The United Horsemen would like to thank Al Almanza, the Administrator of the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), for doing his due diligence and finally granting inspection to the horse processing facilities asking for them for over a year now.
The USDA had to go through a very lengthy process to ensure it addressed all the questions the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) brought forth in its petition to stop horse slaughter.
Here is a link to the FSIS summary that is truly bound to make HSUS chief Wayne Pacelle cry for days. In essence, it legally debunks all of HSUS's arguments.
These facilities now have the opportunity to demonstrate that horses can be processed humanely. Testing protocols will debunk the myth perpetuated by the animal rights groups that horse meat is unsafe for consumption.
However, this battle is far from over. Our next challenge will be to ensure these humane processing facilities remain open for business, which is a significant part of our overall mission to defend the welfare of horses and the well-being of the horse industry.
To those who oppose horse processing, I pose a question: what is your solution to the unwanted horse crisis? Those who oppose horse processing have had six years since the original plant closure to come up with solutions. The suffering of horses has only intensified during that time.
These folks have had their chance to prove they were right, and failed. Now it is our turn.
This campaign to restore the viability of the horse industry, as well as the welfare of horses, is a campaign we need to view as a marathon, not a sprint. We will probably be in the battle against animal-rights groups for the rest of our lives. And it is important to remember that we may often feel outnumbered by activists and outgunned by their money. But truth is on our side, and the force behind the United Horsemen is growing.
The United Horsemen is in it for the long haul. We thank you for supporting us, and we ask for your continued support as we continue to fight for the welfare of horses and the horse industry.
Stay strong and stay the course, with United Horsemen.
Yours truly,
Dave Duquette
President
United Horsemen
When truth is on your side, you don't need $150 million a year to make a difference.