a resounding No.
Thank you for your time, God bless you,
Kelly McNair
Shelby County Voter
