Horse Slaughter Houses Soon to be in Montana

A federal bill in Montana might allow for the state to build horse slaughter plants.

All that is needed for it to pass is the signature of Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. In the event that this bill is passed, the first U.S. horse slaughter houses would be built; many horses would be brutally killed there for human consumption.

Here is a letter I sent via email to the governor expressing my discontent in this proposed legislation. I hope that my letter motivates you to do the same.

You can send him a quick note, through Montana's Official State Website, urging him to veto horse slaughter bill #HB 418.

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Governor Brian Schweitzer,

Although I live in New York City, I am greatly concerned about legislation that might allow the United States' first horse slaughter houses to be built in the great state of Montana. It would be very disturbing if state legislation allowed for such majestic creatures to be brutally killed for human consumption.

For over 4,000 years, horses have served man tirelessly: providing transportation, labor, entertainment, and even companionship. "Of all the animals on Earth, the horse has probably most closely shared in man's adventures and has been most intimately allied with his progress." (Britannica Encyclopedia)

We are taught from a young age to respect and love horses. As children we are taken either horse back riding or on school trips to farms, where we can admire and feed them. Most of us can reflect back on the nostalgic memories of riding the extravagantly decorated "horses" on the carousel. It is why we associate horses with the fondness of our childhood recollections.

As a culture, we claim to love horses yet there are public officials willing to disregard their service and then allow for them to be served on plates; it can be seen as barbaric to say the least.

Most Americans are disgusted by the thought of consuming canine meat. Although some cultures eat it, our culture disapproves of such practices. The reason is that we view dogs, as well as cats, as our companions. To make a similar point, horses have been just as loyal in their servitude. So why would we consider eating horse meat?

The ASPCA and other organizations are there to prevent the abuse or slaughtering of dogs, whether for their meat or any other reasons. So tell me, who is going to protect the horses???

I sincerely hope that you protect them... by vetoing horse slaughter bill #HB 418.

-- A .Torres

Silverback Gorillas Face Extinction

Silverback gorillas (mountain gorillas) are strong yet beautiful, shy, and peaceful creatures. They are herbivores and also the largest primates.

These gorillas are known as "silverback" being that the hair on the lower back of male gorillas turns a grayish color when they reach the age of 10.

Their family structure consists of one silverback, several female gorillas (his mates), and all their offspring. This group of gorillas is called a troop. The silverback is the leader of the group; he makes all the decisions and is responsible for protecting the rest.

Unfortunately, only roughly 700 are alive today. It is very upsetting to know that such few exist. What is even worst is that they continue to get killed by poachers and rebels for food. A large scale gorilla massacre is all it would take to speed up the process of their eradication.

Their extinction seems inevitable at this point in time. The only logical solution would be to put them on camps where they can be protected and monitored, and where they can reproduce. This would hopefully allow the current population to steadily increase. An action like this should be taken and as soon as possible.

To lose these creatures would be saddening; we would have no choice but to say good-bye to humans' closest relatives.

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* Congo rangers are responsible for patrolling the silverback habitats. They work hard to protect the gorillas from poachers and rebels. Sadly 97 rangers have died, on the call of duty, since 1996.

If you are interested in helping Congo rangers, you can make a donation through wildlife direct.