Letter to the Editor by Lynne O’Toole as published in the News-Leader.com
“If pro-horse-slaughter folks were serious about their stated concern for unwanted horses they would look for permanent solutions.”
Rains Natural Meats has amended its previous application for a permit to slaughter horses, a permit application that was denied, and rightfully so, by theMissouri Department of Natural Resources.
Horse slaughter is a dangerous endeavor — not just for horses. In the United States, we do not keep permanent records of drugs given to horses. Those drugs, some banned by the FDA for use in animals intended for food, will end up in our water supply if we allow horse slaughter on our soil. The DNR should continue to deny permits to any plant hoping to slaughter horses in Missouri.
There is no real domestic market for horse meat. The European market is not as large as slaughter proponents claim and, more importantly, they are completely uninterested in adulterated horse meat from the United States.
If pro-horse-slaughter folks were serious about their stated concern for unwanted horses they would look for permanent solutions. Instead, they claim slaughter is the answer, but their argument is full of fallacies. Sick, starving cows and pigs don’t go to slaughter in this country. Neither will horses.
Horse slaughter is an economic drain on rural communities, provides few low-paying, dangerous jobs and is a serious threat to our environment and health. Missourians shouldn’t be subjected to the aftermath caused by horse slaughter just so a few greedy people can line their pockets.Most of the people trying to force horse slaughter on us are not from Missouri. Our health and welfare and the economic and environmental impact are not on their radar…(CONTINUED)
No comments:
Post a Comment