One slaughterhouse in the U.S. ceased it’s slaughtering of horses in 2000 – Central Nebraska Packing in North Platte, NE. Three others remain.
Henneke System - In 1983, Don R. Henneke, Ph.D. of Tarleton State Texas University developed a scientific method for judging a horse’s body condition, based upon both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse that are most responsive to changes in body fat.
3,711,838 equines were slaughtered in the USA over the last 20 years.
1,629 equines were slaughtered in the USA the week of April 7, 2001
Horses can remain classified as livestock without being used as a food source and still be granted protection. False propoganda has been pushed, implying loss of property tax benefits, causing some farmers and breeder to resist measures to protect equines in the U.S.
Stolen horses can be funneled through an auction undetected and then into the killers hands by the seller requesting the horse be tagged for "slaughter only" sale. In this way, the thief makes a profit, and the horse goes untraced to the slaughter house.
Most horsemeat processed within the USA does not “go into dogfood”, it is sold to overseas meat markets for high profit.
Horse slaughter hurts the American economy. Every time a horse is slaughtered some one is suffering a personal income loss via boarding fees, locally produced hay and grain, eventing costs/fees, insurance costs for liability, major medical and mortality, veterinary care and supplies, sales taxes, transportation costs, breed registration fees, tack/equipment, prescription medications, sprays, chemicals and other pharmaceuticals, riding apparel and farriers. The government is hit with a loss in tax revenues.
A sound horse can be bought through an auction. Please carefully examine a horse before bidding, and request the assistance of a veterinarian or equine professional if needed. Be prepared to return if you do not find the horse of your dreams on your first visit.
The New Holland Sales Stables, Inc. holds the largest weekly public horse auction in the North East U.S. and their best customers are the dealers buying “meat horses”.
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