Controversial Topic –Pro
Dear Yakima Nation,
As a Native American
nation, you have raised many questions for the federal government in regards to
the ban of horse slaughter, claiming it is “absurd”. The question of equine
slaughter is in fact a hot-button issue in the West that concerns many people
throughout the entire United States provided that horses are a loyal companion
animal.
I understand that an
estimated number of 12,000 feral horses roam across your reservation destroying
your lands, food, medicinal plants, and customary way of life. These horses
have become a problem for your nation, and it is difficult for you to
understand the emotional attachment that other Americans place on these
animals. It is apparent to me you deem Americans hypocritical in their slaughter
and consumption of other domestic animals. Furthermore, you have argued that
horse meat is popular in other parts of the world, and was even used in America
before World War II. Your nation has also discussed other solid points in this
controversial issue including: increased job/economic opportunity, humanely
reducing overpopulated herds, and providing nourishment for starving people. I
understand that your best interest is not only for your people and way of life,
but you do care about the lives of these feral horses.
In a sense, Yakama Nation Chairman Harry Smiskin is correct in his
way of thinking. It is an emotional concept for most Americans. Consequently,
if most Americans had to go out and kill their own dinner—they would have a
hard time doing that as well. We have become so accustomed to buying packaged
meat in a store that we lose contact with the fact that some animal forfeited its
life to become our food. Perhaps it is the loyalty of the horse to serve humans
that makes it more emotional.
In order to solidify
your stance and ease concerns of activists, I believe you must do more research
on the slaughter process and USDA regulations. Many horse activists, as well as
most Americans, are very emotional about this topic. This is because they
believe that commercial horse slaughter is barbaric compared to other slaughter
of animals. Specifically they believe that the "stunning" process by
captive-bolt is ineffective on horses and that equine are a very different
species of animal compared to bovines. They argue that horses react very
differently to head trauma and the commercial slaughter environment. I think as
a Nation, people will attack your logic and research. If you are able to fully
understand the process, and not just see a big picture your justifications on
horse slaughter could be logical, flawless, and not ignored.
Sincerely,
Kaleigh
Resources:
Controversial Topic - Con:
Dear Humane Society,
I understand that
ending the slaughter of American horses for human consumption is one of your
top priorities. You claim that each year, tens of thousands of American horses
are inhumanely transported and slaughtered where there meat is then shipped to
places like France, Italy, and Japan for human consumption. Furthermore you clarify
that the types of horses being slaughtered are riding horses, carriage horses,
race horses, wild horses, and children’s ponies.
I believe that you
provide some excellent points in protecting our nation’s horses and food safety
reputation. Furthermore, I believe that although there is practical reasons for
horse slaughter most Americans would agree with your concerns—and for good
reason too. Many slaughter houses have in fact poor protocol, and could be
deemed inhumane in their euthanasia process. Furthermore, I agree that horses
are not the type of animal Americans would willingly choose to consume.
Finally, I urge you to
consider the opposition. Horse slaughter does not necessarily have to be a
negative thing. It could be economically beneficial in America if done humanely
and correctly. Horses may be deemed a companion animal, but they are also
deemed as a domestic working species. I urge you to think outside of the box—the
companion animal realm and concentrate on horses as a species. Feral horses are
becoming quite the problem for Native American nations and they could use our
help. Banning humane horse slaughter may only contribute to more inhumane
illegal ways of horse euthanasia.
Sincerely,
Kaleigh
Resources:
Compromise
Three obvious areas of concern
of animal use concerning horse slaughter:
1.
Is the euthanasia humane?
2.
Is consumption safe?
3.
Is it really beneficial to terminate
horses as a means to an end?
Humane Euthanasia
I believe that both
parties could come together and outline a safe and humane protocol in horse
slaughter. Ultimately, both parties care about the welfare of horses. Since the
Humane Society deems horse slaughter as a painful inhumane experience they
could work with Native American groups to legally change the experience.
Together, horses’ safety through slaughter could be assured provided that the
Humane Society heavily regulates these protocols. Furthermore, humane slaughter
would safely eliminate horses that are destroying native grounds. Coming
together to find the safest efficient way of euthanasia could potentially
eliminate questions regarding horse safety.
Consumption
I believe that this
concern is less practical. Historically, people have hunted and fed off the land
without regards to the “satisfaction” of the meat. Native Americans are less
concerned with taste, and the Humane Society is primarily concerned with meat
safety for humans after years of giving our horses medicinal veterinary
treatment. They state that horses were not raised to become meat, so the quality
of meat is less than to be desired and could be tainted with antibiotics and
etc. Ultimately, the Yakima Nation would benefit from the slaughter and
consumption of feral horses that destroy their lands as opposed to abandoned
companion horses. These animals would not be “tainted” with medicinal treatment
and their taste is not of concern as long as it feeds their starving nations. The
Humane Society seems more concerned with the slaughter of companion, race, and play
horses than that of their wild counterparts. If together they could arrange a
way where slaughter specific legislation for consumption could be enforced—it could
benefit both parties. Primarily specific legislation for types of horses killed
for consumption.
Logistical
I believe there is
honestly no compromise about this subject area of horse slaughter that can be
made. Both parties will truly never understand each other’s opposing sides. The
Humane Society will never see the “point” in killing any horse when someone
could adopt it or it could be safely rescued. On the other hand, Native nations
will never understand our hypocorism in consuming other domestic farm animals,
but treating the horse as sacred. Understanding the realism of the situation
and practicalities of horse slaughter will forever be a never resting issue.
You cannot change people’s opinions; you can only educate and enforce safety
protocol to ensure humane treatment of horses.
Moral Vision Statement
I envision a future
where all human and nonhuman animals interact humanely. Nonhuman animals,
primarily domestic farm animals are of a real importance as they provide food
to our health. Humans as natural omnivores eat both plants and animals and this
has been the case for thousands of years. It is no more wrong for a human to
eat meat or fish than for lions or sharks to do so. However, the way that farm
animals are treated matters. I would not go as far to say that I believe all
industry practices are cruel and ran poorly. For instance people preach the
importance of free-range eggs and free range or organic meats. They believe that
farm animals are meant to roam around and not be kept in small enclosures.
Furthermore, they claim that meat should be hormone and antibiotic free. I
believe it is better for humans to eat meat from animals that are not stressed
as stress tenses the muscles (meat). In order for nonhuman animals to be stress
free they must be treated humanely. Humane treatment is a classic win – win. I
would like to see a better regulated production environment. Often times, the
worst environments are the only environments that people know about. This leads
to my final point—education. A future were consumers are properly educated on
animal agriculture is important. Understanding concepts and not just feelings
is one of the biggest factors affecting public opinion on animal agriculture.
Self Reflection
This course has taught
me a lot about nonhuman animals and our relationship with them. This course has
been extremely beneficial to me because it has opened my eyes to concepts and
opportunities that I was unaware of. For instance, in lecture we discussed on
different occasions my species of choice for the final project—horses. I
learned about horse reservations for injured or retired race horses, their
history, and the various roles they play within society. Furthermore, I learned
that volunteers who were interested could get involved with this program. Likewise,
there are other opportunities out there that volunteers could get involved with
like service animals and working animals. One of my favorite sections of class
involved animals’ roles through film, literature, history, and art. It is
really astonishing to look back at the way animals have changed throughout time
not only in function but morphologically. This project also allowed me to take
time to appreciate a species that I have always been interested in—horses.
Researching its history, use, and adaptations was very interesting. Concepts
such as anthropomorphism, animal welfare, and animal rights were all discussed
thoroughly through my research. Finally, I have a new appreciation not only for
the species of my choice but the human and nonhuman animal bond. Oftentimes
people don’t really consider the effort and sacrifices of animals especially
when it comes to their food and clothes. Even if you live in the city and have
never seen domestic farm animals, your life is heavily influenced and affected
by them. It is nice to be able to learn and reflect on their roles so I can refine
my appreciation for animal agriculture. 
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