Reasons People Slaughter their Horses
Joe at www.tbfriends.com is constantly in contact with feedlot owners and horse slaughter buyers. He has heard some of the most asinine reasons people condemn their horses to death. In my opinion, horse slaughter is actually a fate worse than most deaths a horse could experience. And the most horrible parts are not necessarily at the slaughterhouse. You can read this article I posted on the road to the slaughterhouse.
Monday, September 1st… All night winds have been strong from the north, and we are a dust bowl. We left the bathroom window open, and a mountain of dirt sits in our sink.
I told you about a ranch foreclosure with 30 thoroughbreds who need new homes, and now only 6 thoroughbreds remain. I told you about a ranch with 50 Arabians, and over the weekend several of those Arabians found a new place to live.
From a feed lot near the town of Pittsburgh we were able to buy a paint gelding who is a looker.
From a feed lot in Wilton we bought a young gray thoroughbred filly who was sold to slaughter because her owner was not able to find a saddle to fit her. Horse killer Manny Phelps says now he has heard it all…
More reasons from owners who sell their horses to slaughter. All of the following comes from horse killer Manny Phelps:
My eyes hurt and I can no longer ride.
This horse is dangerous. (the horse was 25 and would never swat a fly)
My husband lost his job. So we are going to use this free time to explore Europe, and there will be no one to feed the horse.
This horse keeps breaking out of the pasture and I am afraid he will get hit by a car. (the fencing was made of hay twine)
My daughter needs to be punished. So when she finds out her horse is going to be slaughtered, it will teach her a lesson.
My daughter no longer pays attention to him. I would rather he be killed than lonely.
Can you give me 50 cents a pound for my horse? I have a job interview in Los Angeles, and I need gas money.
Another reminder (I will do this often) about a large thoroughbred breeding farm going out of business. Their gates close in October. All of their horses must go. Stallions, preggo mares, weanlings, yearlings and horses of racing age. Tbfriends will be happy to provide transportation, but you must pay for gasoline. If you would like one of these horses give me a call at 530-383-2120.
Several event trainers who adopt from us regularly have already phoned to say they want a youngster. A weanling or yearling they can raise and train.
So it is the older horses we worry about. Especially the older pregnant mares. Most of these mares are due early in 2009. All of the remaining horses from this ranch will be sent to auction in Mira Loma, California.
And now yesterday comes word of yet another ranch closing their doors. They have asked Tbfriends to help with the dispersal of their horses. Crazy times we live in…
A special hello to Hillary in Mountain View, California. Our new hero. On Saturday Hillary saved the life of a race horse. She borrowed money from friends and family, and promised to pay them back. When friends and family discovered the money was for a horse in big trouble, they told Hillary no need to pay us back. On the phone Hillary wants to know how to rehab a bowed tendon. And then Hillary tells me this is the greatest joy in the world. She feels a glow inside. Her new horse knows he was saved. The way he looks at her.
Enjoy your windy holiday Monday, and be sure to hug your horses.
Joe
My cell number is 530-383-2120.
Our mailing address is:
Joe & Cathy Shelton
15891 County Road 92C
Woodland, Ca. 95695
You can send your letters to tbfriends@aol.com
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