Thu, Sep 9, 2010 9:16 AM

Nebraska

why not re-open North Platte NE ?

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 8:49 AM

South Dakota

We do need a slaughter plant badly. Please open it.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 8:39 PM

Wyoming

we need this to happen now ,our gov. can not afford to keep careing for all these unwanted horses

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 4:29 PM

Washington

I do not think that re-opening a slaughter plant in the USA is in the best interest of horses anywhere. The proponents of slaughter are constantly hollering about "unwanted horses". That is because there are too many being PRODUCED. Instead of looking at better ways to kill them, why doesn't the industry as a whole start looking at regulating breeding and production more carefully.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 4:23 PM

Idaho

When I read where Dr. Temple Grandin would be involved I felt relief. I agree there needs to be something. This plant seems like it could fill many needs. I am not against humane euthanasia, but I feel sick when I think of how the slaughter houses work to date.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 4:17 PM

Nevada

There is no unwanted horse, it's called overbreeding and getting rid of the one's you don't want. Horses are butchered alive because the captive bolt was made for cows. It's animal abuse. Horses to most Americans are companion pets, friends, work partners and I think it is heartless to butcher an animal that has givin so much. You don't want your over bred horses, call a vet and have him/her put down. Horse slaughter is an American disgrace.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 4:08 PM

Colorado

WY-Good for you. Get this place up and running-Humanely! Due to the "Antis" squeaky wheels they are causing needless suffering and neglect to these wonderful animals. I, for one, wish there was a place for me to go when I am no longer able to live a healthful and painfree life anymore.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 3:37 PM

Idaho

I think that they are on the right track but I believe that there has to be a market value/worth for those horses. Without a value the horse owner still has a pet and not a livestock animal.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 3:07 PM

Washington

I believe there has to be a painless death for equines that are no longer wanted, sick, abused, or dangerous. There are too many horses in the US that are starving or not getting proper care because the owners have no way of getting rid of them. For a large number of horse owners, having a veterinarian come out and put your horse to sleep and then pay for a person to dispose of the carcass is costly. Here in western Washington, its about 300 for the vet and 275 to 325 to the hauler. BUT, I would rather see the carcasses go for other animal food or fertilizer rather than be shipped over seas for human consumption!

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 2:49 PM

Nebraska

not trainable as my own I euthanize when it is time. I do not let them suffer and be broken down. I am 100% for this and glad to see it is progressing..there is hope!!

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 1:44 PM

Idaho

I am not a vegitarian but admit to having mixed feelings about raising animals for the express purpose of slaughtering for food. I spent 30+ years raising AQHA show horses so that I could produce horses that had a purpose that would increase the liklihood of them having a useful purpose and secure home. When financial conditions made it clear that even good horses were finding themselves unwanted and uncared for, I quit breeding. I have an old mare on my place now living out her final days in security and am the "mom" to 7 rescue dogs. Just this spring lost my poodle who had been with me since she was 6 weeks old and was 23 year, 9 months when she died. I can honestly say that I am a life-long animal lover who has walked my talk for 63 years.
      It is a sad reality that without an option for humane end-of-life options, these animals suffer a lonely, prolonged, painful end. A well-designed and regulated facility for the humane end is a blessing to those animals whose time is up. To have a plan to use the remains--now just a shell once the unique personality has left it--makes sense in a world in need and gives a final sense of purpose to the animal whose time is ended. Why is it any more reprehensible to use the meat for designated purposes than it is for a coyote to consume it after a "natural" death is a wilderness or for it to rot in the ground after burial?

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 1:00 PM

Washington

Well, isn't this all flowery and fluff. Nice wording for the loopholes of lies to come. The reason it stopped here in the US in the first place, is people became lazy and apathetic in their duties. Not enough money, to have enough people, with enough time to monitor. Oh, and we know how well folks will monitor themselves with a great deal of integrity. A recent example is the oil spill in the gulf. Big companies and contractors, all pointing fingers at each other and not one with the cajones to own their stuff. That will happen here too. And, for anyone thinking a stunbox is humane, you're a fool. I think those who think it is such a great idea and an answer to all our problems, you need to spend a day, maybe a week at the slaughter house of your choice.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 12:03 PM

Washington

Slaughter is not the answer. Horses are a luxury pet, not bred for consumption. Until horses are bred and raised for consumption, their slaughter is a betrayal. There are far more unwanted dogs and cats, shall we slaughter them too?

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 10:42 AM

Idaho

Bravo, It's about time. Keep them out of inhumane slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada. Just the drive there is inhumane. I love horses, but they are animals that God gave us for our use, not abuse.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 9:40 AM

Wyoming

What is next...the 'humane slaughter' of people that are no longer usable...unsound, abandoned, starving, abused or otherwise no longer wanted? We have already seen the news reports of the 'humane slaughter' of cows and chickens. I believe that this is a total oxymoron to use those two words together.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 9:35 AM

Colorado

I'm behind this 100% providing it can be done humanely. With all the people against horse slaughter right now, if this plant isn't the flagship for humane slaughter the chances for getting any more plants up and running will be non-existent...and perhaps rightly so. Please do this right.

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 8:36 AM

Wyoming

Definitely needed. If you want a horse put down you have to shoot him yourself or pay a $70-90 to do it. Or you can sell him for $50 and put him on aq truck for a three day trip to Mexico . people are letting them starve or turning them out with the wild horses to impact the range and then starve to death.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:34 PM

Colorado

I have owned horses in the past and watch so many suffer through auctions, "kill pens," hauling to Canada/Mexico, etc that I find it appalling another plant would be considered anywhere, especially in the US. It's a shame there are too many horses, or pets in general, but there needs to be a more productive, humane way of decreasing the population like the "spay/neuter" campaign for dogs and cats. Yes there are still too many dogs and cats and not enough homes, but 4-6 million animals euthanized is an improvement from the 50+ million killed back in the 1950's. I pray someday the number will be zero.
      Slaughtering horses for human consumption is just not a suitable, justifiable way of disposing on these gorgeous animals. There needs to be another way of controlling the horse population and more assistance programs in place to help people feed and keep their horses.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 9:05 PM

Montana

I think that it is a great idea. I do agree that there may not be any decent way to put a horse down. But this is hands down better than what can happen. I have read alot of the opinions and think alot of people do not have a clue about the horse world. The majority on here writing comments have great horses the horses that are not in jeopardy of going to slaughter. But when you get a horse the breaks your arm and kills your kid, you don't use it for breeding stock becuase there is no other options. Another terrible opinion is that everyone thinks the horse market it terrible. Well, maybe it is for the people with their grade sorrel mare and grade stud selling $10 colts. The good horses are and always will bring decent money. This market it temporaily down just to clean up all the want to be breeders. It is eliminating the "weekend warriors" horse breeders. When you run livestock such as horses you cannot keep everyone that is junk. That is loss of profits and runs you out of business....

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 7:38 PM

Wyoming

There is a real need for folks to educate themselves about horses slaughter by the posts I am reading here.
      First, the horses that are sent to slaughter are not unwanted horses. 93% of horses going to slaughter are under 10 years of age, sound and healthy (USDA statistics). Slaughter plants don't want old, sick, skinny horses tat are lame and cannot travel, no money in that! This is a money making game and kill buyers have a quota to fill. They will get these horses using any means including deception to fool innocent horse owners into thinking that they will give the horse a good home, (much documented on this fact). They run ads saying that their granddaughter needs a horse, and they don't have a granddaughter, they tell people that they will be going to 4h homes, they pretend to be a rescue and deceive well meaning people into thinking that the horse is going to a good home and little girls take their horses to the sale all washed up, clipped with their manes braided and a new halter thinking they will get good homes (fact), horses are stolen, anything to get enough for a load to make it a worthwhile trip for the Kill buyer.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 7:18 PM

Montana

I love horses, own 2 of them, and am for horse slaughter, if it is done humanely and if the meat is not sold for human consumption (because you don't know where these horses have been or what they have eaten or what drugs they have been given, and simply because it makes slaughter, which I think is necessary, less palatable to Americans). People tend to assign human characteristics to animals, but they are animals. I've read anti-slaughter sentiment about horses being "scared to death" while "waiting their turn" at slaughter houses. They might be somewhat distressed because they are not in familiar surroundings, but they don't know what awaits them. If it is done humanely it is not much of a different experience for the horse, from having a vet "put them down". If the meat can be used to produce animal feed, leather goods, etc, that's a good use of resources. It seems that most of the arguments against it are based on human emotion than practicality or even what is best for the horses.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 6:22 PM

Wyoming

I think this is awful and I will fight it anyway possible . if people would stop breeding so many horses we really wouldnt be looking at this issue

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 4:16 PM

Wyoming

I'm not entirely sure I am for horse slaughter. I know something has to be done with unwanted, abused and starving horses. If this horse slaughter facility will for sure be a humane slaughter then I feel a little better about it. I just hope we are not being lied to. At least we won't be sending our animals to Mexico and Canada where their fate is much worse!

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 3:07 PM

Pennsylvania

I am firmly against the practice of horse slaughter, whether in the U.S. , Canada , Europe, Asia . Period! No ifs, no ands, no buts.
Carole I. Bailis

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 2:28 PM

Iowa

Great Job, it's about time something like this was proposed, i hope will all my heart this go through.
I have owned horses all my life, i think they are the best animal to have around, our country was built on horse back, but we still need to have a slaughter plant. Keep up the good work. Maybe you can bring an end to the suffering of these animals. People who fight against it really have no clue.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 1:20 PM

California

Bravo, it's about time more realistic people were heard. No one ever addresses the issue that horses are "domestic" animals and have been since man stood upright. You wouldn't let you dogs "run free". Bring them all in, they have no business running loose in arid states that cannot sustain them. As domestic animals we all have a duty to provide for and protect them, not let them roam around starving. Nothing moves faster than a horse a little over hundred years ago, they were the backbone of our country, and now animal lovers with little knowledge of the needs of horses want them running free. They are not even native to this continent, bring them all in and save them.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 12:12 PM

Washington

Good luck to all the proponents of the Wyoming and other future plants. I have seen first hand the habitat damage ferel horses have done on Washington State Tribal lands and have seen how difficult it is to find homes for them. Most are simply not suitable and when "push comes to shove" there will NEVER be enough homes for them no matter what the "antis" say. There is always lots of lip service but, in the end, too many horses remain on the wild lands and those lands are being destroyed...for both the horses AND the NATIVE wildlife.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:59 AM

Minnesota

This plant is needed for the humane treatment of horses - thank you Wyoming for taking the lead on this.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:56 AM

Oklahoma

It's about time some *common sense* was applied to the unwanted equine issue in the U.S. This plan makes lots of sense. The comments against it are stale, emotionally-based attacks, and they are irrelevant red herrings.
      What caused the problems with equines, just as with other unwanted animals (that are not in the human food chain), are economic issues (look at the current unemployment in the U.S. ) AND the influence of the "animal rights" industry (e.g., H$U$) in closing slaughter plants and again playing on emotions (rather than facts) in order to diminish equine value, turn horse owners against each other, and turn the public against the horse industry (just as they are trying to do to American livestock producers), and set up future *control* of equine ownership and bans on breeding. The animal rights movement is a *social movement*, not a *humane movement*.
      The H$U$ is NOT an "animal welfare" or "animal protection" organization. They are a *factory-fundraising* anti-animal-use and anti-societal ANIMAL RIGHTS organization dedicated to forcing society to accept their values of no animal use (and going vegan). Why would anyone listen to this group's "propaganda mill" BIG LIES? They are *inhumane* to people, and that should sure be a first clue to their true agenda! There are LOTS of websites out there exposing the H$U$, and there are lawsuits in the works (RICO, 1983 civil rights), and IRS investigation of illegal lobbying by a 501c3 happening now.
      THINK for yourselves, people.
Don't follow the AR movement like sheeple!

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:45 AM

Texas

I love my horses and will have my own humanely euthanized and buried, but the slaughter plants are needed so badly. I would much rather that my beloved animal be destroyed in a regulated plant than left to die of illness, injury, starvation, or predators. The people that are against the plants have no real knowledge of how the ban has punished the horses and horse owners. I hope that several more plants get opened throughout the country.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:24 AM

North Dakota

Most people are at least three generations off the farm or ranch (if they ever were on one in the first place) and truly have a distorted idea of the reality of life with livestock. I say if there is a demand for horse meat..... great. That demand will raise the base market price and help all other ends of the industry not just those involved in slaughter. Right now Canada and Mexico are laughing at us all the way to the bank as they butcher American horses.
       I live in the real equine world , as do most people I know. I mean on real working farms and ranches. Where livestock is just that...livestock. I appreciate all those who love their horses and want the best for them. I do also. But not all horses are destined for that perfect "Disney type" life...and you cannot save them all. There has to be an outlet....an outlet that is conducive to actual common sense. Not the ravings of bleeding heart idiots.
      Remember, those who pushed to close these plants actually created the problem , let us kick them to the curb and get things back on track. I may or may not choose not to sell my horse or horses to slaughter , but I want that to be MY choice as an American.
      Glad to see Wyoming is getting it done!

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:24 AM

Oregon

Having owned horses for more than 50 years and seen so many neglected, starving, crippled and sick horses suffering since the closing of the few slaughter plants which were in the US , I am TOTALLY in favor of Wyoming 's future plant. Hopefully several more states will get 'brave' and stand up for the humanity of putting a horse down that is suffering or vicious, etc. and not let the 'bleeding-hearts' get in their way. Many of the equine rescues too have ended up not being able to 'save or rehome' thousands of horses which in all honesty, would be better OFF as a food source for animals or humans. It seems STUPID that people are starving to death in other countries and we are basically wasting an excellent source of protein to sustain life.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:21 AM

Texas

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Common sense and logic prevail!
      I own 14 head of mares and while I love them - they are livestock first and foremost.
      Thank you Wyoming for your backbone, honesty and forthcoming in acting on this! God Bless and Keep you.
A Kindred Spirit in Texas

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 11:06 AM

Virginia

It is long overdue and I am so hopeful that Wyoming 's lead will be followed throughout the country. No one will be obligated to send their horses to slaughter but those who wish to will have that option---sounds very democratic to me. And certainly since horse slaughter is endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners as well as many horse breed registries and associations, I say "Let's get on with it." Good for Wyoming !

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:51 AM

Oregon

Having raised Morgan horses for over 40 years and being a third generation breeder, I feel relieved that a humane facility is in the works. I noticed that some of the anti-comments are from folks speaking from their emotions and not from common sense. If the facility is run to be humane to the animals, what is better than that? What we have had since the old system closed down was what the anti-slaughter advocates succeeded in doing, and how benficial was that? Horses starving out on public lands?
      One of these plants in every state of the Union would be so good for horses. Until folks quit breeding indiscriminately, and until the goverrnment gets straightened out so Americans can get out of financial straits, we will have unwanted horses. That's just a fact. So let's take care of the situation as humanely as possible. When a horse is dead, it makes a source of meat that can feed other life, whether it's our pet dogs, animals in zoos, or we humans. The French know horsemeat to be very succulent, so perhaps we need to change our belief system on that subject. If folks eat beef, chicken, or pork, perhaps they should go see where those meats come from, before they get queasy over horsemeat.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:47 AM

Nebraska

WHOO RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's about time people got there heads out of there you know what's and I give Sue BIG THUMBS UP!!!!! We have got to get control of this horse thing so it doesn't end up like the dogs and cats.
      If people would remember when horse meat was used for dog feed we didn't have this sickness in our dogs and I sold horses I had to put down (for one reason or another) to the Zoo years ago (actually gave) and they were happy to get the meat. It is NATURE/the order of things so to speak.
      It is going to help not only take care of a lot of unwanted horses but it is going to keep A LOT of horses from starving. I feel it is more humane to slaughter than to leave one out in a pasture starving and with ribs showing.
      It will also help the horse industry financially. I know people think that horses are "lap dogs" (1000 lb. ones) but they are a livestock and should be treated as such.
I have been in the horse business, professionally for 33 years, and in the horse industry all my life (58 years old). They have been good to me and as such I have been good to them BUT they still are a livestock.
      I want to give all Sue all the greatest of everything for getting this done. We need to elect her our next president!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:43 AM

Minnesota

This is a wonderful plan. I hope they can put many more in operation.

 

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:34 AM

Wyoming

I See Nothing wrong with a humane horse slaughter plant. We need this because of all the unwanted, abandoned horses in the Western United States .

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 10:33 AM

Michigan

I amall for the human slaughter of horses. to those opposing this please lget a life! your mundane and simple wrong headed "reasoning" is getting old.

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 9:47 AM

Idaho

THANK YOU! For being gutsy enough to build a slaughter plant for horses!
       Don't get me wrong - I have loved horses all my life. I raise horses for Endurance, Trail and Show.
       The simple fact is, we need a base price on these animals for our economic health as well as a place to go for the unwanted horses. Something the antislaughter group is very careful not to tell the public is how well fed and cared for slaughter animals are. Who is going to get any meat off of a starving animal? These horses last days are full of food, plenty of fresh water and are in social groups. Just thought I would mention it since no one else has. A quick painless death at the end - I hope I am as lucky to go that way!
Sincerely,
BL Hersh
Sweet , ID

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 8:55 AM

Wyoming

All for it!!!

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 8:06 AM

Montana

I am a 4th generation rancher in Montana that has been raising horses. I like my horses very much, but I don't fall in love with them. They are my livestock. I enjoy seeing other people doing great things while riding and owning horses that I have raised. Not all horses make it to that level, there needs to be a place for them to go. We cannot keep all bad or old horses. It is cruel punishment for a good horse to be left until he can no longer get up and panic and bang his head against the ground until he dies. As long as there are people with nothing to eat and people that prefer horse meat we should provide a humane way for that to be achieved.
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 11:27 PM

California - No. 2 in equine business

You all know horses. They are prey animals. Their sensese are miles beyond anything perception you think you have about keeping the dlaughter a secret. The only way a horse should be slaughtered is by injection at its home site and transported as a carcas. Opening this plant with holding pens, sales (which necessitate running the horses from pen to pen to transport vehicle will only stress and antyagonize the horse. Gathering live animals is only an invitation for unscrupulous profiteers to pack horses together and bring them in bulk. Throwing multitudes of horses together who do not have a social history causes kicking, biting and crowding. Feeding becomes a disaster. Your plan is defunct and outlawed by Congress just 2 years ago. Finding a loophole to again profit off the flesh of your bonded animals is disgusting. It is no wonder we have elder and child abuse. Yes, you need to rethink your ethical relationship and stop rationalizing destruction.
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 9:40 PM

Montana

Never seems to amaze me how so many people dont care for horses on this forum..
1. They promoted jobs to illegals.
2. They didnt pay Gross Income Taxes as most American business are subject too.
3. They didnt pay Tariff tax on exports as most American business are subject too.
4. They operated illegal ignoring and breaking a 1949 Tx law to NOT SLAUGHTER HORSES.
5. They lied to the public claiming these are old and sick horses.
6. They hide the truth about the drugs in horses (Brute,Wormers,Steriods etc.)
7. Beltex didnt shut down and moved to Mexico they existed in Mexico in the case the Tx plants were ever to be exposed and shut down.
8. Pro slaughter lie about plants being outlawed in the US . They merely lost there funding to have USDA inspectors.
9. The amount of slaughtered horses are based on the demand NOT the amount of horses in the US that are Unsold NOT Unwanted.
10 Supporters of Horse slaughter are the ones making money (killers,Auctioneers,Haulers,OverBreeders, Organizations that rewards for papers such as the AQHA and others.)
11. To date None of these above Organizations or parties support,promote, or donate to any horse rescues in the US .
12. The Economy has hurt all sales ( Cars, Trucks, Homes, Land, Vacations)
13. Pro slaughter are only worried about there pocket books not the true care of the horses.
14. According to the (FOIA) Freedom of Informations Acts 900 page clearly shows the condition horses arrive at the Plants in Texas .
15. Horse Slaughter is merely a reward for Irresponsible, Greedy, hateful people to profit.
      If you think Im making all this stuff up do your own research.. If you still dont think so then BOO HOO get over it..
      Call a rescue and support or donate to them..
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 8:22 PM

Montana

Thank You, I live in Montana and raise a few good Registered Quarter Horses. Every State needs to look at what you're doing and follow your lead so there is a humane end & place for all the unwanted, abused, neglected, old, hurt horses that have no where to go. Keep up the good work!!!!
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 12:18 PM

Wyoming

I and my family have owned and operated a guest ranch, outfitting and hunting business in Wyoming for 115 years. We also miantained a herd of of wonderful horses and mules ranging from 75 to 150 head, on a year round basis. A well operated humane horse slaughter facility is unmistakeably and absolutely neccessary to the nationwide health and future maintenence of the general horse populations?
      Since the gradual bands on U.S. horse slaughter has began to show the real consequences in store for unwanted, unuseable, unbroke and ferral horses; anyone opposed to humane horse slaughter facilities needs a guided tour of the numerous and appauling circumstances developing for thousands of horses who are unable to make a positive contribution to humanity, and consequently, their own care and survival? Those in opposition would rather turn their heads while thousands of horses, mules and burros, spend months slowly starving to death or succumming to the extremes of the elements?
      We can talk and politic for the next century, the options to reducing reproduction, closing numbers and feeding the unwanted? If they could actually be implemented, they may help temporasrily, but they will never save the life of the unwanted, just postone it until he faces the same dreadful options mentioned above? It is time for fuzzy little animal lovers to come out of their "COMA" and see reality!
Thank You,
Irv Lozier
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 11:21 AM

Washington

i think it is wonderful. it is a much more humane way to treat horses that are no longer wanted or afforable than to abandon, abuse or starve them.
 

Mon, Sep 6, 2010 11:06 AM

Washington

We need a plant in every state and the larger longer states need two to help save the horses from the stress of a long drive especially if they are older or infirm. I am very fortunate that I have a facility still in my area but know how it must be for those who have no other options. The no-slaughter bill is very unfair to the horses and the people. It is time to wake up! We can put together a safe and humane facility and employ lots of people. We need to make sure we hire the right sort of individuals to operate these facilities that won't cheap out at the horses expense or be bought off by politicians or foreign interests.
 

Sun, Sep 5, 2010 6:45 PM

Idaho

I think the plant is a good thing. There are many horses around that are starving to death as people do not want to feed them, or can not afford to feed them. I raise and love horses, there are some that need to find a different place though. The plant would be a more humane way in dealing with the unwanted, untended horses. If the zoos, and others can use the meat, I feel it is no different that raising and slaughtering a cow, pig, or lamb. It would be good for mthe economy and it would bring the price on horses back up where they belong. The plant would get rid of the horses that are lame with Navicular, blown tendons, that are old and have no use left. It is better than letting the horses suffer. It is more inhumane to let a horse that is hurting keep hurting.
 

Sun, Sep 5, 2010 1:06 PM

Montana

It's about time - long overdue. This is what I have been advocating for some time. Ity will be great for us to be a model for the rest of the world by having a facility that humanely, ethically, and practically disposes of unwanted, injured, dangerous, or old horses that are no longer useful or can't be properly cared for. I own 20 horses myself and have 5 or 6 in their 20's that to me deserve a nice retirement. But when the time comes I am so happy to have an alternative choice to end their life in a humane way and knowing that their meat will be used. I applaud Wyoming for having the courage and vision to move forward on this issue. I hope some other states follow suit. I live in Montana and if this plant works out as advertised could be a model and inspiration for other states to implement a similiar facility with the same safeguards and humane approach.
Cheryl Palmer, Montana
 

Sun, Sep 5, 2010 9:26 AM

Idaho

I am all for this. I have had horses, mules and donkeys since I was 15yrs old (I am now 70) and, now that the granola-crunching do-gooders are running the show, I see more neglect than ever before for my equine friends. The animals AND their people need this option--not turning them loose on Federal lands to die slowly or of preditation.
Bless you good Wyoming folks for having the backbone to tackle this situation. Go for it!
Bonnie Shields, Sandpoint , ID
 

Sun, Sep 5, 2010 12:10 AM

Idaho

It is possible to build and run a humane slaughter plant, just as it is possible to humanely raise animals for meat and slaughter them. Horse abuse, through ignorance, neglect, thoughtlessness, and lack of money to properly care for them is a fact. There are too many horses in need.
There will never be enough "rescue" facilities to meet the need, bless those that try.
       Part of the problem of excess horses is the economy that devastates their owners. Part of the problem is that part of the industry that breeds "disposable" horses that don't meet the industry's criteria for successful use and often cripples the failures in the process. There is also the problem created by "horse lovers" that have to breed that backyard mare without planning for the training of the resulting foal into a usable horse.
That older horse past use...most of the horsemen I know have at least one old pensioned friend in their pasture. But then they are horsemen and horsewomen, not just horse owners.
       There are crippled horses that will never be out of pain, there are dangerous horses, some with genetic caused problems, some by nature, some by nurture. We need a humane solution for those horses who are not owned by horsemen who accept the responsibility for making the decision that the time has come. Refusing to admit what has to be done will keep these horses and other salvagable ones too in the trucks headed for Mexico , beyond all humane control.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 11:41 PM

Montana

I am pro slaughter plant. my, horses are my pets, but when they have run there usefullness, example founder, i would rather cash in than exterminate and bury. also cull horses, unwanted and untrained can be turned to economic usefullness unstead of a liability. i do have a mare that raised my kids and she is still on the place at age 25
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 9:40 PM

Montana

I think it is a great idea and long overdue...

 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 9:38 PM

E Washington & I own 21 horses

I think it's a great idea!!!!! Not only will it create jobs for people but the facility would be closely monitored by various agencies and groups to provide the most humane treatment possible. With hay prices high and horse prices low it gives owners/breeders an option for the horses they can no longer afford to keep. It's a lot better way to end a horses life then to turn it loose in a National Park or Nat. Forest and let them starve to death. An equine slaughter plant is a much better alternative for a horse then to be abandoned and starve to death.
       It is also an excellent solution for BLM to use for the excess "mustangs" that are currently being kept alive every year by thousands and thousands of taxpayers dollars. In our current economic situation the government should conserve where ever it can. Horses are only one of the thousands of species God put on the earth for our use and it is our responsibility to see that their lives are ended as humanely as possible and their carcasses put to the best use.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 3:54 PM

Utah

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 10:16 AM

Colorado

Certainly better than Canada or Mexico where we have no control and know it is inhumane. Also preferable to letting them starve or whatever.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 9:23 AM

Montana

As long as they do remember that this is to be humane and not a money making place to get rid of your horse to make a buck on them. I think we do need some place to send unwanted and untrainable horses to be put down. No matter how you try to keep the horse from knowing that they will be put down near the slaughter house, they will know. And thet will have trouble with the horses. I hope for there success. Jim , MT.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 8:48 AM

Colorado

This plant is necessary to the horse world. I raise cattle, sheep and horses on range land and my horses are the most prolific and can survive the severe weather conditions the best of all these species. Even though I enjoy my horses, not all of them will make suitable mounts or even pets. I allow them to live long lives on the range running free and being horses. I would rather they be processed humanely than to die a natural death at the end of their lives. Old age, starvation and predators are brutal ways to die. I also think it is a waste to "put them down" and not have them contribute to the natural cycle nature intended them to follow. Even humans opt to be organ donors. It shows more respect to utilize the bodies than to just let them rot. My horses enjoy lives where they run free across the prairie however it is costly to run them on pastures where I can realize an income with cattle. A plant like this would help me recover some lost income when I have to reduce my herd. People who would protest this type of plant have no concept of horses or their place in nature. I don't know if they are the ones who can watch the lions killing the zebras or starving to death on the nature channel and feel that these are much better ways to die. Maybe we could sign them up for a similar demise. I know nature is not kind and I would prefer a quick end than the alternatives suggested by so-called "horse lovers" who are really irrational thinkers.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 8:35 AM

Idaho

We are so in need of the slaughter plant in Wyoming . There are so many old, useless animals that are through with their lives and need to be humanely put down. There are many individuals that cannot afford to have the vet do it and then pay to have the carcass hauled away, even if they are attached to the animal, then they become neglected and abandoned or turned out with the wild horses, their fate is much worse then than if they were humanely put down.
 

Sat, Sep 4, 2010 7:47 AM

Montana

I am so glad someone is going forward with this in a humane way. Thanks!

 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 11:43 PM

Washington

I support this hollistic approach to the unwanted horse problem. This has become the only livestock animal for which there is no realistic end-of-life option currently and no way to dispose of them when they are unwanted.
       It's time to move beyond the popluar romantic notion of being able to provide a loving and supportive home for every equine. I salute Ms. Grandin for coming up with a workable, intelligent solution to bridge both sides of the controversy. It is long overdue and desparately needed. Thank you.
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 11:31 PM

Colorado

Slaughter plants should be allowed to operate. Using horse products is no different then any other animal and it does not and should not mean that we do not respect this animal. It's a shame that that a small group of people has decided that other people can not use horse products. The huge cost of care for unwanted horses and mustangs in our country is costing the taxpayers millions of dollars each year, The folks that believe the horse should be exempt from being used for slaughter should flip the bill for the huge cost of feeding an over population of horses. It's their resposibility. I don't understand why some people believe the horse is more inportant then other speices we humans consume. What makes the horse different from the cow, or fish, or pig, or any other speices we use as humans. All life is important. I own 30 horses and they are all a part of my life. Some have even earned retirement benifits. Horses are a part of my life every day but I still believe peaple should be able to use the horse as a resouce. We are so concerned about giving every horse a special human right while I read in the news paper that last years winter killed 16 homeless people in Grand Junction Colorado . We lock folks up in jail for leaving their dog out all night but we let homeless people die of exposure without lefting a finger. Maybe we should all be thrown in jail. Thanks Shawn Welder
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 10:46 PM

Montana

I think it is a good idea to have a humane slaughter plant for horses. I am a horse owner, trainer and breeder and have also rescued a number of horses in my lifetime. I know that sometimes it would be better for certain horses to be put down, either as a kindness for the horse or for safety reasons (not all horses are born kind) but it is not an easy decision to make. Knowing that your animal/friend will be in a humane situation when the end comes can make it easier. I also feel once the spark of life has left I would rather know there is still something useful for that horse to be. I think food for other animals or even people is a better end than food for worms.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Preston
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 9:42 PM

Washington

This is needed and should be opened up to the purchase of horses and other animals. We need a way to remove the unneeded animals.
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 8:05 PM

Washington

Absolutely needed...in every state!
       It irritates the hell out of me when legislatures bend and cower to the barking anti-everythings, then we have to go a long circle to return to proven ways and practices that work for the industry and the animals.
       Do-gooders do bad and livestock owners pay for it for years while animals suffer needlessly.
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 6:44 PM

Idaho

It is well beyond time that this happens. We can't continue to live in a fairy tale world where the public believes that all horses get to live happily ever after, when in reality, many starve to death like the little match box girl. I would much prefer that the end of a life be swift and productive. Wish they were up and running now.
 

Fri, Sep 3, 2010 6:30 PM

Montana

I certainly hope it goes through and states like Montana follow suite for the horses sake!