Horse Trust warns on drawbacks of rescuing 'meat-trade' horses and ponies (From Bucks Free Press)
Send your news, photos and videos by texting bucksfreepress to 80360 or email
Horse Trust warns on drawbacks of rescuing 'meat-trade' horses and ponies
5:51pm Tuesday 7th July 2009 in
Dear Sirs,
We would like to respond to the comments made by Mrs Hughes and Mrs McLean in the article recently published on your website.
The Horse Trust agrees that the way in which horses destined for the meat trade are bred, treated and then sent to slaughter can be horrific.
We are working hard to improve health and welfare standards within the meat trade. We believe that there are better ways of ending the live export of horses for slaughter than buying horses destined for slaughter. We would encourage people to lobby parliament for a change in the law to stop horses being exported for slaughter and for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, the Animal Welfare Act and the Tripartite Agreement.
By purchasing an animal, people may feel they have saved the horse, but it is unlikely that it will have reduced the actual number of horses going to slaughter.
People are actually ensuring the cycle continues by contributing towards the supply and demand economics of the horse meat business - when farmers realise there is an increased demand for these types of ponies, they will simply breed more of them, and the actual number destined for the meat lorry will be the same.
Regarding the purchase of ponies online, we believe it is vital for people to inspect any pony they purchase to ensure they have the necessary expertise, resources and time to care for that animal.
The decision to purchase any pony should be determined by balancing the needs of the pony with the capabilities and resources of the potential owner. What happens all too often is that the “rescued” pony finds itself in another desperate situation with an owner who is not capable of meeting its needs.
The Horse Trust has recently been contacted by a number of people in this situation, asking us if we can take on the horse they have "rescued" as they are unable to cope with its medical or behavioural problems.
Regards
Susan Lewis, Marketing Manager, The Horse Trust.
Comments(2)
jacki1966
says...
2:44pm Wed 8 Jul 09
I have just been threatened/attacked by what I can only describe as a madman in Old Town High Street, Beaconsfield.
A lunatic walked up to me whilst I was crossing the road, swore at me, became really verbally abusive and then walked off. He then returned to practically spit in my face and call me the most disgusting names I have ever heard. As if this wasn't bad enough, men were walking past and just watching!
A lady shopkeeper came out and tried to help me, asking if I knew him (which thankfully I did not) and if I was alright as I was clearly shaken up.
I called the police and they were absolutely excellent. They tried to look for him in the area but couldn't find him unfortunately. I would like to thank them (Thames Valley Police) for their assistance in this rather distressing matter.
We shouldn't have to put up with people like this walking around on our streets! I am fit and healthy - what if it were someone who wasn't? These people clearly pick on weaker targets - I couldn't possibly imagine him doing this to a 6' bloke!!
Please publish this letter as people need to be on the lookout for this raging idiot who is extremely dangerous and needs to be locked up. He is about 5'5", wiry and has a very vicious appearance.
Thank you,
Jacki Aston
More Your Letters stories
- Well done councillor for clearing our snow
- Community spirit is alive and well in Earl Close
- 4 x 4 driver was hero during snow chaos
- Well done council for keeping roads open
- Snow brings out all the potholes
- I thought climate change scaremongers had stolen winter
- High Heavens plan raises serious safety concerns
- Build a digester at High Heavens tip
- Writer’s defence of EU was outrageous
- Disposing of our gems demoralises people
Most popular
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
jacki1966 says...
1:59pm Wed 8 Jul 09
I have just been threatened/attacked by what I can only describe as a madman in Old Town High Street, Beaconsfield.
A lunatic walked up to me whilst I was crossing the road, swore at me, became really verbally abusive and then walked off. He then returned to practically spit in my face and call me the most disgusting names I have ever heard. As if this wasn't bad enough, men were walking past and just watching!
A lady shopkeeper came out and tried to help me, asking if I knew him (which thankfully I did not) and if I was alright as I was clearly shaken up.
I called the police and they were absolutely excellent. They tried to look for him in the area but couldn't find him unfortunately. I would like to thank them (Thames Valley Police) for their assistance in this rather distressing matter.
We shouldn't have to put up with people like this walking around on our streets! I am fit and healthy - what if it were someone who wasn't? These people clearly pick on weaker targets - I couldn't possibly imagine him doing this to a 6' bloke!!
Please publish this letter as people need to be on the lookout for this raging idiot who is extremely dangerous and needs to be locked up. He is about 5'5", wiry and has a very vicious appearance.
Thank you,
Jacki Aston