Just the other day, I was thinking about what a drastic impact the lack of horse slaughterhouses had on the horse and hay market in the United States.  Done with the best intentions, banning slaughterhouses has resulted in much more horse abuse and neglect than it prevented.  Horses all across the country are starving or being turned loose because there is no market for them anymore.

Few horses actually went to slaughter, but the ones who were not fit for sale could be sent to slaughter, and the market price was determined by slaughterhouse prices.  Now, the bottom has completely dropped out on the horse market.  In addition, it has affected hay prices, putting a strain on everyone who feeds hay.

In a bold move yesterday, Congress lifted the ban on slaughterhouses, which may allow the return of a better market for horses.   Environmentalists are up in arms about it, and I understand their point of view.  Numerous reports abounded about the horrific conditions some horses bound for slaughter endured.  I remember that being one of my most passionate issues as a teenager.  Completely eliminating slaughterhouses is not the way to correct the problem.  In fact, horses are transported farther now – to Mexico and Canada, which means more chances for abuse along the way.

I really hope this ban stays lifted and we can find a way to deal with horses that are no longer fit for sale due to illness, age or other reasons.  I believe all animals should be humanely treated, and by disallowing the slaughter of horses in the United States, more horses are being subject to cruel conditions than ever before.