October 29, 2003

Mr. Sparrow, Mayor of DeKalb, Illinois

I am writing you to voice my opposition to your allowing the horse slaughterhouse, Cavel International, to rebuild in your city.

Most Americans think of horses as pets, much like cats or dogs. As such they are commonly given a name and held in high regard in our society.  Awareness of the horse slaughter industry continues to grow, as does America's disapproval of the business.  As I'm sure you're aware, Rep Bob Molaro has introduced HB 3845 to prohibit the slaughter of horses and sale of horsemeat for human consumption in the state of Illinois.  I am among many who are in favor of this legislation, and it is gaining support daily.  In 1998 Californians passed similar legislation.  We did not need an equine slaughterhouse in our state to say no to this practice. 

Currently the US House is considering a bill  to prohibit horse slaughter (H.R. 857) and the US Senate will soon also have the chance to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This legislation would end horse slaughter in all 50 states.  So either way, Cavel's days are numbered. Americans do not raise their horses for food.  The only reason horse slaughter exists is to satisfy a foreign market, which siphons the majority of its' profits overseas.  The only work it would bring to your community are low-paying high-turnover jobs which would likely be filled by illegal immigrants.  Many of the horses that end up at the slaughterhouse are acquired through fraudulent means or are stolen outright; even our protected wild mustangs can end up there.

Callous and extremely inhumane treatment at the slaughterhouse results in prolonged suffering for horses.  Improper use of stunning equipment, designed to render the animal unconscious with a swift shot to the head, means that horses sometimes endure repeated blows, and remain conscious during their own slaughter, including throat slitting.

I read a quote by Mr. Tucker, the controller of Cavel in which he stated that horses are "killed instantly" by the captive bolt gun.  This shows he doesn't even know about the slaughter process.

Do you really want this happening in your city?  Your citizens, now that they know about it, do not want it happening.

Thank you,

Duane L. Burright, Jr.
Malibu, CA