08/17/06 Comments on horse slaughter

Horse Slaughter Comments Today I have to talk about an issue that has become quite controversial in the last few months. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back right after this to tell you about it. The horsemeat industry and horse slaughter have been getting plenty of attention lately and it's an issue that can be very emotional. Logic tells us that not every horse that has come to that time of life where a decision must be made can be dealt with by euthanasia by injection. Euthanasia by injection can be expensive and is not the end of an owner's responsibility. Disposal of the carcass is subject to many regulations and burial may not be an option in every state, is illegal in some or carries very restrictive guidelines in others. Not all of the nearly 100,000 horses that have come to the end of their time whether because of old age, injury or maybe they have actually become dangerous can be turned out in a retirement pasture, donated to science, cremated or euthanized. I think horse processing should remain an option for disposal of some horses. I think in the end it should be a personal choice for the horse owner as long as that choice is performed as humanly as possible. Our local newspaper carried an article that said Dallas billionaire; T. Boone Pickens testified before the House and favored banning the horsemeat industry. Possibly he shouldn't tell horse owners what options they can or can't use, but instead just pay the bill for all horse euthanasia and provide a retirement center for all unwanted or unused horses until that time comes. I'm Jeff Keane.