Brief Commentary by R.T. Fitch ~ co-founder/president of Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Good morning my friends;
A huge, huge thank you to Victoria McCullough, FL State Senator Joe Abruzzo and
Vice President Joe Biden. No matter what you read, they drove this effort from the starting gate to the finish line.
We are catching our collective breath and dabbing the sweat from our brow over the passing of the Omnibus bill in the House and Senate. The long and tedious behind the scenes work of several diligent advocates managed to get the standard horse slaughter inspection defunding language back into the bill; and they did it without pounding their chests and screaming “Look at me”, nor did they ask for money.
But it is now disappointing to see and hear non-profit organizations crawling out of the woodwork screaming, “WE did it, WE worked night and day, WE made it happen!” There is just no respect in that, none at all.
Sorry parasites, YOU didn’t and YOU really don’t want horse slaughter to go away BECAUSE it is a great emotional crowbar to pry money out of the public. (if the shoe fits, wear it)
It appears that the inner circle of who we trust continues to shrink as we work our way forward in this battle and those who speak the truth are becoming much better defined.
So we are taking the day off with thanks to Victoria, Joe and the VP, we are also thankful for EWA and EA for their hard work.
Think I will mix a Wrangler iced tea and watch several Oklahoma politicians show their backsides while Wallis, Duquette and Dunn pay the price for working at a career in lying and rumor mongering.
Better yet, I am headed out the back door to kiss a horse and scratch an equine butt; ahh, the quality of life just kicked up a notch.
Keep the faith.
Moose and Me ~ photo by Terry Fitch of Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Related articles
Categories: Horse News, Horse Slaughter, The Force of the Horse
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Many Many people and groups were involved in this. Thanks to all, seen and unseen for all the effort, time and perseverance..
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Ditto Pat, you are right there are many many Thank Yous in order here !!!!!
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Exactly. And this back and forth over who deserves credit is getting really petty. This was a team effort between multiple organizations and advocates who all want to see slaughter ended. Kudos to all.
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Amen
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R.T. you’re right…too many times throughout the course of a ‘DAY’ I see certain ‘groups’ claim responsibility and it’s nothing more than shameful self-promotion to lure readers to part with their hard earned cash. So often collection and expenditures are not revealed especially by those who do not have any legal oversight. I always, and tell others, look for a 501 status. It’s not perfect but it’s a good start.
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and check with Guide Star or other such sites and review their tax returns if there are any. Where’s that money going?
I support the rescues I can actually visit anymore.
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Yes – check Guide Star – that’s the best way to know who is putting their money where their mouth is.
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Many thanks for this no-holds-barred sentiment RT. You are absolutely spot on when you say that other organizations are attempting to steal this victory and claim it as their own. They should all be holding their heads in shame. These are the very same organizations who have proven their inability to get anything regarding horse slaughter accomplished in Congress in the past 11 years, and continually bully us horse advocates and ram their policies on advocating down our throats. The circle is indeed becoming smaller as these organizations become exposed.
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Mr. Fitch, I have great respect and appreciation for your work as an advocate for horses–your voice has been essential to this latest victory, and to victories of the past. But do you really think that the omnibus bill passed only because of the efforts of a few? I can’t count how many people and organizations who have built and tirelessly work to maintain the foundation necessary for anti-slaughter legislation to succeed. Without them, our collective voice would not carry so much weight in Congress. We still have a long way to go to protect our horses and provide them with the lives they deserve–eliminating slaughter is just one of many solutions. I urge you not to bash people and organizations who are contributing to the cause–divisions leave us vulnerable to being conquered by powerful adversaries. No matter how justified you are in your opinions (and I do believe you are entitled to them), please be aware that they can be divisive. Do it for the horses. I offer this to in private as a passionate horse lover who has seen too many steps forward followed by steps back…. Thank you.
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Thank you for the courtesy of contacting, privately…but I am not offended by public comment.
Although many organizations have been fighting for the horses, for many, many years…it was a few who worked quietly behind the scenes over the past 18 months and it was this handful of people who inserted the language and it was that few who walked it through committee. Yes, it was just a few who got it done. Of course they had no have influence on getting the bill passed but they were the ones who inserted the language and I applaud their preservance, dedication and ability to get the job done without any fanfare, these few are who we highlight, today, with many thanks.
In an effort to appear as a unified front we often allow those of lesser moral fortitude to walk amongst us but I grow weary when statements are issued and self-adulation is portrayed that is totally false in intent and content. It’s time to begin speaking the truth because to accept these untruths is to make us no better than the other side. Life is too short…and we have much to do.
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Spot on!
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I understand and I applaud the efforts of this handful of terrific individuals to get the language inserted. You all give me great hope, and I’m grateful. I’m just not sure it could have been done without the foundation of facts revealed by well-conducted investigations into horse slaughter practices (all of it, past and present), international, national and local organizations, individuals who write letters, sign petitions, pass information and talk to friends and colleagues, children, legislators, celebrities, people of means. They all count, even if they can be foolish in the process. As an influential person, you are capable of bringing out the best in those who really care and wish to stay engaged for the next steps in this epic cause. It’s not over yet! Thank you–
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Dear RT does this also mean i will never have to see that Horrible Photo of the New Mexico Slaughter man again !!!!!!! I say if this is true YEAH !!!!!! and and Huge Sigh of relief !!!!!
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I’m with Arlene and that awful pic of the bloodlusting de Los Santos.
RT I may not understand all the ins and outs of politically minded people. And I don’t get all the court legal ramblings that another advocates has to jump through. But I try to help in my own small way.
John said the other night that all of us played a role in this by preparing the way with letters and calls. I’m not saying I did more than another. God knows I probably did less than a lot of others. But I know I tried.
My first comment after I heard the Senate had signed the bill was “Barbaro we did it”! That awful day in 2007 I took Mrs. Jackson’s plea to help the horses. Barbaro led many of us back to horses, he made many aware of abuse and neglect. Barbaro wanted us to fix these things. For me, any credit that goes to me for my own small role goes to Barbaro who brought me back to my first love.
Many many thanks to all the others who stood by me, helped me understand issues, have befriended me along the way. This is a victory all of us can participate in. And for those who behind the scenes who’s names we’ll never know many thanks to you also.
And yes, I did write email the Pres and apologies. I ate the sweetest humble pie ever! Having to apologize for not believing that he’d ever do anything to help–it was the kind of letter I actually enjoyed writing. And I wrote the VP Biden and thanked him too. I thanked him for helping the horses, for meeting with Victoria and Senator Abruzzo. Those are the best kind of letters I’ve ever had to write!
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Dear Margaret, I also am a Huge Fan of Barbaro, followed every day of his life , he truly was an inspirations for all people and horses, although all horses inspire me , Zenyatta another inspiration whom I Read about still at her website……..Margaret there is such a thing as backbone, which powers us….Some of us we are the backbone of all that is done for the horses and burros……… we may not be on the front Lines but we certainly power those that are !!!!!!! I believe in staying power and we certainly have that !!!! each one of us is an integral part of the outcome !!!!!
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Yes – life is too short and we have SO MUCH MORE TO DO. Your description above is illustrated in New Mexico where our Attorney General has been fighting to shut down Valley Meats and doing a fine job so far, keeping them shut down while those noble souls you have referred to moved us towards this great victory for the horses!
But a faction of naysayers have spent their time attacking the AG and attacking anyone who supports him or his efforts as well. Not to mention taking credit for his efforts and his successes by claiming that it was their constant, unrelenting criticisms that made him “do his damn job”. You have to support those who are working to stop horse slaughter – not try to grab the glory or the attention yourself. This is not the time for politics – it’s the time to work together to save our horses. Thanks for all you do Mr. Fitch. And for those wonderful people that literally worked miracles and got this through Congress intact!! Breathing a LOT easier right now.
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Dear Margaret, My 1st thoughts were also of Barbaro. A great racer already destined for fame, but after his fractures, May 2006, the world followed Barbaro. I was one.
I knew nothing of horses, but following on ABR, I found out there was such a horror as horse slaughter. Yes, “Barbaro’s Legacy.”
If not for Barbaro, there would not be the needed thousands of people joining the fight against horse slaughter.
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Yes Ronnie , Barbaro won the hearts of all who knew him or of him, his inspiration Lives on he was a Gifted Special horse just as many many horses are whether mustangs (Braveheart, Freedom and hundreds more) , thoroughbred( John Henry, Secretariat, Man of War, Seabusicut, Zenyatta , Eight Belles and hundreds more) or domestic(each one of the thousands, they touch are hearts in other very special places within everyone of us……. they have a way of Bringing out the best in us………It is in Honor and respect for each and everyone of them we are Here……………….. and will Remain until all the incarcerated and captive Run Free, in there Rightful Place THE RANGE !!!!!
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Thank you R.T. and everyone that actually got the job done. Don’t ever stop fighting for what is right and just. Best, Patty Hamilton
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It seems so long ago that Slaughterhouse Sue popped her head up, to be followed by her sordid minions. This has been a long war for our horses. I am thrilled for this accomplishment. I am proud to be a part of this battle, if even a small part.
Forward to the SAFE Act, and protection of our wild ones.
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My grandfather the day he went inside the Dekalb, Il plant and brought out the stolen horses, with his broken ribs, lost his glasses, and mussed up hair, he won that fight that day. The bloodied, scared horses he drug out….I will never forget the look on his face, or in his eyes. I never knew the full extent of what he saw inside but what he told me was horrifying. I loaded the scared horses into our trailer to get them home from where they were stolen from a neighbors farm. It changes you, he then told me how the killers brutalized people who stood in their way, he explained how and when to speak and keep your mouth shut, over the years I gained much respect for my grandpa. He never much cared for rescues, no offense, but they needed more knowledge in proper training and placement. Without that their work was for nothing as the horses can make it back to slaughter without a good fit. His conciousness of the traders, the abuses horses endured he grew angrier with. The young impatient riders goading horses, trainers desperate for winners throwing losers out….it was man hed say repeatedly, it wasnt the horse but the man. We would collect up a loser and in our hands turned it into a winner. Confirmation again it was man. To that end 80 percent of the people have realized slaughter is just man, not the horses. Whether 3 or 3 million helped to end it, people Joined together in a cash strapped industry, came from all over the world to call and email. The inner cicrle may be small, but some of the others….bloodsuckers, money suckers, whatever, they did what Grandpa called drawing fire. While they drew the fire away, support gained and now people are No longer Afraid. So RT if nothing else, let the dogs have their day, all they do is run circles in the yard confusing pro slaughter more than they already are. The rest of US we will keep doing like my grandpa before me, pulling the horses out of the plants grasp.
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Your grandpa must have been a heck of a guy – you should be proud of him. And I think he would be proud of you – certainly seems like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree (as my grandpa would say). I realize that RT is right – but so are you – if pro-slaughter is more confused (than they already are) that’s good too. We all know most of the people & organizations who have brought us so far. And they have “done good”.
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R.T., thank you have always having the courage to be honest. So few can be trusted today but I know you are completely trustworthy. Telling the truth may help make others more honest in the future. Many thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do.
I love that pic Terri took of you kissing Moose too.
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Oops forgot to check boxes.
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What great news! Congratulations to all who worked to see the threat of horse slaughter in your country terminated. Now, a plea from a Canadian: please continue to work to close down the US border to horse exports to Canada and Mexico. We seem to face an uphill battle with our own government on this, but squeezing the cross-border horse transport pipeline would cripple slaughterhouses here. I look forward to the day when they are ALL shut down.
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I’m Just Thankful That It Got This Far. I Really Don’t Care who Takes Credit For What. However, We Are Not Done Because Although Slaughter FOr Human Consumption Is no Longer An Option Here In The US, They Will Still Be shipping Horses Over the Border. We Have Still Alot More Work To Do. I Don’t Care How It Gets Done But We Need LegislatioN that Will Stop Transport To Slaughter As Well. The Safe Act HaS To Fly. Again, Thank Everybody For Whatever You’ve Done To Help This Cause..But Again It’s Back To Work..
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Thank you forever and always !!!! Can’t quit grinning from ear to ear and hugging my horses
Onward towards the passing of the SAFE Act
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This fight has been going on for many years, and many of us non-profits have been fighting it daily. It took all the effort of all the people to get this done. RT, I am afraid you are over the top on this one. Yes, there will be those that garner undeserved praise and money. Don’t stoop to their level.
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Well, you know R.T. Some people do anything for a buck. I have no doubt who put the finishing touches on this beautiful outcome of defunded language. The picture above says it all. Thanks for stating what is so plainly obvious. There will always be a high price to pay for speaking the truth. Onwards.
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Thank You RT for all that you do for our loving companion friends. The world needs more people like you and I’m proud to ‘kinda’ know you. BIG HUGS
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We are not a part of the smaller circle of important advocates that made a difference in this momentous fight. We didn’t attend your horse conferences and events. We didn’t travel to Washington D.C to meet with Jim Moran, and other government officials. We don’t have our hand out for donations, We are just a very small group of very dedicated advocates that didn’t want horse slaughter in our backyards,
After 2 years of contacting every government official that might help our cause, we were told by people of this inner circle that you speak of not to contact anyone but our own officials. (if might irritate out of state staffers). Now that we have met with and talked with our legislators (2 Senators and 1 Representative), we are done and the Inner circle will have to pass the SAFE Act with their magic! We may be little people but please don’t dismiss our efforts.
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Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. The movers and shakers that used their expertise to walk the job through should be commended and thanked, as I have witnessed all across the net. However, they likely would not have gotten the job done if it were just a few, simply because no one would have listened. Pat yourselves on the back all you need to. Without movers and shakers who know how to get it done, we probably wouldn’t have made much progress. Yep, I said we. Because without the throngs of backyard advocates, myself included, who called, and wrote and signed and told their friends and family and their friends’ friends and families to do the same, who are also out lovingly scratching their horses’ butts this morning, it is unlikely the movers and shakers would have been able to get the job done. United we stand.
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We are eternally grateful to Victoria McCullough, VP Joe Biden and Senator Joe Abruzzo for the legislative magic they worked and hopefully will continue to work in Washington. We are also grateful to EWA, HSUS, FRER and other many other smaller, but committed, organizations that have played a part in effectively filing lawsuits to prevent Valley Meats from actually beginning slaughtering horses during this gray zone period. We are grateful to New Mexico Attorney General Gary King who is has been holding his finger in the dike of horse slaughter in New Mexico against Valley Meats, which has a pen of twenty horse ready to slaughter. Please don’t forget the people who are still spending considerable time and money to rescue horses in kill pens all over the US, as these horses are still at risk of transport and slaughter in Canada and Mexico. These wonderful, action-oriented, boots-on-the-ground folks never quit and they are the front lines. There is a debt of gratitude owed to the many thousands of people who have signed petitions, tweeted, shared and gotten the word out to PROVE that 80% of people in the US don’t want horse slaughter. Let’s not forget the ongoing contributions of all of these people. To be honest, if I was a horse in a kill pen right now, the legislature we are all so excited about would be meaningless in saving me from a horrible death. But there are people out there that are still pulling those horses from the feedlots and kill pens at their personal expense and using social media and other networks to get them to safe harbor. Those are the true front lines – please don’t short change their contributions. They are Schindler in “Schindler’s List”. In the short time I have been involved in this, I have come to realize that indeed, there ARE groups and people out there that purport to be horse advocates, but their mission is actually to keep the status quo in order to keep fundraising. I am also aware there are people out there that care more about getting credit than getting things done. I am still figuring out who those are… but in the meantime, I try to remember: ” You can get an awful lot accomplished if you don’t care who gets credit for it.” Thanks again to everyone on the equine advocacy TEAM.
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Rita, you are so right. There are extremely hard working local bare bones groups right here in Connecticut that pull horses with donations and keep their little rescue going. It takes a lot a compassion to maintain a horse rescue. Most of us do not have a lot of money especially being a horse owner myself. I do give when I know for certain that the funds will be used to help the horses in need. To purchase a horse that is being funded out of auction that would otherwise went to slaughter. On the other hand, I would not give money to an organization that will use it to pay for their Mercedes . There are a few of the groups ot there. It is better to know who you are donating your money to.
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Rita, You phrased so correctly. It home to me. Getting the many horses out of feedlots & kill pens to safe harbor: “They are Schindler In “Schindler’s List.”
The story & image of exactly this scenario brought tears behind my eyes. Tears of gratitude, of hope. Of the struggle, rescue, freedom, peace of our beautiful horses. Thank you ❤
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Well said Rita! It took an army of pressure from ALL for many years and it’s far from over until the SAFE Act is passed. It also shows over these years the amount of corruption we need to fix within our government that has allowed politicians like Blunt, Skie, etc to promote an industry for personal gain, that is legally and morally void of this Nations standards, morals or responsibility in a safe and cruel free food chain. I appreciate all done by this crew, but to belittle the work of 1000’s across the Nation, some advocates giving of their time, energy and devotion for decades is less than ideal and is a quick way to incite division. Something our horses and burros, nor advocates need.
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Good job. So many times, no matter how many people we email or call it feels like the individual can not make a dent. It is as if we all who love our equine heritage are raging against the monster machine that is invincible. Thank you for all that you do. This is a big victory in saving America’s wild horses. You put a big wrench in the works. Again, congrats and thank you for a job well done.
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everyday, I signed some kind of petition. Many of which get forwarded right to my states legislators. I know I had to actually educate my own states senator on this subject as well as the SAFE ACT,since he was looking at the profit side of this and not the horses or the 80% of Americans against this. I continue to write him about the safe act asking him to get on board with what we want. I also keep asking for changes in the problem of breeders, defunding the BLM and putting people that care about wild horses in charge, and keeping them wild. We need to stop the need, stop the excessive breeding. There is nothing but greed involved when horse slaughter is concerned.
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From top brass – down to the everyday horse solider – I sincerely thank everyone that speaks for the voiceless. Let us.remain humble and ever vigilant. I truly hope that the success of the Omnibus bill sets the stage for passage of the SAFE act.
A certain measure of righteousness
A certain amount of force
A certain degree of determination
Daring on a different course
One little victory!
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As has always been stated, this was a Grassroots effort. And as usual, Grassroots usually “wins,” although it takes time.
Grassroots combines rallies, marches, demonstrations, petitions, articles, telephone calls, emails, faxes, contacting the media, closing the Texas & Illinois horse slaughter plants…so much. So much. How many monitoring the slaughter trucks, the borders?
How many Bills before Congress did we watch via web cam, only to have a few corrupt politicians doom them? And how many experts testifying against horse slaughter. How many amendments for & against the horses? Whew. So much.
However, it all comes to a head and this this where we needed the “Inner Circle.” This is the way only way the final change comes about. The contacts, knowledge, diplomacy, strategy…and this all took time. And not easy. Difficult. But they did it!
Thank you Senator Abruzzo, Victoria McCullough, Vice-Presiden Joe Biden, *John Holland… And others in the inner circle that I do not know of, apologies. Thank you.
~*~ Amazing Grace ~*~
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While a agree that Victoria and those she chose to work with are the reason for our success, they did not achieve this in a vacuum. The many grassroots advocates who worked tirelessly to educate others and let congress know how we felt provided a climate where Victoria’s work could succeed. And yes these grassroots advocates were supported with materials and information from many different non-profits.
Now that you’ve taken the time to pound your chest and claim “no you didn’t do it. We did.” perhaps you can take a step back and realize we all did it. Enjoy your tea.
Thanks to Victoria and those she worked with for playing a key part in this victory.
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I really could care less who gets the political kudos for this triumph. I think that they, like all the people who signed petitions, called legislators and prayed every night for this to happen should be jumping in the air screaming, “Yay Horses”
I retrospect they should also be grateful to God for answering our prayers.
I would not deny a single person of the 80% who opposed horse slaughter their feelings of accomplishment this day.
I do thank those people in high positions for their inside work; but without the common man begging, writing and petitioning, (no offense meant) they probably would not have cared one cent for the animals. This is about votes. I don’t trust the government right now to do anything that does not in some way reflect their needs and possibly greed.
I myself am ecstatic. I am also still mourning all those lovely animals that passed through those hellish gates prior to this day.
Then there is the Mustangs still freezing in BLM holding pens.
Hopefully this will lead to other laws like the SAFE ACT and something that stops the. BLM from wiping out the Mustangs.
To you RT, all I can say us thank you 108times for your never ending work toward the betterment of our horses. Thanks also to Declan, a child who has a heart of gold.
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch….
NEVADA…
Nevada’s quarter depicts a trio of WILD MUSTANGS, the sun rising behind snow-capped mountains, bordered by sagebrush and a banner that reads “The Silver State.” The coin also bears the inscriptions “Nevada” and “1864″.
http://protectmustangs.org/?p=6069
Nevada farm bureau, counties sue over wild horses
Posted on January 13, 2014 by Protect Mustangs
Cross-posted from the viral Associated Press article published in the San Francisco Chronicle for educational purposes: http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Nevada-farm-bureau-counties-sue-over-wild-horses-5136697.php
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Two Nevada organizations have sued the federal government, alleging mismanagement of wild horses led to excessive damage to rangelands and the animals themselves.
The NEVADA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
and
the NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
named Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, the Interior Department and the Bureau of Land Management as defendants in their lawsuit filed Dec. 30 in U.S. District Court in Nevada.
BLM spokeswoman Celia Boddington declined to comment on Sunday. “It’s under review,” she said.
The groups accuse the government of failing to comply with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which requires the BLM to protect the “natural ecological balance of all wildlife species” on public lands and to remove “excess” horses and burros from the range.
They argue the BLM should “DESTROY” horses that are deemed unadoptable, the Elko Daily Free Press reported (http://bit.ly/1eNObmf ). The BLM has opposed the sale of horses for slaughter.
The agency has removed nearly 100,000 horses from the Western range over the last decade, citing the requirements of the 1971 federal law. Horses passed over for adoption are sent to long-term facilities in the Midwest.
But the number of horses gathered last year declined as the BLM deals with budget constraints and a lack of capacity at short- and long-term holding facilities.
In addition to damaging public land and threatening private water rights, the government’s wild horse program is “first and foremost” detrimental to horses, according to the lawsuit.
“Free-roaming horse and burro herds in Nevada are frequently observed to be in malnourished condition, with the ribs and skeletal features of individual animals woefully on view and other signs of ill-health readily observable,” the complaint states.
Anne Novak, executive director of the horse advocacy group Protect Mustangs, said most wild herds are “healthy and fit,” and the groups’ claim that they are in poor condition appears to be a “skewed effort” to justify killing them because they don’t want to share water.
Some 1.75 million head of livestock grazing on public land outnumber wild horses by more than 50-to-1 and cause most of the range damage, she added.
“The plaintiffs have an arrogant sense of entitlement,” Novak told The Associated Press. “I’m grateful the American public will see how the plaintiffs allegedly intend on denying native wild horses the right to water and are requesting BLM destroy the majority of the roundup survivors. Their lawsuit will rally more voters to fight for wild horses to remain wild and free for future generations.”
Representatives of the two groups did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment Sunday.
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WOW !! Love all your excellent comments, Louie. You sure told them and you have so much information as always. Many Thanks.
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Thank you Animals’ Angels for all you have done and will continue to do. Laws are useless if not enforced. We know you will be out there witnessing and documenting any violations of our beloved SAFE Act when it passes, as well s ay abuses that need addressing.
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Which organizations do you speak of?
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http://southwestfarmpress.com/livestock/horse-abuse-slaughter-create-conundrum?NL=SWFP-01&Issue=SWFP-01_20140117_SWFP-01_426&YM_RID=blazingsaddles%40frontiernet.net&YM_MID=1444357&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2_b
More BS that needs comments. I commented but they’re not posted yet.
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I, for one, appreciate all the hard work and money you have put into this. I know we in the outer circle won’t ever know how really hard you guys worked, but I have dealt with plenty of grief just being a supporter and letting folks know what was going on. Amazing how heartless folks are unless you attack something they believe in! Thank you for the Stick too!
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You mean I didn’t really have to sponsor those giant billboards all over the country? ( wasted a lot of money of those!?) I didn’t really need to write and write and write some more to all of the congressmen and senators? I didn’t really need to spread the word daily for others to write, sign petitions, sponsor the campaigns raising awareness of the problems. You mean the rest of could have just sat back and watched while you four got this all done?
You are my hero and a great general, but you didn’t battle alone.
You are a hero for the S.A.F.E. act, but you can’t do it alone.
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“…For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
-Rudyard Kipling
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I don’t know who has done more to save horses, but I’m pretty sure I know who has done more to doom horses. The leadership of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) have testified on Capitol Hill against every anti-slaughter measure, all while claiming to be neutral. Until the AVMA and the AAEP are part of whichever “inner circle” is currently advocating against slaughter, the horses are stuck with these half-measures.
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At least a few more people now know about the stopping of horse slaughter in the US because there was a film clip on Fox news this morning about it. Now the battle starts to call S.541 and H.R.1094 to the floor for a vote. Without having to worry about stopping the states opening up slaughter plants now, the fight is on to pass the S.A.F.E. ACT. The racing industry/quarter horse over breeders will circle their wagons to fight us to the death to block the S.A.F.E. ACT from ever being voted on, this fight isn’t over by a long shot, Its just beginning.
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I’ve been fighting to end slaughter for over 2 years, and I have NO idea who’s allegedly taking credit erroneously for getting the language into the Omnibus… All I do know is that I thank God for the MANY people who called, emailed and faxed various individuals and who even demonstrated in Roswell and Sante Fe. As much as I would like to know which organizations may be undeserving of merit, I – personally – feel ANY organization, individual, or group who made ANY effort at prohibiting horse slaughter from resuming in America is entitled to a HUGE BRAVO!!! In fact, I’d rather NOT know — we’ve got a LOT of work ahead of us to get the SAFE Act passed; and I pray that everyone works together on the next step, i.e., getting it out of committee and onto the floor for a vote!
God bless everyone who every and any effort – large or small – as well as for every effort they will continue to make!
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judye I have been fighting horse slaughter for over ten years and this is the first break through that has happened.
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Barbara your memory is short. It was quite a victory 8 years ago when we got the defunding language in the budget. Another victory 7 years ago when we got the last plant shut down.
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You know what IS really weird? I’ve been reading posts, comments, articles & other news on this subject, &, I’ve yet to come across any one group/organization, or individual, claiming “they did it!”, or “we did it”, as in all by themselves, but as in as a universal effort by MANY fighting together. None of these “others” have claimed, publicly, to take all the credit, including the HSUS, or other large organizations. Everyone together, united as one, made this happen. If it weren’t for ALL of our involvements in this matter, do you seriously think anyone in our government would have lifted a finger to stop horse slaughter? The answer is heck NO! We pushed & pushed, got high up clout involved, as in many public figures, got world wide attention, attended & debated at meetings, went to court, filed lawsuits, signed petition after petition, some donated money, some just prayed, &, guess what? The good,caring people in our government (of which there are few) actually agreed & listened, & got the job done. No one to my knowledge has claimed this small, first step victory as their own. Their “we” meant all of us. We ALL helped, in one way or another. And, this is but a small temporary win, we have to get them to pass the SAFE Act, or history will continue repeating itself.
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So true Valerie. It is always strength in numbers.
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Barbara, I checked the article that you posted and I don’t see that they’ve posted your comment. I don’t think that publication will post any of our comments. It looks as though they represent corporate farming/ranching, NOT small, independent ranchers and farmers.
http://southwestfarmpress.com/contact
Southwest Farm Press
GREG FREY, Vice President
http://www.penton.com/OurMarkets/Agriculture/tabid/89/Default.aspx
Farm Progress Group is comprised of 24 franchises that serve the U.S. agriculture market and is the largest and most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and publications, Penton Farm Progress is connected to nearly 75% of the 2.2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product.
GREG FREY, Penton Agriculture Market Leader; — Don Tourte, Farm Progress Market Leader
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Thanks, Louie, it sure figures they wouldn’t .
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I saw one of those barrages. The entire conversation went sideways. I confess I couldn’t even follow the arguments it was that confusing.
Some of it came from I don’t know where. EWA’s name got trashed. That person has since apologized to Jo but I’m not sure what damage it inflicted on the other thread.
It was ugly. I wrote Jo in the middle of it when I saw her post. I told her what I knew the PR to say. I asked if her if I misunderstood something. NOPE. I understood everything perfectly. I could then relax knowing my questions had been answered by someone in the know.
I guess we all we did it. Whether we called, prayed, sent faxes sent letters. Rallied. We all played a role.
I don’t know what Victoria did or didn’t do on the inside. I know she spent a lot of money time and energy working on this. I know that Senator Abruzzo saw us through this. I can’t write him cause I don’t live in his district. But many thanks indeed go to him for helping the horses. And UNBELIEVABLY thanks have to go to VP Biden! I swear I thought we were being ignored by the White House for these many years. We weren’t! I guess I have to write my apologies to the Pres and a thank you letter to VP Biden!
Those two letters will bring me much joy to write. Eating humble pie isn’t fun but in this case since they stood up to the fight and helped the horses it’s totally worth eating humble pie!
Now its time for the SAFE Act. This weekend I guess I have to learn how to use my windows fax machine. It’s supposedly built into my computer. If I can get that working I’ll have to faxing to my little heart’s content…
I’m ready to help dig in. I may not know as much as the next. And I don’t know a lot of legalese. But I can write letters. And I can ask folks to help pass SAFE Act and why. Just help me to know how to help.
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So Awesome.. We have some great horse angels out there
and Thank you God!! Whohooo…
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Many good organizations not metioned on here I do disagree with
the parasite comment as in everybody not mentioned here.
There are some.. but still many great organizations
that have been working behind the scenes with no credit given.
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Here is a timeline of the last 10 years of U.S. horse slaughter cases and legislation. http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-resources/horse-slaughter-timeline.aspx
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Love this: “Better yet, I am headed out the back door to kiss a horse and scratch an equine butt; ahh, the quality of life just kicked up a notch.” Kiss one for me too, and tell ’em it is going to be okay…for all horses…The journey isn’t over yet, but it is going to be okay. I REFUSE to believe differently.
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