NM Slaughterhouse

I am hearing rumors that the USDA is finding funding to inspect slaughter houses and that a horse slaughter plant has been proposed and possibly approved in New Mexico. I have not done my research to find out if this information is true. But I do know that the ban on horse slaughter was lifted awhile ago. I have also heard rumors that there is talk of opening other slaughter plants in other states, including Iowa.

Why are we not focusing on the problem instead of coming up with solutions that don't work for everyone? Why are we not penalizing overbreeding? It's time we batten down the hatches and focus on the problem. Unfortunately at Borderlands, we cannot currently take on any more horses unless we magically come up with more funds to support an additional horse. With the hospital bills we are facing, it will be impossible to cover the expenses of another horse. Remember, we pay for the care of the horses out of our own pockets (and we don't make much, we simply sacrific and go without).

We have had beautiful weather and it looks as though the hay is doing exceptionally well. But I still have no idea what the hay prices will be like. I forsee that people will begin "reducing their herd" and culling horses in another month before the riding season finishes. The trend has been to get rid of horses some time in August. The auctions will be flooded with loose horses starting in August and it won't end until mid winter. I would like to offer a retirement home to an old auction bound horse this fall if we can raise the funds. I know we can't save them all but I want to do my part. I don't feel like I've been doing enough lately.

If everyone stepped up to the plate, maybe we could make a difference for one or two horses this fall.