Unwanted Horses

[CountryLady]

This was a topic of discussion at the Maryland Horse Forum.
VERY Passionate subject, but not a lot of solutions presented.
So I am asking for input here.

Proposed discussion:

How do we measure the problem of unwanted horses?

Can we solve the issue in MD?

Are the rescues in the State prepared to handle the number of unwanted horses in the state?

What can be done regarding the lack of options for euthanasia and disposal of equine?

How do zoning and landfill regulations effect disposal?

Are large animal composting businesses a foreseeable disposal alternative?

Any ideas or points of view welcome?



Links on the unwanted horse:

Unwanted Horse Coalition


UnwantedHorses.org

[Phyxius]

Here's an idea. People need to stop breeding sub-par quality horses. Just because an animal has reproductive capability does not mean that animal should be bred.

Color should not be a determining factor. Oh, but he/she is my baby and I want another one just like him/her is also not a good reason. There are more than enough average horses out there. Go rescue/buy one.

[fredsaid2]

I agree w/ Phy's answer. The world doesn't need another walk-rock-quarter-alosa-who knows what horse. Do your part - stop breeding.

[TCF42]

OT, but: Phyxius-- did you get my PM??

[Phyxius]

Originally Posted by TCF42

OT, but: Phyxius-- did you get my PM??

Crap! I did, forgot to respond. Sending answer now...They're in South Carolina for the week, but I'll give the cell number.

[happyappygirl]

I don't think the onsey-twosey (or even threesy-foursey) back yard bred foals are responsible for the big problem because those people more often than not, work hard to keep or find good homes for their foals - they have too, people won't just buy any 'ole foal, especially in this economy. It's a much bigger picture. Although in dogs/cats my answer would be somewhat different, and would more closely match what Phyx says.

I believe it's a combination of the economy and longevity in horses. A horse can live a long life, even after he's no longer "useful". Then you have a very expensive pasture ornament, especially as they age and what do you do if you're limited to only keeping one horse?

Many big breeding farms have curtailed breeding since they foals just aren't selling and the longer they keep a foal, the more it costs them, so they can't recoup. That reduction in breeding takes time to actually see. You'll see the results of this in 4 or 5 years when the economy recovers and those nice 4/5 y/os aren't being trained for what people want because they weren't born. It will become a sad cycle for a decade.

Let's place blame where it lies. Closing slaughter houses was the dumbest move ever. I truely hope that is reconsidered, along with additional regulations on what goes, how it gets there, and what's done with it once it's there.

[Cowgirl]

Originally Posted by happyappygirl

I don't think the onsey-twosey (or even threesy-foursey) back yard bred foals are responsible for the big problem because those people more often than not, work hard to keep or find good homes for their foals - they have too, people won't just buy any 'ole foal, especially in this economy. It's a much bigger picture. Although in dogs/cats my answer would be somewhat different, and would more closely match what Phyx says.

I disagree. I definitely think the small-time BYBs cause a problem. I think there are way more BY horse breeders than most people realize. I'm not sure I'd agree that most work hard to find good homes. If they're breeding when they aren't really qualified, or breeding animals that don't need to be breeding, I have a hard time believing they'll halter break those horses, vet them, and get hoof care done. It's going to be hard to market horses like those.

I believe it's a combination of the economy and longevity in horses. A horse can live a long life, even after he's no longer "useful". Then you have a very expensive pasture ornament, especially as they age and what do you do if you're limited to only keeping one horse?

Many big breeding farms have curtailed breeding since they foals just aren't selling and the longer they keep a foal, the more it costs them, so they can't recoup. That reduction in breeding takes time to actually see. You'll see the results of this in 4 or 5 years when the economy recovers and those nice 4/5 y/os aren't being trained for what people want because they weren't born. It will become a sad cycle for a decade.

Let's place blame where it lies. Closing slaughter houses was the dumbest move ever. I truely hope that is reconsidered, along with additional regulations on what goes, how it gets there, and what's done with it once it's there.

Closing slaughter had a good bit to do with it, but you have to roll with the punches. People need to stop breeding horses just for the fun of it. If you know there's no slaughter option, you have to change your management.

AND, people need to be responsible for their horses. So what if your horse is no longer useful to you, it's your responsibility. People shouldn't be pawning off their senior or lame horses on other people. Don't blame the economy for that. Blame the owners for that. I'd much rather the horse be put down than be sold at some auction where it'll be shipped across borders where we have no say on how they're treated.

[appendixqh]

Oh how quickly this turns into a BYB slaughter thread. First off, I am pro slaughter option. Before you flame me, let me explain. I prefer to see regulated USDA slaughter, with enforced transportation regulation. I don't believe that the government should take away an individuals option to use their own judgement for a humane slaughter of LIVESTOCK. Yes, they are livestock, and the people in France think they taste delicious. A humane slaughter is much more dignified than years of neglect.

Now, personally, I have only sent 1 horse to slaughter in many many years of owning them. That horse was outright dangerous and unpredictable, when she broke the owners son's arm, that was the final straw. Now I have several horses, and while they are livestock, they are also part of the family. So I choose that when the time comes, to euthanize, as I don't want the people of France eating an animal I love. But the last horse we put down was $350 for vet and $350 for disposal!

You want an option...we should be able to euthanize at landfills. Haul in, meet the vet, disposal is taken care of. And I would like the euthanize fee to be closer to $250. Perhaps they could run a monthly euthanization clinic like the one that ran in california...that cost was down to $25 I think.

[Cowgirl]

Originally Posted by appendixqh

Oh how quickly this turns into a BYB slaughter thread. First off, I am pro slaughter option. Before you flame me, let me explain. I prefer to see regulated USDA slaughter, with enforced transportation regulation. I don't believe that the government should take away an individuals option to use their own judgement for a humane slaughter of LIVESTOCK. Yes, they are livestock, and the people in France think they taste delicious. A humane slaughter is much more dignified than years of neglect.

I agree with you on the slaughter issue. .


And let's not get BYB and small-time breeder confused.

[happyappygirl]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl

And let's not get BYB and small-time breeder confused.

SUPER point.

And I also agree, the BYBs (perhaps that term needs a definition?) certainly DO cause (major) issues, on an individual, case by case situation, no question. BUT it has become a national problem because of the blanket, knee jerk reaction on the hill, of closing of all slaughter houses.

There could also be more instruction? I'm not sure if that's the word i want to use here, but people need to know (or be taught) how and when to make the decision to Euthanize, and I agree, options have to be more affordable for the act of euthanisia and disposal, but I'm not sure how that would/could happen. I haven't given it that much in depth thought because each of ours means so much to us, and we provide for our own.

I'm also for using large animals to the benefit of others if at all possible, ie: in feeding carnivores at zoos etc. having said that, I would never be able to let that happen to one of mine, plus if it's euthanized the chemicals would preclude it, but the theory is, using one tragedy to help many. I'm an organ donor for that reason.