Donate Your Horse, or Have It Killed: Same Price
In my area (maybe yours, too?), I'm noticing an increase in the number of horses advertised as free for the taking. And as the paradigms of horse ownership continue to shift in America (see some of my previous blog entries), I guess this isn't so surprising. Especially when you consider such pieces of information as the following:
* My area's also home to a major land-grant university, with a veterinary teaching hospital and a research herd comprised of donated horses. But guess what? Donating a horse there is not free to the donor. Instead, the university charges the owner $250 to take the animal off his or her hands. When the research herd is at capacity--and I'm told by a longtime worker there that it's now PAST normal capacity--donated horses are sold for a rehoming fee paid to the university.
* The university also offers on-demand equine euthanasia and disposal services. Perhaps not coincidentally, the fee's the same as the one for donation: $250. The same worker says more horses have been brought in this winter for this E/D service than he's seen in his almost 30 years of employment at the vet school. "It's still cheaper than having a vet come to your place to put a horse down, and to pay a renderer or backhoe contractor to deal with the remains," he pointed out. "I never thought I'd live to see the day, but we're turning into a disposal station for horses. And even though we've raised the prices, demand is not slowing down. Instead, it's going up."
Your thoughts?
posted by Juli Thorson @ 1:03 PM
22 comments
22 Comments:
Once again, I wrote a post last October about the increase in free horses posted in the local papers.
http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-horse.html
I too live near a huge vet school. I'll have to do some research to see what programs they offer at the University as this state is a huge Ag state. I'm sure it's something simular.
Another "disposal" option that is growing in popularity would be the "wild animal parks" or safaris that have large cats in residence where they humanely euthanize the horse shortly before feeding time. Some might find this method unpalatable, but when you have a rescue horse that is crippled by ringbone (due to the stupidity & neglect of former owners) but otherwise in good health, the thought of this horse not entirely going to waste is easier to stomach than rendering. Makes me wonder if Zoos might take to this in the future?
Callie--
It would be great if you would inquire at the university near you, and let us know the results. It'd be an interesting thing for your blog, too (which I have visited, by the way. Nice job.)
Ren--
There's a large-cat zoo in my area that accepts horses to be used as food. They put the horses down by gunshot--because anything "humanely euthanized" with drugs can't be used as food, whether for humans or for other animals. You probably know this already, but I'm guessing some blog readers don't.
I have also seen my first ad from someone willing to come to your place and shoot your horse for you. The fee is $179, plus mileage.
Thanks, Juli, I will look into that. It's University of WI-Madison. And thanks for visiting.
Here in the northwest, coyote hunters will give you a few dollars for your horse. They shoot them and use them as bait for the coyotes. I truly do not understand how anyone who "cares" about horses can think that they have solved anything by anti-slaughter legistlation. While not an ideal situation and not a solution, either, at least there was a forward flow in the economy. Now we will have to deal with the mess of a dammed up river, backing horses up everywhere. No quick or easy fix anywhere that I can see. Your comments are well thought out and deeply thought-provoking.
I'm going to reinterate what I said in a previous post. The problem is not the closing of slaughter plants...horses are still going over the borders at an alarming rate! The problem is the economy, and the cost of horse keeping going out of this world!
As a youth I remember paying 40-50 a ton for hay...yeah the mininum wage at that time was 2.15 hr! The minium wage is now 5.85 per hour and the price of hay will run you anywhere between 220-280 a ton! Give me a break! And the hay man will tell you he can export his hay to the Japanese who will pay him double!
Don't blame the flooding of the horse market on the closing of slaughter plants that is absolutely propaganda and what the slaughter industry wants you to believe...it's purely economics, coupled with over breeding of the AQHA, Jockey club, and the massive round ups that the BLM does on wild ones who should be left in the wild on their designated alloted herd management areas and not removed so the cattle or sheep rancher can exploit federal land! It's a fact that 8 out of every 10 horses sent to slaughter is AQHA or TB.
It's really disheartening to think that many of you are believing the propaganda that is being spewed out by the slaughter industry and their supporters!
The economy is in the dumper and when that happens it's always those that don't have a voice that suffer the worse i.e horses and other pet/companion animals.
You have to bring back the option of slaughter houses. Just keep it humane. The calvary never named their horses, they had numbers. Cowboys, too might choose not to name their horses in case you have to eat him. Cold? Fact of life. It's a legitimate industry. I love horses. But, something has to be done. After all if you want to end the problem, then you have to end racing young horses. Always something. But, never should an industry have to ask the government to regulate.
I agree with Kathy. With the cost of things going up, it is no wonder why people have such a hard time. Hay, bedding, gas, vet bills, farrier bills, etc. are all much higher than in previous years, even the past 5 years. Land prices are going up as developers continue to turn valuable farmland into developments. Most of us are financially strained right now, and many people let the horse go first.
I think a majority of it comes down to being resourceful and budgeting your expenses to your lifestyle. Most folks are paying $100+ for TV, $50+ for phone service, dining out several times a week, and seeing a movie on the weekend. Our horses are a million times more important to me than having TV so hence why we don't have TV now. I would rather my horses have free choice hay than me get to go out to a restaurant once a week.
The bottom line is horses, along with rural living, is not as important to people, and so in this economic slump we are in right now it shows. Shame goes to the folks that continue to breed horses thinking the market is the same it has been in past years. Every industry regulates itself; it is basic supply and demand. When oil prices get low, they reduce supply. When there are too many TV sets to be bought, they stop making them. When the late night shift comes at a fast food joint, they stop making hamburgers. If this didn't happen, the restaurant would have hundreds of left over hamburgers at the end of the night they would have to throw away.
So why does this continue to happen in the horse industry? Why, when someone takes the trashcan [slaughter] for an industry, would any industry continue to produce, and instead whine that they needed the can back?
So it seems now, without a disposal method, others are stepping forward to take on this role (and profit from it). What I find odd is why people find it more horrifying for someone to shoot their horse (regardless whether it is fed to a tiger, coyote, or just buried on your land) than send them to slaughter? The thought of my horses having to go slaughter (from the time they go through the auction house, through the feed lots, shipped cross country, and then put down with a method much less humane than a bullet) is too much for me. If I had to give up my horses and could not find a good home, if these services were done correctly, my horses would have a far better fate. Furthermore, before that would ever happen, I would have nothing and be working 3 jobs.
To me, the answer is so simple....BUT, it will take a few years before it is effective. Breeders must quit breeding (that includes back yard breeders, race track breeding, AQHA, APHA, etc.). If the price of the horse is next to nothing I would assume this would automatically be happening. Then, after all these horses that are in excess are dealth with (I assume responsible people will purchase and take them in, or some will end up starved or killed I'm sure) but eventually and the key word is eventually, horses will slow down in numbers to a manageable amount and then or course the cycle begins over, their prices will go up and blah, blah, blah. But if we could just get people to quit breeding. This goes with any overpopulation of animal species (i.e. dogs). Of course my theory is not without flaws as during the interim of time when breeders have quit breeding there is the problem of what do we do with all these horses NOW! The answer I'm afraid is not an easy one but my solution, if adhered to, will take care of the future, "in my opinion".
This situation is just too sad for words. Why does everything, including our animals, who, to me, are family members, come down to dollars and cents? The cost of horse keeping these days is just outrageous, and so unfair to those who love horses, but cannot afford the expense involved. The cost of a major illness or injury can be extremely daunting. Overbreeding seems to be one of the biggest problems, especially those who breed irresponsibly and end up with unsalable/unusable animals. I hate the slaughter solution, but is it better to be sending so many horses across the borders to who knows what sort of fate? I personally would never let my horse go to such an end; cost or no cost, I must know that, if my horse must be put down, there will be humane treatment. They certainly deserve that at the very least, after all they give to us! My wish is, that everyone who has horses would be committed to that, and there would be a way for everyone to do so.
Isn't it a shame that after all the years your horse works for you, is there for you, does anything you ask, forgives you, and loves you uncondionaly, how someone can just "get rid of it" is beyond me..... I agree too, that I would be working 3 jobs to make sure my horses can eat, after all isn't that the commitment you made when you brought them home? but when it comes time and my horse is sick/and or suffering
I beleive wholeheartedly humanely euthanizing is the "only" answer, and "I" would be there with him until the end,(whether it be a captive bolt or not) I would never even dream of sending him somewhere where someone else will finish his time here on earth...not to mentional all the fear and stress he goes thru....you owe it to them, after all they have given you everything, trust, love, and respect through out their life. I had to put to rest a horse of my daughters last winter, I just could not watch him suffer anymore, sure, I had an awful time with that decision, but, lets not think of ourselves here, lets let our horse go out with some dignity, after all they are a beautiful, diginified animal. And a captive bolt is just as humane as a vet coming out, the outcome is only seconds, and they don't suffer.
I've heard the comment of 8 out of 10 sent to slaughter are QH or TB.....I'm sorry but they don't check the registration papers at the door to the plant and that is a very misleading statement.
I’m glad to see someone focusing on what happens now, instead of just who’s right or wrong on the slaughter debate. We are where we are. Now we need to go forward. I had rather figured that horses either needed to be treated like livestock or treated like pets.
If they are considered pets that I expect that they will treated similarly to unwanted pets with shelters/rescues and when facilities are filled to capacity, euthanasia. At this point many rescues don’t want to consider this option but it will become necessary to save only the healthy placeable horses and euthanize the rest.
Your point about a tax of some sort really made me think. I have always been against more government involvement. It’s my gut reaction. But surprisingly enough this sort of tax or fee wouldn’t bother me (within reason of course). Why should it? I am a responsible horse owner concerned for the welfare of animals in my society. What that means is I already donate to provide for horses welfare. So why not make the short-sighted, unprepared, irresponsible horse owners contribute as well?
that is awful!!!!!! I HATE THOSE PEOPLE!!!!!!!
What Matt Jenkins said. This was very well-put, and I agree. It's not that "the economy is bad" or that "horse-keeping is just sooooo expensive". It's that people are irresponsible. If horse-keeping is too much for you, find a home for them with someone that will sacrifice for their well-being, or put them down. The economy being bad is a cop-out and a weak excuse. So, just because "the economy is bad" and oil prices are high, does that mean you're going to sell your kids? Or not feed them?
Horses aren't human children, but they ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, if you have them. SO, IMO, the surge in people surrendering them, giving them away for free, paying someone to come shoot them, is people just being irresponsible. Either you can't curb your other luxuries, like Matt said, big-screen TVs, meals out, etc......or, you really couldn't afford them in the first place and didn't plan wisely.
Either way, it's the OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. I will be happy to see when people stop whining about how much 'things cost'. Guess what: it's only ever going to go UP. Nothing gets cheaper. THis is nothing new. I don't like it much either, but I will do whatever it takes to have my 3 'oldies' live the rest of their days in the best comfort I can give. As they should. And as I should.
And yes, a restriction/limitation on breeding would be great. Don't know how you go about even conceiving the idea/plan for that one, but it really is lunacy the way every Joe Schmo breeds crappy animals and then complains that there's no market. Um, duh.
Juli, I did have a scan around U of WI-Madison equine and either I just don't have the inside scoop or there isn't that kind of program, however, I did notice that they breed, oddly, and sell the the foals, but I think only about four or five.
Pam, I agree, regulating over breeding is next to impossible and people do need to take resposibility for the horses in their care, precisely why I have only two. Unfortunately there are too many idiots out there, same with puppy mills.
reply to gallupgirl:
You are right...they do not check the papers...so we don't really know if they are mostly QH or TB or whatever and to me it does not matter...a horse is a horse.
As for free horses I've seen TONS of the ads lately...and many on very well bred and registered animals. Saw two this week, one for a herd of well bred arabs (being an arab girl that one tore at me) and one for what appears to be a well bred QH that actually won several Jr. AQHA championships but was now "near death" and crippled with navicular but free to a good home. I just pray my girls never end up like that. My arab mare is a rescue and i've promised her a "forever home" til the day she dies...regardless if she's sound enough for me to ride or she's just a pasture ornament...she's mine for life.
Juli, don't quite know what to say about your post, but it is VERY disturbing...but the slaughterhouses still are NOT the answer.
gallupgirl;
please check the HSUS website if you want stats on what goes to slaughter. Many of the horses are sold first at auction and have to have documentation. YES, papers are SUPPOSED to be checked at slaughter houses, for proper reliquishment of ownership and stolen horses, it was the law!
Whether they "complied" or not is another story. How can one trust such a dastardly industry in the first place, both of whom were NOT American nor paid taxes or complied with other laws of environment. DelKab had strong support from the community to shut down as they were in violation of over 25 environmental laws. They fouled water ways, wetland areas, improperly disposed of waste and never once fixed or paid the fines! Basically a non American owned business operated under their own rules rather than having respect for our countries laws not to mention our animals and didn't even pay taxes!
To add another note about slaughter and human consumption that was constantly swept under the carpet. I don't know how these companies got away with selling horse meat for human consumption when the meat is tainted sans wild ones. Our horses are constantly subjected to drugs such as de-wormers, bute, banamine, etc all of which are clearly marked on the label.."not intended for animals to be slaughtered". These drugs are carcenogentic to humans period! Obviously they didn't care if they fed cancer causing agents to people either as long as their blood dollar made them a profit.
Thanks for backing me up Matt, the high costs and irresponsible owners or those that don't care how many they breed as long as they get their next stakes winner makes it a hardship on the rest of us who truly love and care for ours. I'm like a lot of you, I had two jobs to pay for my horses, being a single woman with 6 it's not easy. I lost one of my jobs and am looking for another, in the meantime,my horses, dogs and cats all eat before I do! I made a life commitment to them, and I intend on keeping it come hell or high water, and right now, it's real difficult, but they aren't going anywhere.
My 26 year old whom I have owned since she was a baby is not going to be hauled 1500 miles over the border cushoid and arthritic, scared and wondering where her 'mommy' and her herd mates are! Her time is drawing short and whether she goes on her own or if I need to provide her humane euthanasia, she will be buried on the property. This old mare of mine was a teacher, child and life partner for me. She's been there for me in good times and bad and has never faultered in offering what no human has been able to. Unconditional love, loyalty, trust, companionship, and very special bond. She deserves nothing less that a life lived full and a dignified end! And when it's my turn to cross over, I know she'll be the first one there waiting for me.
I've just tagged you, for a "meme"...I was also tagged, so check out my blog for the rules. Plus I'd love to know a bit more about you, as i'm sure everyone else is curious to know some random facts too! It's fun! =)
Anyone happen to take note of the new tax breaks just passed into law that give generous depreciation figures to people who buy a horse with no "prior use" in the high-end market of the horse industry? This encourages the purchase of weanlings and yearlings- hence supporting the breeder end of things as well. Doesn't anyone realize that they are fueling the fire that ends up in the ashes of unwanted horses.....? How about a tax break for buying an unwanted or Rescued horse instead?
One thing I notice is how so many refer to their horses as "babies" and children. Like it or not, in many places people still consider horses as "livestock" the same as any cow, goat, or hog. In some parts of the country a horse is a four-legged motorcycle. That is the amount of feeling the owner has for the animal. Goats have great personalities and are loads of fun, but how many of you are going to stand up and cry out about their slaugher? Hogs are intelligent creatures-is pork wrong? The same goes for beef. Just because a cultural taboo exists with horse meat in the US doesn't mean slaughter should be banned. And just because it is a horse doesn't mean it was a great animal. I know a guy that used to work for a killer buyer. They bought out of the kill pen. THEN they took what they could-rode it and sold it because a riding horse was worth more money. Quite frankly the truck loads that made the long trip to Texas were mainly mad up of lame, unsafe, or otherwise unsellable horses. That is not to say a few jewls slipped through the cracks.
BUT if indeed this country feels that a horse is a "companion" animal along with cats and dogs-by all means shelters should be started. Does the Humane society provide space for the unwanted horse? Here lies the crux- there are shelters, but are they willing to do what dog and cat shelters do? By that I mean systematic euthanasia. If the amimal is deemed to ill, too poorly behaved, or is simply not adopted for too long, I'm sorry it is put down. We as horse people balk at that thought. We like to imagine the gorgeous horse running free in lush patures. Here is the reality-horses are big, require a good deal of space, produce a lot of manure to dispose of, and are expensive to feed. A pony pound is going to be a hard sell. It is a great idea, but cat & dog facilities are barely scraping by. Horse people need to weigh their options and realize none of them are picture perfect. No matter what happens horses are going to die of something other than natural causes.
Matt and Kathy - You two said it all, and I can't think of anything to add except that I agree with you wholeheartedly.
I'm beginning to wonder if people will ever be willing to accept the responsibility for the horses they buy/breed.
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