No serious effort is needed to refute the misleading information presented in Dr. Steven Hick's recent article, "The Case for Slaughter". The article merely attempts to further blur the issue and distract us from the cruelty involved in this industry. But the facts speak for themselves: horse slaughter is NOT a form of humane euthanasia, animals suffer horribly on the way to and during slaughter, and the majority of Americans - indeed, horse owners - support an end to this cruel practice, which only continues for the economic benefit of a select few who would have us think that an end to horse slaughter would somehow increase animal suffering.

The only question we pose to Dr. Hicks is - Why should more studies be conducted when first hand observations of the cruelty are already well documented? We have witnessed horse slaughter first hand with a veterinarian and can attest to the abhorrent cruelty involved. We have also observed abuse at auction houses and during transport. We would be happy to provide Dr. Hicks or anyone interested in the issue with graphic video documentation of the cruelty we are talking about.

People who truly care about the welfare of horses should stop the rhetoric, stick to the facts and work to end this cruelty. The Thoroughbred industry has spoken loud and clear and they are opposed to horse slaughter. In addition, other groups are coming out each day in support of this cause, as are veterinarians from around the US.

Sincerely,

Chris Heyde - Society for Animal Protective Legislation

Liz Clancy Ross - Doris Day Animal League

National Horse Protection Coalition

__________________________

Chris Heyde

Policy Analyst

Society for Animal Protective Legislation

PO Box 3719

Washington, DC 20027

Tel: (703) 836-4300
Fax: (703) 836-0400