Horse abuse in America

[Vela]

Okay, apparently many are so stuck on the fact that I mentioned horse racing and don't hate every aspect of it, that the rest is just forgotten about and ignored. My bad, I thought most would see past that and see the point of the post. Apparently not, although some did. I'll just post the rest of the information then.

The first video link shows some abused horses, but also things people do to their horses that just aren't smart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rJq67JaM_Q

Second vidoe link does not show gore, but does show animals left to fend for themselves with no care.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFMVG...eature=related

The following website talks about the crisis in America and brings to light the real problems horses face in this country. There are not many rescues or shelters for these animals, compared to dogs and cats, yet the problem is just as severe.

If you want to learn more you can read it. There are some great updates on rescued horses and some stories to make you shake your head and wonder how it gets that bad.

http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com/

[Taz_Zoee]

I am not against horse racing. But I do not like to watch it. It makes me cry when I see a horse fall down. Even in movies when I know the horse is trained to fall and isn't really hurt, I just can't watch it.
I did not look at the links either, since it said graphic material. No thanks.

[chocolatepuppy]

How horrid! I never realized horses were so abused and sent to slaughterhouses simply because they weren't wanted until I made friends with someone who has horses. She really opened my eyes.
I don't really have an opinion on horse racing, as I don't know enough about it. Thanks for bringing this abuse to our attention Vela.

[lizbud]

You seem to be arguing the lessor of two evils, which is hardly an
endorcement for professional horse racing.

Exploitation of animals for money is always wrong in my book. Did you know
that giving race horses steroids is legal in every state but Iowa. It's pitiful
the way people use & abuse these beautiful creatures.

[Freedom]

I didn't look at the links.

I know the MSPCA* has a horse rescue program. I grew up in the city where they have the horse retirement farm, and we would go visit the horses now and again. Mom always called first, as SHE couldn't stand it if they had a new(ish) arrival who hadn't had time to recover somewhat.

As I grew up, in my teens and 20's, I was on their newsletter list (back in the days when newsletters were sent snail mail!) and there were always horse stories in there. And photos. Too sad.

I am opposed to horse racing. Just because other horses are in worse situations, doesn't make a bad situation tolerable, for me.

* Massachusetts SPCA

[Giselle]

Like anything else, I don't think the sport itself is bad.

I think the way we conduct the sport is awful. I think the way we breed the horses for maximum speed, neglecting long-term health, is neglectful and abusive in itself.

Unfortunately, this situation happens in almost any animal sport. Dog conformation, anyone? JMO.