History
The Free-Roaming Wild Horse & Burro Act 1971 (WHBA) calls for the preservation of wild horses. Welfare Cowboy challenges the breed authenticity of BLM’s claim “Wild.”
There are no "wild" horses in America.
Here are some reasons why: Welfare Cowboy has knowledge of BLM agents planting paint horse stud(s) in feral horse herds, “to breed for color;”
Feral Horses are ranch horses released over more than a hundred years, thereby contaminating any remnants of what may have been “pure” herds of perhaps Spanish decent; BLM “handles” (vaccinates, tags etc.) feral horses.
We believe these knowns give scientific justification enough to more accurately refer to said horses and burros as “Feral.”
If 25,000 is the number that is sustainable on the range - that meets the requirements.
Anything over and above “excess,” government should dispose of so as not to incur any unnecessary costs to taxpayer.
(f) "excess animals" means wild free-roaming horses or burros (1) which have been removed from an area by the Secretary pursuant to application law or, (2) which must be removed from an area in order to preserve and maintain a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship in that area. WHBA
Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar chooses not to exercise his authority to remove feral horses and honor said “ecological balance and multiple-use” requirement.
(C) The Secretary shall cause additional excess wild free roaming horses and burros for which an adoption demand by qualified individuals does not exist to be destroyed in the most humane and cost efficient manner possible. WHBA
Yet Secretary Salazar chooses not to “destroy in most humane…”
It’s become evident Federal government does not intend to implement the requirements of the WHBA. Here’s what BLM Director Bob Abbey has to say about it: “We recommended the establishment of new wild horse preserves across the nation, particularly on the productive grasslands of the Midwest and East that could be a home for thousands of horses that the BLM currently holds in short-term corrals and long-term pastures.”
Bob Abbey’s way to establish “new wild horse preserves across the nation,” is revealing itself by destroying agreements between BLM and grazing allotment Permittees.
With the excess - some 50,000 horses - at about $400.00 per head annual - for board/room/medical/handling - then consider cost of "bureaucracy" at an additional $200.00 a head, that's 30 million a year that taxpayers are being duped out of so that those in love with feral horses can express their feelings.
Furthermore, those in love with feral horses should be identified and held wholly accountable for feral horse’s board. It’s illegal for anyone to force a fiduciary responsibility of their pet ownership on another.
Welfare Cowboy – General Concept
Having firsthand experience with being forced to forgo 45% of his AUM’s in order to accommodate excessive feral horses; Charles W. Sylvester initiated "Welfare Cowboy" on December 15, 2010.
Mr. Sylvester took a bigger view of the matter, thinking there should be a better way to help the horses, help the people, and spread the base of benefits. So in continuing his passion of helping those in need, Chuck thought this would be a beautiful way for feral horses to serve more than the handful of people who just “looked at them;” his idea would provide essential protein and feed starving families worldwide.
He also figured this would save a huge part of the economic base of the many states that now house feral horses.
1) Welfare Cowboy would help BLM gather, then harvest and process (into hamburger or canned) the excess feral horses.
2) The canned hamburger could then be shipped to hungry children in need of protein, and starving people in areas of crisis such as Haiti, Japan and more.
3) Welfare Cowboy would also take donations of domestic horses and wild game.
Side Notes
Feeding the hungry children of the world does draw lots of attention, donations, etc...
Regardless political or religious beliefs, Welfare Cowboy believes this holds great promise of uniting our naturally benevolent society in common cause.
Unwanted feral horses and aged domestic horses are a source of protein that is going unutilized, except for dog food use. Common sense would dictate these factors could be combined to relieve human suffering.
Of interest: Horses and pigs, according to Leviticus, are two meats not to be consumed by humans because they do not have cloven hoofs (horses) or chew their cud. One Rabbi said in an emergency it was permissible to eat non-kosher meat if one did not "suck on the bone" or in other words… enjoy it too much.
Questions
What country would the horses be harvested in and the meat processed for potential distribution? What method of processing; Canning of the meat, dehydration of the meat, flash frozen, and/or others? Will congressional delegation direct BLM to cooperate in this effort?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Thursday, July 21, 2011
RONI MADE AN ERROR
Hello Readers,
I made my boo-boo somewhere within my writings! So when you find something about "1 child"... please let the following serve as my correction...until someone cuts and pastes the section so I may correct it in its proper place.
An "Anonymous" brought it to my attention, and I appreciate that. God knows this old woman needs all the help she can get.
Response to Anonymous:
Actually, it's an original typo. You are correct. Heavens, that “1 child” would be bigger than Alaska! Thank you for catching that. Should read, "1 horse could feed 4 children for near a year." I’ll make that correction now.
I remembered around 2:30 a.m. how that guesstimate was arrived at: An average horse will dress out at about 400 lbs. and if 4 kiddos had a max of 1/4 lb. a day...or something like that… Anyway, you get the main jest. A horse has essentials that can extend human lives beyond its death. And that…is a good, benevolent thing.
BTW “Anonymous,” compared to canned robotic rant from tigergressbythetail, you thoughtfully present your arguments. I appreciate that. That’s why I take time from what I need to be doing, to give you the courtesy of a response.
Thank you.
I made my boo-boo somewhere within my writings! So when you find something about "1 child"... please let the following serve as my correction...until someone cuts and pastes the section so I may correct it in its proper place.
An "Anonymous" brought it to my attention, and I appreciate that. God knows this old woman needs all the help she can get.
Response to Anonymous:
Actually, it's an original typo. You are correct. Heavens, that “1 child” would be bigger than Alaska! Thank you for catching that. Should read, "1 horse could feed 4 children for near a year." I’ll make that correction now.
I remembered around 2:30 a.m. how that guesstimate was arrived at: An average horse will dress out at about 400 lbs. and if 4 kiddos had a max of 1/4 lb. a day...or something like that… Anyway, you get the main jest. A horse has essentials that can extend human lives beyond its death. And that…is a good, benevolent thing.
BTW “Anonymous,” compared to canned robotic rant from tigergressbythetail, you thoughtfully present your arguments. I appreciate that. That’s why I take time from what I need to be doing, to give you the courtesy of a response.
Thank you.
Monday, July 18, 2011
STAY UPDATED ON HAILEY TEXEIRA
Dear Welfare Cowboy,
Thank you for being a part of Hailey's CaringBridge community. Don't forget to show your support.
Read the Latest Updates
• Sign up to receive an e-mail or text message each time there is a new journal entry so you can stay up to date and offer immediate support.
Sign the Guestbook
• Guestbook messages are truly beneficial during difficult times – respond to journal entries, write notes of encouragement or share a memory.
Stay Updated On-the-Go
Visit Hailey’s site on-the-go using the CaringBridge iPhone app or mobile website (m.caringbridge.org). Learn More today!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about using the site or need assistance. Please do not reply to this e-mail.
Best wishes,
CaringBridge Customer Care
Thank you for being a part of Hailey's CaringBridge community. Don't forget to show your support.
Read the Latest Updates
• Sign up to receive an e-mail or text message each time there is a new journal entry so you can stay up to date and offer immediate support.
Sign the Guestbook
• Guestbook messages are truly beneficial during difficult times – respond to journal entries, write notes of encouragement or share a memory.
Stay Updated On-the-Go
Visit Hailey’s site on-the-go using the CaringBridge iPhone app or mobile website (m.caringbridge.org). Learn More today!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about using the site or need assistance. Please do not reply to this e-mail.
Best wishes,
CaringBridge Customer Care
Monday, July 4, 2011
IT'S ABOUT THE FERAL HORSES
United States Department of the Interior
Robert V. Abbey, Director
Bureau of Land Management
1849 C Street NW, Rm 5665
Washington, C.D. 20240
(202) 208-3801 Director@BLM.gov
Robert V. Abbey, Director
Bureau of Land Management
1849 C Street NW, Rm 5665
Washington, C.D. 20240
(202) 208-3801 Director@BLM.gov
Dear Mr. Abbey, July 4, 2011
Thank you for responding to our second request to Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to visit Wyoming and resolve the 1993 interim agreement between BLM and Granite Mountain Open Allotment (GMOA) Permittees.
We’re pleased he’s agreed to meet in Wyoming this month.
The culture and customs of livestock grazing can never be yanked from the fabric of Wyoming; not only do livestock caretaker’s raise great children, they freely provide extended public services that are immeasurable. To give you an idea, a sample invoice is included.
Livestock has generated a positive economic multiplier since at least 1873. Livestock grazing has proved to be an excellent conservation practice. Smart states now use livestock grazing as a means to condition soil, maintain wildlife habitat, and prevent fires.
We’re sure Secretary Salazar will bring the message, “United States Department of the Interior respects ‘Livestock’ as one of Wyoming’s four major industries, and will honor the Constitution of the State of Wyoming; in particular Article 1 Sec. 6, Sec. 33; Article 8 Sec. 1. Sec 3.”
A brief reiteration:
At the signing of the 1993 interim agreement (attached) the Permittees agreed to give up 45% of AUM’s as an “interim” (temporary), or in your words “short-term “way to address a drought and thereon improve the range.
Some of the Permittees voluntarily took an additional 2% cut thereon running 53% of their rightfully designated AUM’s.
BLM Lander Field office records show Permittees honored “interim “agreement for 18 years. BLM has not. BLM chose instead to allow an increase in feral horse numbers beyond the maximum number of 250 as stated in agreement. On a 2006 GMOA tour led by Lander agent Bob Ross, Roy Packard (BLM Feral Horse Mgr.) boasted that nearly 900 feral horses were in residence there. In recent years we’ve heard the horse numbers run at about a thousand. This is 3 to 400% over BLM’s agreed upon max.
Not once in 18 years has BLM shown good faith effort to uphold their portion of interim agreement. BLM has chosen to allow “interim-temporary-short term” to grow into 18 years.
Before spring turnout 2001, we flew the GMOA. My wife Roni photographed feral horses lining the riparian areas. Jack Kelly refused the prints when offered (GMOA tour 2001), so Rubel Vigil stepped forward and took them. I’d be happy to ascertain the exact date (log book signed by co-pilot instructor Dr. Dave Callender), and provide you with photo prints.
It’s likely you’re aware of the fact that the riparian area discussed makes up only about 2% of the entire GMOA. So what we have here are feral horses running 24-7-365 at nearly 400% over max, on 2% of an area cattle are allowed to be for short periods of time and at 45 to 47% less than contractual AUM’s.
Now you know the most significant contributor to why, and in your words, “many of the observations identified in 1992 evaluation continue to exist today.”
Here’s what must take place in order to clear up this matter.
Because BLM did not participate in 1993 interim agreement, their failure to perform renders agreement null and void. Secretary Salazar has a duty to use his authority to formally terminate BLM’s non-compliant interim agreement.
Permittees return to pre-1993 AUM’s.
Because feral horses contribute to at least 300% of the problem, remove them. 300% of the problem will go away the minute they’re removed. Construct fencing around the 2% riparian areas, and replace water with a well in an area chosen by Lander Range Con.
Submit detailed reports as to how replacing a controlled (rotate pastures, turn out dates, numbers and more) cattle with massive herds of feral horses that are allowed to graze 24-7-365 improve a range. Because feral horses are allowed to graze 24-7-365, they’ve pretty well depleted the riparian before cattle are turned out.
DOI initiates independent review board, with oversight by Wyoming State Auditor, to determine compensable income losses (combination of AUM cuts and stolen forage) accrued by each Permittee. DOI submits checks compensating each Permittee for his or her losses. For one example, accrued losses I expect compensation for what now approaches $180,000.
Give Lander BLM agent Scott Fluer opportunity to present the chronology of events. Mr. Fluer knows the truth and history about this matter better than anyone. We ask BLM and DOI to give Mr. Fluer immunity to freely bring forth this valuable information. No harm should come to this fine, professional gentleman… just for bringing facts and truths to the fore. Mr. Fluer’s knowledge will also be helpful regarding the Green Mountain Open Allotment.
Upon completion of these things, we will be amenable to sitting down with you, Don Simpson, Scott Fluer and Ryan Curtis, and initiate a whole new agreement.
I’m looking forward to visiting with Secretary Salazar. His trip to Wyoming holds great promise of getting things resolved equitably. He can use his authority to end federal’s imposition of feral horses and wolves on Wyoming, its diversion of Wyoming water outside its boundaries, and assure its coal industry will continue as long as it has coal.
So we may proceed in good faith, I will call you on or before Friday, July 8, 2011.
Thank you,
Charles W. Sylvester
GMOA Range Allotment Owner & Retired GM National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo
Co-founder Good Neighbor Law, Land and Water USA, Founder Welfare Cowboy
Cc: Secretary Salazar, Senator’s Enzi, Barrasso, Congresswoman Lummis, Governor Mead, BLM Director Simpson, Director Agriculture Fearneyhough, Auditor Cloud, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Range Allotment Owners
We’re pleased he’s agreed to meet in Wyoming this month.
The culture and customs of livestock grazing can never be yanked from the fabric of Wyoming; not only do livestock caretaker’s raise great children, they freely provide extended public services that are immeasurable. To give you an idea, a sample invoice is included.
Livestock has generated a positive economic multiplier since at least 1873. Livestock grazing has proved to be an excellent conservation practice. Smart states now use livestock grazing as a means to condition soil, maintain wildlife habitat, and prevent fires.
We’re sure Secretary Salazar will bring the message, “United States Department of the Interior respects ‘Livestock’ as one of Wyoming’s four major industries, and will honor the Constitution of the State of Wyoming; in particular Article 1 Sec. 6, Sec. 33; Article 8 Sec. 1. Sec 3.”
A brief reiteration:
At the signing of the 1993 interim agreement (attached) the Permittees agreed to give up 45% of AUM’s as an “interim” (temporary), or in your words “short-term “way to address a drought and thereon improve the range.
Some of the Permittees voluntarily took an additional 2% cut thereon running 53% of their rightfully designated AUM’s.
BLM Lander Field office records show Permittees honored “interim “agreement for 18 years. BLM has not. BLM chose instead to allow an increase in feral horse numbers beyond the maximum number of 250 as stated in agreement. On a 2006 GMOA tour led by Lander agent Bob Ross, Roy Packard (BLM Feral Horse Mgr.) boasted that nearly 900 feral horses were in residence there. In recent years we’ve heard the horse numbers run at about a thousand. This is 3 to 400% over BLM’s agreed upon max.
Not once in 18 years has BLM shown good faith effort to uphold their portion of interim agreement. BLM has chosen to allow “interim-temporary-short term” to grow into 18 years.
Before spring turnout 2001, we flew the GMOA. My wife Roni photographed feral horses lining the riparian areas. Jack Kelly refused the prints when offered (GMOA tour 2001), so Rubel Vigil stepped forward and took them. I’d be happy to ascertain the exact date (log book signed by co-pilot instructor Dr. Dave Callender), and provide you with photo prints.
It’s likely you’re aware of the fact that the riparian area discussed makes up only about 2% of the entire GMOA. So what we have here are feral horses running 24-7-365 at nearly 400% over max, on 2% of an area cattle are allowed to be for short periods of time and at 45 to 47% less than contractual AUM’s.
Now you know the most significant contributor to why, and in your words, “many of the observations identified in 1992 evaluation continue to exist today.”
Here’s what must take place in order to clear up this matter.
Because BLM did not participate in 1993 interim agreement, their failure to perform renders agreement null and void. Secretary Salazar has a duty to use his authority to formally terminate BLM’s non-compliant interim agreement.
Permittees return to pre-1993 AUM’s.
Because feral horses contribute to at least 300% of the problem, remove them. 300% of the problem will go away the minute they’re removed. Construct fencing around the 2% riparian areas, and replace water with a well in an area chosen by Lander Range Con.
Submit detailed reports as to how replacing a controlled (rotate pastures, turn out dates, numbers and more) cattle with massive herds of feral horses that are allowed to graze 24-7-365 improve a range. Because feral horses are allowed to graze 24-7-365, they’ve pretty well depleted the riparian before cattle are turned out.
DOI initiates independent review board, with oversight by Wyoming State Auditor, to determine compensable income losses (combination of AUM cuts and stolen forage) accrued by each Permittee. DOI submits checks compensating each Permittee for his or her losses. For one example, accrued losses I expect compensation for what now approaches $180,000.
Give Lander BLM agent Scott Fluer opportunity to present the chronology of events. Mr. Fluer knows the truth and history about this matter better than anyone. We ask BLM and DOI to give Mr. Fluer immunity to freely bring forth this valuable information. No harm should come to this fine, professional gentleman… just for bringing facts and truths to the fore. Mr. Fluer’s knowledge will also be helpful regarding the Green Mountain Open Allotment.
Upon completion of these things, we will be amenable to sitting down with you, Don Simpson, Scott Fluer and Ryan Curtis, and initiate a whole new agreement.
I’m looking forward to visiting with Secretary Salazar. His trip to Wyoming holds great promise of getting things resolved equitably. He can use his authority to end federal’s imposition of feral horses and wolves on Wyoming, its diversion of Wyoming water outside its boundaries, and assure its coal industry will continue as long as it has coal.
So we may proceed in good faith, I will call you on or before Friday, July 8, 2011.
Thank you,
Charles W. Sylvester
GMOA Range Allotment Owner & Retired GM National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo
Co-founder Good Neighbor Law, Land and Water USA, Founder Welfare Cowboy
Cc: Secretary Salazar, Senator’s Enzi, Barrasso, Congresswoman Lummis, Governor Mead, BLM Director Simpson, Director Agriculture Fearneyhough, Auditor Cloud, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Range Allotment Owners
Thursday, June 30, 2011
BAUCUS URGES END TO HORSE SLAUGHTER BAN....
BAUCUS URGES END TO SLAUGHTER BAN THAT HURTS HORSES, FARMERS, RANCHERS
Senator Points to New Report that Finds Horses, Economy Worse Off under Ban
(Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus today urged the end of a ban on U.S. horse slaughter plants after a new report concluded the ban actually hurts the American economy and the horses themselves. Baucus required the report to be conducted by the independent, non-partisan Government Accountability Office as part of a 2009 Agriculture bill, because of concerns that ending the practice was harming Montana’s ranchers and horse welfare.
“The ban just doesn’t make any sense, and this report proves it. Injured or sick horses are having to suffer even more by traveling long distances only to be put down in places where they aren’t protected by American humane standards. And farmers and ranchers are suffering from fewer sales and lower prices, while we send jobs to Canada and Mexico. That’s not right for our economy and it’s not right for our horses,” Baucus said.
The Accountability Office’s findings, show the ban on U.S. horse slaughter plants has caused a drop in American horse prices and sales and the market has shifted to Canada and Mexico. As a result, overall horse welfare has declined, putting a strain on state, local, and tribal animal welfare resources, and the Accountability Office noted a rise in cases of horse abandonment, abuse, and neglect since the ban was instated. The report also notes that U.S. horses, often suffering from injury or illness, are being transported greater distances to be slaughtered in places where they are not protected by U.S. humane slaughter protections.
Congress has enacted a de facto ban on U.S. horse slaughter since 2006 in the Agriculture Appropriations bills by not allowing U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to be used to inspect the plants. Because the plants cannot ship meat across state lines without being inspected, the ban on inspection has resulted in a ban on domestic horse slaughter. In 2009, Baucus included a provision in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill requiring the Accountability office to perform the study released last week. In light of the results, he is calling on the chairman of the appropriations subcommittees on agriculture to review the report and end the ban.
The full Government Accountability Office report, “Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter,” is available HERE. Text of the letter Baucus sent to the chairman of agriculture subcommittees on the Appropriations Committee is available HERE and below.
June 28, 2011
The Honorable Herb Kohl, Chairman
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
The Honorable Roy Blunt, Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
Dear Chairman Kohl and Ranking Member Blunt:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the annual restrictions on United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) use of appropriated funds to inspect horses at, or in transit to, domestic processing facilities. In September 2009, I wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging the inclusion of language in the final Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an investigation on the status of horse welfare in the United States since the cessation of horse slaughter operations in 2007.
As you know, GAO just released the report Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter. As expected, it revealed multiple challenges. For one, GAO's analysis reveals that U.S. horses are being transported longer distances to be slaughtered - to places where they are not covered by U.S. humane slaughter protections.
The GAO analysis also revealed multiple unintended consequences due to cessation of slaughter in the U.S. The change in policy has completely changed the domestic horse processing market and has led to an increase of exports in Mexico and Canada. GAO's report discovered U.S. horse exports to Mexico for slaughter increased 660 percent from 2006 to 2010, and horse sales and prices have decreased in the U.S. As a result, overall horse welfare has decreased, putting a strain on state and local government, tribal, and animal welfare organization resources. Furthermore, cases of horse abandonment, abuse, and neglect have increased.
Animal welfare laws have become more stringent over the past 20 years, as many have begun to realize how important it is to treat animals humanely. I firmly believe that animals should be treated in a humane and decent manner; and because of that belief GAO's report must be used to reexamine the annual restriction Congress imposes on domestic horse processing facilities. It is imperative that we find a way to humanely deal with unwanted horses, and stringent regulation of domestic horse slaughter facilities should remain an option.
As the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee begins work on the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, I urge you to use the GAO analysis and reconsider the flawed policy which has had negative consequences on rural America and many horses welfare.
Sincerely,
Max Baucus
U.S. Senator
Contact: Kate Downen (406) 224-5056/Jennifer Donohue (202) 224-2651/Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915
Senator Points to New Report that Finds Horses, Economy Worse Off under Ban
(Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus today urged the end of a ban on U.S. horse slaughter plants after a new report concluded the ban actually hurts the American economy and the horses themselves. Baucus required the report to be conducted by the independent, non-partisan Government Accountability Office as part of a 2009 Agriculture bill, because of concerns that ending the practice was harming Montana’s ranchers and horse welfare.
“The ban just doesn’t make any sense, and this report proves it. Injured or sick horses are having to suffer even more by traveling long distances only to be put down in places where they aren’t protected by American humane standards. And farmers and ranchers are suffering from fewer sales and lower prices, while we send jobs to Canada and Mexico. That’s not right for our economy and it’s not right for our horses,” Baucus said.
The Accountability Office’s findings, show the ban on U.S. horse slaughter plants has caused a drop in American horse prices and sales and the market has shifted to Canada and Mexico. As a result, overall horse welfare has declined, putting a strain on state, local, and tribal animal welfare resources, and the Accountability Office noted a rise in cases of horse abandonment, abuse, and neglect since the ban was instated. The report also notes that U.S. horses, often suffering from injury or illness, are being transported greater distances to be slaughtered in places where they are not protected by U.S. humane slaughter protections.
Congress has enacted a de facto ban on U.S. horse slaughter since 2006 in the Agriculture Appropriations bills by not allowing U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to be used to inspect the plants. Because the plants cannot ship meat across state lines without being inspected, the ban on inspection has resulted in a ban on domestic horse slaughter. In 2009, Baucus included a provision in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations bill requiring the Accountability office to perform the study released last week. In light of the results, he is calling on the chairman of the appropriations subcommittees on agriculture to review the report and end the ban.
The full Government Accountability Office report, “Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter,” is available HERE. Text of the letter Baucus sent to the chairman of agriculture subcommittees on the Appropriations Committee is available HERE and below.
June 28, 2011
The Honorable Herb Kohl, Chairman
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
The Honorable Roy Blunt, Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
Dear Chairman Kohl and Ranking Member Blunt:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the annual restrictions on United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) use of appropriated funds to inspect horses at, or in transit to, domestic processing facilities. In September 2009, I wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging the inclusion of language in the final Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an investigation on the status of horse welfare in the United States since the cessation of horse slaughter operations in 2007.
As you know, GAO just released the report Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter. As expected, it revealed multiple challenges. For one, GAO's analysis reveals that U.S. horses are being transported longer distances to be slaughtered - to places where they are not covered by U.S. humane slaughter protections.
The GAO analysis also revealed multiple unintended consequences due to cessation of slaughter in the U.S. The change in policy has completely changed the domestic horse processing market and has led to an increase of exports in Mexico and Canada. GAO's report discovered U.S. horse exports to Mexico for slaughter increased 660 percent from 2006 to 2010, and horse sales and prices have decreased in the U.S. As a result, overall horse welfare has decreased, putting a strain on state and local government, tribal, and animal welfare organization resources. Furthermore, cases of horse abandonment, abuse, and neglect have increased.
Animal welfare laws have become more stringent over the past 20 years, as many have begun to realize how important it is to treat animals humanely. I firmly believe that animals should be treated in a humane and decent manner; and because of that belief GAO's report must be used to reexamine the annual restriction Congress imposes on domestic horse processing facilities. It is imperative that we find a way to humanely deal with unwanted horses, and stringent regulation of domestic horse slaughter facilities should remain an option.
As the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee begins work on the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, I urge you to use the GAO analysis and reconsider the flawed policy which has had negative consequences on rural America and many horses welfare.
Sincerely,
Max Baucus
U.S. Senator
Contact: Kate Downen (406) 224-5056/Jennifer Donohue (202) 224-2651/Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915
Sunday, June 19, 2011
OUT OF THE CHUTE - art event to benefit Hailey Texeira
To all bloggers here, Please go to:
www.ToLoveAmerica.Blogspot.com
You'll learn about "Out of the Chute" art event to benefit Hailey Texeira.
A 5 year old "Cowgirl" diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia.
If you are an artist - Please consider submitting some of your work and your head shot to: RoniBell@msn.com - or - Sashrn@earthlink.net
If you have something you'd like to contribute to the "Live Auction" (Scott Shuman presiding) - please let us know. We'll help you get it here!
Thank you,
Roni
www.ToLoveAmerica.Blogspot.com
You'll learn about "Out of the Chute" art event to benefit Hailey Texeira.
A 5 year old "Cowgirl" diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia.
If you are an artist - Please consider submitting some of your work and your head shot to: RoniBell@msn.com - or - Sashrn@earthlink.net
If you have something you'd like to contribute to the "Live Auction" (Scott Shuman presiding) - please let us know. We'll help you get it here!
Thank you,
Roni
Friday, June 17, 2011
KNOW THE FACTS!
By Sue Wallis
It has come to our attention that the anti-horse activists are trying to spin the results of an official European Union food safety document to portray horse meat as unsafe and full of toxic drug residues.
When faced with this kind of inflammatory rhetoric it is best to know the facts, and to get those facts directly from the scientists and veterinarians. To that end, please find here a summary of the EU document that is posted on the Vetsweb site, as well as a link to the entire European Food Safety Authority Technical Document:
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/efsa-report-on-veterinary-drug-residues-in-animals-and-animal-products-2216.html
Technical Report of the European Food Safety Authority
Please note – this report was published in 2010 for samples in 2009, and it only covers animals produced and processed in the European Union. It does not cover the U.S., Canada or Mexico. The report covers bovines, pigs, sheep and goats, horses, poultry, aquaculture, milk, eggs, rabbit meat, farmed game, wild game, and honey. The report notes that the methodology has changed so is not valid to compare to previous years.
“The residue situation in 2009 was similar to the two previous years for all substance groups. However, because the sampling plan and the spectrum of analysed substances were not necessarily the same over the three years, such comparisons should be regarded as having a high degree of uncertainty.”
Most importantly of all, if you take the time to actually read the report you will see that it shows that the incidence of prohibited drugs in horses is zero. Even where the anti-horse activists are crowing about the report showing that the horse samples were higher for hormones and for NSAIDS (which are NOT in the prohibited category), the only way they could show higher levels in horses is by purposely leaving out results for other species like sheep and goats which were twice as high as the incidence in horse meat.
Do your own homework, folks, and don’t believe a word of the animal rights activists’ misinformation campaigns. Again ZERO prohibited drugs in the prohibited A1 steroid category. Only two European Union member countries reported one sample each of prohibited B1 anti-bacterials non compliant samples out of 3,000 – one sample in Austria, the other in Estonia.
Know the facts!
It has come to our attention that the anti-horse activists are trying to spin the results of an official European Union food safety document to portray horse meat as unsafe and full of toxic drug residues.
When faced with this kind of inflammatory rhetoric it is best to know the facts, and to get those facts directly from the scientists and veterinarians. To that end, please find here a summary of the EU document that is posted on the Vetsweb site, as well as a link to the entire European Food Safety Authority Technical Document:
http://www.vetsweb.com/news/efsa-report-on-veterinary-drug-residues-in-animals-and-animal-products-2216.html
Technical Report of the European Food Safety Authority
Please note – this report was published in 2010 for samples in 2009, and it only covers animals produced and processed in the European Union. It does not cover the U.S., Canada or Mexico. The report covers bovines, pigs, sheep and goats, horses, poultry, aquaculture, milk, eggs, rabbit meat, farmed game, wild game, and honey. The report notes that the methodology has changed so is not valid to compare to previous years.
“The residue situation in 2009 was similar to the two previous years for all substance groups. However, because the sampling plan and the spectrum of analysed substances were not necessarily the same over the three years, such comparisons should be regarded as having a high degree of uncertainty.”
Most importantly of all, if you take the time to actually read the report you will see that it shows that the incidence of prohibited drugs in horses is zero. Even where the anti-horse activists are crowing about the report showing that the horse samples were higher for hormones and for NSAIDS (which are NOT in the prohibited category), the only way they could show higher levels in horses is by purposely leaving out results for other species like sheep and goats which were twice as high as the incidence in horse meat.
Do your own homework, folks, and don’t believe a word of the animal rights activists’ misinformation campaigns. Again ZERO prohibited drugs in the prohibited A1 steroid category. Only two European Union member countries reported one sample each of prohibited B1 anti-bacterials non compliant samples out of 3,000 – one sample in Austria, the other in Estonia.
Know the facts!
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