There have been many articles recently regarding the status of horses in our society. Horses have been companions, work tools, means of nourishment and recreational vehicles to our ancestors.
They have gained notable status in North American history and (are) greatly appreciated. However, they are animals and it is owners’ and breeders’ responsibility to care for them and determine how they are managed.
It is not up to a specialist to tell people with decades of animal husbandry experience how to manage our livestock or to claim exporting horse flesh is an abomination. Nor will any meat buyer purchase a horse for more than the going rate. That is economical insanity.
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In America (the Humane Society of the United States) walks hand in hand with animal activist groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and we as agriculturists have to be prepared to defend our means of making a living.
Just as they use free will and freedom of speech to voice their message, ranchers need to defend their livelihoods using the same tools. They, and farmers, provide the economic and social base of Western Canada and we need to be proud of our role in the past, present and future.
Farmers and ranchers must care for their animals and strive to provide quality product, records and follow through to ensure our agrarian living and lifestyle aren’t steamrolled by people who have no practical experience.
A 1,200 pound animal is not a pet and should not be treated as such. However, there is a happy medium between pet and starving, abandoned animals. Obviously there will be a million shades between these two extremes.
We as animal owners must protect our freedom regarding animal ownership and speak out against animal activists who seek to steal our freedom. Do not ignore these activists.
Adrienne J. HansonEstevan, Sask.
