Sunday, April 22, 2007

YOU CAN HELP NOW!

Dear Readers,
I'm sure some of you remember Tinkerbell, the gentle mustang with draft blood, from my book GIFT HORSE. Many of you were upset by the treatment of this fictional mustang, but Tinkerbell was abused, then saved. Most horses brought to auction yards aren't so lucky.
TODAY and TOMORROW, Congress is considering bills which will decide whether American horses live or die.
If you haven't called yet, please do. Yesterday, in my blog, I posted several easy ways to do that.
Today, I'm posting an interview I did with three of my readers. I wish it weren't still timely.
Terri
-------------
Q: What are your views on horse slaughter?
TF: Wild horse slaughter is totally unnecessary. It is based on greed and perpetuated in a cruel and prolonged method. Greed is found in those who believe they have a God-given right to dominate the earth and to have things their way no matter the cost to other people or species. Sadly, they have found legislators who will pass laws to back up that arrogance -- in exchange for campaign contributions. The result is that we will lose a West which can be brought back, once it's destroyed.
On the slaughter itself -- the manager of Cavell International in Texas, one of the U.S.'s horse slaughter factories -- claims the horses aren't afraid and never in pain. This is ludicrous, and clearly aimed at convincing people who've never been around horses. An animal who will shy at a blowing leaf is certainly afraid in a loud factory filled with the sound of thundering machinery and screaming animals.

Q: Why do you think these views?
TF: My research indicates that the Wild Horse and Burro Act, passed by Congress in 1971, is working to protect both the range and the horses. At the time the law was passed, estimates placed the numbers of wild horses and burros at 60,000, down from 2 million at the turn of the century. Today, the BLM estimates there are only 37,000 wild horses and burros roaming Western public lands and yet Conrad Burns says the range is overrun with horses damaging the land. The facts just don't support this contention.

Q: What are you doing to try to stop horse slaughter?
TF: As a child, I was part of Wild Horse Annie's letter writing campaign that prompted the 1971 law to protect wild horses and one thing she said was you have to "speak up for what you believe, even if your voice shakes." So, even though I am more comfortable reading and writing, I've had to step up and act on behalf of my readers and the horses.
After hearing from thousands of readers via email and letters, I arranged a meeting with Nevada Senator Harry Reid where I presented over 1,000 letters sent to me by readers from all over the world.
In addition, I'm calling my representatives' offices so much that their assistants recognize my name, and know I'm calling about the wild horses. In short, I'm paying attention and posting facts on my website so that U.S. representatives know the whole world is watching their actions.
Q: How are you persuading other to protest?
TF: Most people need no persuasion when they hear how this greedy law was sneaked into a 2,000 page bill which included laws on things as diverse as protecting fish habitat, feeding the hungry and building bridges in Alaska. Most legislators didn't take the time to read the entire 2,000 pages and those who did had a hard time weighing the good programs vs. those they hated. Many people think this is a bad way to run a democracy and think the slaughter of America's wild horses should come to a vote, since they are a treasure which belongs to all citizens

Q: What are the positives and negatives to the Burns Bill/ horse slaughter?
TF: There are no long-term positives. Some people believe beef will be less expensive if cattle don't have to share the range with wild life. That's a fallacy, because we've domesticated cattle and other meat animals. Wild horses still act like prey. When they graze and drink at water holes, they take quick bites and sips and move on. Domesticated animals are far more likely to graze grass to the ground and wade into water holes, causing damage.
In addition, the Burns bill encourages greed. The lazy and cruel can make a ton of money by going to the BLM wild horse corrals and purchasing horses for about $100 each (though BLM has vaccinated the animals, and captured them via a helicopter which costs at least $1000 per day to put in the air), then sell them to killer-buyers for $800-1,000+ per horse. I don't think subsidizing this kind of greed is ever a good thing.

Q: Do you think some ranchers approve of the bill and horse slaughter? Why?
TF: yes -- see above

Q: How did you find out about the Burns Bill? What was your reaction?
TF: I first heard about it from a reader in Texas and though I thought it was just an Internet rumor, I assured her I'd check it out. I wish it had been just a rumor.

Q: How can people overseas help prevent horse slaughter and/or repeal the Burns Bill? How can teens and kids help?
TF: People from all over the world, especially children, were responsible for making the government pass and enforce the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. It can certainly happen again. We all need to let elected officials know they are not enforcing the will of most people.
Educating those around us to the facts is the important first step. Reports like yours can help by telling your teachers and peers what's really happening. In addition, the Internet is a powerful way of spreading such information. In 1971, that tool didn't exist. Now, information and pictures (some of them horrific) can be spread around the world in minutes.

Permalink to this blog post

Posted by Terri Farley @ 4:22 PM

---

Comments: Post a Comment