I for one am not eager to expand my horse breeding “hobby” into a business disaster due to the glut of American slaughter of horses flooding our market. A lady recently told me she thought it was great – because she could finally afford to buy a horse. Really? If she couldn’t afford the purchase price how is she going to afford the care of that animal over the next 20 years? Ask the ASPCA what they think of that comment after they have seized a record number of horses over the past five years.
Why buy Canadian-bred horses? Well I for one am proud to support the Canadian farmer. I buy Canadian products every chance I get. Perhaps Canada can support me as a breeder in return? I pay taxes. The government helped cattle producers and pork farmers why not horse breeders? We supply a product and service too.
Just for a moment think about the consequences of long-time horse breeders exiting the business. Who will teach the next generation of horse lovers? Where will the next generation of breeders buy the stock that will become the foundation of their breeding program? From the USA? And what happens to generations of bloodlines that will be lost? Hey, Mr. Angus breeder, what would happen to your livelihood if generations of your breeding stock were slaughtered because you couldn’t afford to compete again American grade cattle?
A grade cattle producer offered me what he though was a solution to the overwhelming costs I incure trying to compete with American horses. I quote “buy cheap American grade horses to breed to your stallion.” According to him, I would make a profit by avoiding registration fees. Every breeder I know would be outraged by this ignorant comment. Do we really need to breed more grades to compete for $1 a head with American slaughter horses? Yes it is true “you can’t ride the papers” but those papers give a history on that animal and combines years of selected genetics to improve the breed. Hey, Mr. Purebred Angus breeder, throw away your papers and sell your breeding bulls and heifers for the same price as an American carcass steer. Are you happy?
To me it seems the solution to saving Canadian horse breeders is simple. Close the border to American slaughter horses, to keep them from driving down Canadian prices. I am neither for or against horse slaughter. I understand that it serves a purpose, to rid owners of mentally or physically impaired animals. That being said it does pain me to see good, young, healthy animals being slaughtered because someone with a nickel in their pocket can afford an American horse selling at as little as $1 a head in a Canadian auction.
Let’s face it Americans created the problem of what to do with unwanted horses after they banned slaughter in their own country. Why should Canadians have to deal with their mess? They don’t want our BSE cattle, why should we open our doors to their slaughter horses?
May I remind you pork and beef producers that we supported you. Perhaps it is time that you return the favour and support Canadian horse breeders.
Signed,
Proud to be a Canadian
Editor’s note:
The author of the letter asked to remain anonymous due to possible security threats to family