OK I have read the entire post. I was expecting something completely different. I agree that if the animal is treat humanely, etc, that using is body is perfectly fine. Personly, don't want to eat a horse, there are a few other things i don't want to eat either, especially ONIONS! But if someone else does, fine. I would rather see a quick death, than it starving in a forgotten pasture.
I had a VERY old mare putdown last summer, she would eat, but was unable to gain weight. Had lost a lot of her senses, would let flies bite until she bled, and could not even feel enough to flick them off, and several other signs that the end was near. Could I have pumped money in her, only to have her go down during the winter when everything was frozen, sure, but putting her down was the most humane thing. It cost me well over $600 total, and that was getting a huge discount from a friend for digging a hole. Thank god for plastic, because it was an expense I really didn't need then. Would I have sent her to the auction to save me a few bucks, no, she deserved better. But I was in a postion via a credit card, to pay at that time. For some people that is not an option. I have to agree with the slaughter of horses, it is a needed.
Having been involved with horses for well over 30 years, I was a bit surprised with this thread, and the numbers of those that agree with horse slaughter. Normally, there are 90% that disagree and rant, but not this one. I wonder if the fact that with those who raise poultry are more grounded in thier belief that livestock have a more traditional farm role? Where most of the pleasure/show horse "people" see them as pets and not livestock?
Do I want to eat my horses, no. Do i want to eat my silkies, ewww, no. The rock crosses, well, they are another storey! Had some for dinner tonight, delish! I'm I going to process them, no, that is what the Amish butcher up the street get's $2.50 abird for. I like them in their cute clear bags, and if I was into Cheval, they would be in those same bags.
Just a last note, thanks to all those on this thread, who have used their brains & not the hearts in discussing this in a mature manner, it's nice to read a thread where there is no flaming & ranting.
