Last year, over 100,000 horses were killed in foreign-owned slaughterhouses in the U.S., and tens of thousands more were exported to Japan, Canada and Mexico for slaughter. There is evidence to suggest that these creatures are subjected to cruel treatment prior to their deaths, including starvation, sleep deprivation, lack of water and physical abuse.

Congress is now mounting a ban on the slaughter of American horses, whose meat is shipped over our borders for human consumption in foreign countries. If you’d like to let your congresspersons know your feelings about the proposed legislation, you can reach them by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, and reference the proposed legislation American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311

When I consider which trait I like most about cats, I’d have to say that it’s their mysterious manner. I never know when they will pounce on my computer keyboard, or where they will hide on a particular day. Unfortunately, they are also masters at concealing any illnesses they might have. A cat can have a medical problem and even the most watchful owner may not know until the symptoms have become full-blown.