Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 7:13 AM
Subject: Re: [againstslaughter] Stephenville got the
message! (long)
Sheri,
This is great news that Stephenville is beginning to clean up their act.
It is just as easy to treat animals with kindness and compassion, as it is to be
abusive. This is what we are trying to do all over the country.
We are successfully developing a network of "Auction Watchers" who
frequent the country's more "notorious" auctions. We are keeping
records and reports of all the goings on at these places, and reporting
violations to agencies charged with upholding humane laws and standards.
The days of these places not being held accountable for their crimes, are
OVER!!
No longer will their crimes fall upon "blind eyes."
Congratulations to the Stephenville auction, for an auction well run.
I remember, in the "old days" when I was a child, the horse auction
was a "family" gathering. My grandpa used to take me often.
It was always a fun day for kids and their families. Of course, this is
before the whole despicable slaughter industry gained foothold in our country.
Maybe, come the day, and it will come soon, that we rid our country of the
slaughter plants, the auction will once again regain its former glory as a
place where you can bring your family, buy a horse, meet nice folks, and not
bear witness to a "horror show"!!!
I really do applaud Stephenville for the cleanup, and not to detract from this
effort, but
the horse that was 3- legged lame, SHOULD NOT have been allowed at the sale.
The owner of that horse, should have IMMEDIATELY been reported to the
authorities by the auction house. Neglectful, abusive owners, SHOULD NOT
BE REWARDED FOR THEIR CRIMES!!!! If the auction companies continue to fail
to abide by humane laws, they absolutely will be held accountable!! And
this Dr. Reese, is he in fact "really" a veterinarian??? He must
also, be held accountable. You must contact your humane enforcement
authorities, and let them know of the incident regarding this horse!! If
this is the way these auctions continue to operate, they must learn that they
will PAY A PRICE, for continuing to turn their blind eye. The new
transportation act clearly states owner/shipper must "Certify that each
horse is able to bear weight on all four limbs, is not blind in both eyes, is
able to walk unassisted, is not a mare that is likely to foal during the trip,
is older than 6 months, and has had access to food, water, and rest for 6
consecutive hours before loading into a vehicle." The law further states in
Special Circumstances: "In the event a horse becomes incapable of walking
en route, the owner/shipper must have the animal euthanized by an equine
veterinarian. If a horse dies en route, the owner/shipper must contact the
nearest APHIS offices soon as possible. If a Federal veterinarian is not
available, the owner/shipper should contact an equine veterinarian in that
vicinity."
CIVIL PENALTY
Initial violation of the final rule is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per
horse. For example, if there are three violations in one trailer on three
horses, the fine could be as much as $45,000. This IS THE LAW!!! We can and MUST
help to enforce it!!!!
Gail Vacca
DeKalb, Illinois
p.s. did the sale horses have access to food and
water????