Here is a message about the horrible destinies of slaughter horses. Also included was the following heartbreaking video from Sharkonline.

Federal law requires that horses be rendered unconscious before they are slaughtered. However, undercover footage proves that many animals are improperly stunned by shooting up to 4 metal bolts into their heads, and are conscious while they are shackled by one hind leg and hoisted into the air prior to having their throats slit.

A horse is forced into a metal lined, rectangular cubicle below floor level. An arm within an elbow length glove reaches forward. The gun in the hand of the killer shoots a metal bolt into the brain of that victim. The horse falls, yet sometimes struggles to get back on its feet, maybe having up to four bolts ejected into its brain.

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

Owning a horse is a big responsibility. It requires a commitment of both time and money. A new owner should be prepared to spend time grooming, exercising, and caring for the animal - or assume the responsibility to see that the basic care will be performed daily. Unless the horse is kept on the owner's property, travel time to and from the stable must be considered. The costs of owning a horse can add up quickly as the owner provides shelter, feed, veterinary medical care, hoof care, and riding equipment.

Internal parasites are a primary cause of colic in horses and can cause or contribute to many respiratory, digestive, and performance problems. Though parasites are a constant concern for horse owners, the severity of the problem can be reduced by following a regular preventive deworming program formulated by your veterinarian.

Horses are affected by four common internal parasites - bots, strongyles, ascarids and pinworms. Large and small strongyles, ascarids and tapeworms present the greatest health risks.