Re: Whose Credit, Whose Blame?: original article
The article “Whose Credit, Whose Blame” fails to recognize that it was widespread public opinion, mobilized by PETA, HSUS, ASPCA and other animal welfare organizations which brought the previously hidden horse slaughter industry to the attention of the American public.This public awareness raised support for the legislation which resulted in the closure of America’s horse slaughter “processing” facilities. When the American public saw first hand the horrors of horse slaughter, they reached out to Congress and the result was the legislation which unfortunately did not fully address this issue.
Kaeli’s Foundation believes in the importance of kindness and humanity to all creatures– not just those for whom we view “romantically” , and not just companion animals. We believe that no animal should be treated unkindly or with disrespect. We believe that all people should “Be kind to all that live.”
The tragedy of horse slaughter must be addressed on several fronts. First and foremost is EDUCATION and RESPONSIBILITY.
Horses are overbred in enormous numbers. They should not be bred like puppies in puppy mills. We also need federal legislation which will prohibit the trafficking and transportation of horses for slaughter in Canada and Mexico.
We need to educate horse owners on their lifelong duty to their horses, and we must create some affordable means for well-meaning horse owners to address the issue of affordable euthanasia, where that is appropriate.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to PETA, HSUS and the other groups who exposed the nightmare of horse slaughter, so that this issue could be discussed and addressed. Hopefully, we will soon see a more global recognition that horses, and all creatures, must be treated with kindness.
That was, and remains Kaeli’s dream.