01/14/09 Horse processing

Horse slaughter is a real hot button topic. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back in one minute to tell you what thoughts a former U.S. Representative has on the issue. I just read an article by Doug Rich on the feelings of former U.S. Representative Charles Stenholm from Texas about the horse slaughter subject. Speaking at the Kansas Livestock Association convention in December 2008, Slenholm stated the horse-processing topic is a private property issue. He thinks no one has the right to tell another person what to do with his or her private property except treat it humane. Mr. Stenholm said he has become the unofficial spokesperson for the controversial matter after talking with over 200 horse and livestock associations. He stated most people in the industry know horses are livestock and something has to be done with unwanted horses. Stenholm also agrees with horse owners who do not believe their horses should be processed and used for human consumption  that horse is their private property. Mr. Stenholm also agrees other people differ from his opinion, but shouldn't use the horse slaughter issue to try to change a successful U.S. agriculture industry. According to the ex-representative there are 120,000 unwanted horses in the nation with about 4,000 to 5,000 added each year. Some of these horses are in full feedlots costing U.S. taxpayers $50 million a year to feed and care for. Personally, I think humane processing was the best option for some of the horses I have know, especially the mean ones. I'm Jeff Keane.