Anonymous
Phoenix, Ariz.
The problem with horses is their size. Although I think we over-breed cats and dogs, at least most people can manage a puppy or a kitten. And, we have humane societies in most communities. However, most people can't manage a young or even adult horse and yet I see foals everywhere in the spring.
I was upset when a young woman told me that she and her husband had bought a registered Paint mare. They'd never owned a horse before and their plan was to breed her and sell the baby to pay for the mare. I tried to explain that the chances of selling a young, unbroke horse for what they paid for their mare was remote. How do you get people to understand that they are adding to the problem of unwanted and abused horses?
Annie Watman
Monroe, Wis.
Every day I drive past fields and backyards where many horses are in very poor condition. I call the SPCA at least once a week to report them. Some people contacted by the SPCA improve their horses' conditions. However, many send the horses to auction; they lack the funds to put the horses down and get the bodies disposed of.
Many people complain about slaughter, but about 99% of us do not have the resources to help in numbers that
could make a difference. I feel it's kinder to have these poor animals put out of their misery quickly and humanely than to suffer for months or even years in poor conditions.
So instead of stopping it, let's concentrate on improving the conditions under which horses are cared for and shipped to slaughter.
Anonymous
Via email
