Standing Together for the Horses (on Halloween!)

Happy Halloween from
Wild for Life Foundation and
Saving America's Horses

You can help bring this film to the public eye with a meaningful donation. Help WFLF meet it's goal to complete SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED in 2010 and release in 2011.

Saving America's Horses is about a journey of courage, honor and betrayal in a country divided: inspiring great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from the cruelty of slaughter.


Lifetime Equine Refuge & Rescue (LERR) is the Equine Rescue division of Wild for Life Foundation. We support the rescue of slaughter-bound horses. LERR is a volunteer-based, equine rescue and rehabilitation organization located in Southern California.

Standing Together for the Horses:  The above photo features Diego, a noble Thoroughbred rescued by WFLF through the course of making the film, Saving America's Horses. (Left: Saving America's Horses Line Producer Mario James, Center: Diego, Right: Katia Louise) 

Come Stand With Us!

Wild for Life Foundation Inc (WFLF) is a CA 501 (c)(3) organization. We are a volunteer-based, non profit organization. Contributions to WFLF Humanion Films may be made payable to Wild for Life Foundation and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

http://www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html
http://www.savingamericashorses.org/donations.html

Animal Advocate TV to air the Official Trailer for Saving America's Horses on their Show

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 27, 2010


WFLF Humanion Films is excited to announce that Animal Advocate Television (AATV) will be airing the Official Trailer for “Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed” on the next show.

AATV is covering the Official Trailer for Saving America's Horses as part of their ongoing campaign to spread awareness about HR503 and S727. The OFFICIAL TRAILER for “Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed” will be shown during the Advocacy segment of the show. As a lifelong friend to horses, and Co Founder of Americans Against Horse Slaughter, Debra Lopez has vowed to cover the horse slaughter bill on her show until this legislation passes.

Watch Wisconsin's premier animal welfare television show this Sunday, Oct. 31st at 10am on CBS affiliate WMLW.  Please see the following list of channels where you can view the show.  Best of all, if you are not in the Wisconsin viewing area, the show will be posted on their website at animaladvocatetv.com and can be viewed 24/7.

This season AATV will feature special segments animal shelters, horse rescues, animal advocacy, teaching kids compassion with positive interaction with animals and much more!  This segment will take you on a tour of a nonprofit therapeutic horse riding center for children with disabilities.

WFLF Humanion Films salutes Animal Advocate Television for their support of this import CAUSE. The horse slaughter issue is heating up and the proponents have been very aggressive in their campaign to reopen horse slaughter plants in the US.  WFLF Humanion Films has been working around the clock in the trenches and on the front lines as we investigate and document this issue.

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.  Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on AATV!

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED, is nearing completion and targeted to release early in 2011.  You can help bring this important film to the public eye with a meaningful donation.
You can help by talking about SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES to your friends and families. Tell them what’s going on, and ask them to help by donating to this CAUSE.  Come Stand With Us! Please help us to bring exposure to this issue. You will make a difference for hundreds of thousands of horses in the years to come.

Donations can be easily made on line or by mail.

On behalf of the horses and burros,

Sincerely,
Katia Louise

Executive Director, Wild for Life Foundation
Director, Producer: Saving America’s Horses
www.wildforlifefoundation.org/home.html
www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html

Wild for Life Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) California nonprofit public benefit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Checks should be made payable to “Wild for Life Foundation”, with Saving America’s Horses, in the memo line.

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National Call-In Day to support of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act

Dear Friends,

Please join us by calling on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Tuesday, October 19th and Ask her to schedule a vote NOW on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. Schedule the vote NOW.  Tell her she has the power to end immense suffering by scheduling the vote NOW during the remaining session of Congress THIS YEAR!  NOW is the time for her to step up and do this.  Tell Speaker Pelosi that this bill has 183 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, 28 in the Senate, and tremendous public support.

After you call Speaker Pelosi,(202) 225-0100 or her San Francisco office, (415) 556-4862, call on Senate Majority LeaderSen. Harry Reid702-388-5020 / Fax: 702-388-5030, and Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Dick Durbin(202) 224-2152 or fax (202) 228-0400to schedule a vote on the senate version, S.B. 727.  Don’t wait. Do it now. For the horses.

For more information please go to Animal Law Coalition here:

http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=-1&msgid=0&act=11111&c=295898&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.animallawcoalition.com%2Fhorse-slaughter%2Farticle%2F1443

Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501 (c) (3) volunteer based, nonprofit corporation dedicated to protecting and saving animals from cruelty. The cornerstone of our work is centered on the welfare of horses. WFLF works to accomplish its mission through education, investigation, multimedia exposure, rescue and outreach.

Now See the Powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED.

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Oct 5, 2010

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Animals' Angels, USA & CHDC  join WFLF Humanion Films’ in the release of the official film trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED!  


WFLF Humanion Films
is pleased to announce  the release of the OFFICIAL TRAILER for the feature documentary film, SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. The Official Trailer features appearances with many cast members including several celebrities and other prominent figures who have all joined Humanion Films’ effort in support this film’s mission; Protection for All Equine from Slaughter… In order of appearance: JoAnne Normile, Beverly Strauss, Shelley Abrams, Dr Nicholas Dodman, Dr Nena Winand, Linda Gray, Senator Mary Landrieu, Susan Wagner, Representative Dan BurtonPaul Sorvino, Julie Caramante, Craig Downer, Michael Blake, Ginger Kathrens, Tippi Hedren, Shane and Sia Barbi, Dr Elliot Katz, Amy Nelson and  Paul Rainbird.

Sonja Meadows, Executive Director of Animals’ Angels, USA: “For the first time a film brings together a comprehensive look at what all is involved in this cruel, predatory business; An excellent documentary, suitable for a broad public audience.”

Sinikka Crosland, Executive Director of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
(CHDC) states: "SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED delivers a compelling case for the abolition of a cruel, archaic and predatory industry. A civilized society yearns to be just and compassionate, not supporting practices that are inhumane and potentially detrimental to human health."

“REALLY powerful. Packed!” – Paula Bacon

Julie Caramante, Equine Cruelty Investigator/ Animals Angels:
“As a cruelty investigator and someone deeply committed to banning the slaughter of American horses, I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed, miserable truth about horse slaughter”.

Tribal Leader, former Lt Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo,
Paul Rainbird speaks on behalf of Native Americans that oppose the slaughter of horses and burros in effort to help save equines from slaughter. “It offends me that horses are being slaughtered. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED presents the hard truth and must be seen. I hope awareness really has an impact on people making an effort to become involved." - Paul Rainbird, 1st Lt. Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo

Michael Blake, Writer DANCE WITH WOLVES, Horse Advocate, American West:
“To view Saving America's Horses is essential for stopping the killing. Since the American Government came about it has destroyed Indians, Buffalo and Wolves, and for the last several decades horses are being butchered. No individuals or organizations have been able to stop the removal of what has been put on earth. If the public stands up it can be done. Be sure to see SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED and watch it all.

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED at YouTube and on the official film website. "Saving America's Horses-A Nation Betrayed brings to surface a topic which nobody wants to talk about in a way that everyone will want to see. “ –Kate Dudley

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.

"The cruelty of equine slaughter recognizes no borders. Over half of the horses slaughtered in Canadian plants originate in the United States. In this predatory industry there is no guarantee of humane treatment at the receiving end where profit, not animal welfare, is the driving force." - CHDC

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through PayPal or mailed directly to support this CAUSE. Your generous donation will help bring this film to the public eye.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE

Humanion Films, IMA Studios


Music by
Maria Daines, Paul Killington, Peter Rowen, Debra Lopez, Ronnie Niles, Nancy Stanley, Karl Joseph, Emily Shreve & more!






Contact:
WFLF Humanion Films
Email

Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email 


Saving America’s Horses is a Project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a CA 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The mission of Saving America’s Horses is to protect all equines from slaughter.
www.savingamericashorses.org

Link to PDF of this Post


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NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts by composing musical contributions and donating several songs for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 21st, 2010

NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts by composing musical contributions and donating several songs for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce that Maria Daines, Paul Killington and NorthStar Music Publishing have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as composers and musical contributors for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

Maria Daines is a multi-award winning International vocalist and songwriter whose band supported US artist Pink at Cardiff International Arena for the Party For Animals World Wide in August 2007. The concert raised over £90,000 for six animal welfare charities. Based in the UK, Maria is an advocate for animal rights and welfare campaigning against breed specific legislation and many other issues of animal cruelty.

Paul Killington's craftsmanship on guitar shines brightly as the driving force behind Daines' melodic compositions for animal causes, and his slick production, sympathetically unique to specific project pieces is constantly in demand for film and media release. Together they are an unstoppable and prolific force for good, rising to the need for sentient beings wherever a strong voice is needed.
Musical pieces by Maria and Paul will become part of the official film sound track which will be available on CD after the film has released. 100% of the proceeds from the sound track will go toward the protection of all equines from slaughter.

COMING SOON: Watch for the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the film website and also on YouTube. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through the film website using PayPal or through Guidestar, and Facebook, or mailed directly.

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed Director 
Producer ~ Katia Louise 
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez 
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley 

Executive Advisory Board 
Paula Bacon Laura Allen 
Dr Nena Winand 
John Holland 
Julie Caramante 
Shelley Abrams 

Advisory Board Members 
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman 
Dr. Lisa Jacobson 
Craig C. Downer 
Sinikka Crosland 
Valerie James-Patton 
Jo Anne Normile 
Joy Aten 
Debra Lopez 
Ellen-Cathryn Nash 
Nancy Stanley 
Vicki Tobin

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

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Powerful Policy Makers join FILM as speakers and cast in Humanion Film’s “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 23th, 2010

Powerful Policy Makers join FILM as speakers and cast in Humanion Film’s “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”


WFLF/Humanion Films and Americans Against Horse Slaughter Call on all Americans to Step Up Efforts to end horse slaughter.

Congressmen Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, House Representative Dan Burton of Indiana and Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana have all joined the film, Saving America’s Horses. Producers Katia Louise and Debra Lopez have recently interviewed these powerful policy makers for the film about their thoughts and positions regarding pending bills that would protect America’s equines from slaughter and protect our wild horses.

Check out WFLF Humanion Films’ new “Action to End Horse Slaughter” preview clip which includes exclusive statements by these powerful policy makers. Special appearances in this preview additionally include Tippi Hedren of the Roar Foundation and Neda DeMayo of Return to Freedom. This special pre-release preview clears the air on misinformation that has been circulated by pro slaughter proponents. Learn more about what you can do to help end this barbaric practice without further delay.

Take Action! Print and circulate the WFLF Prevention to Equine Cruelty Pamphlet. (caution graphic photos)

Contact your U.S. representative and urge him or her to vote YES on the anti horse slaughter bill: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Contact the Judiciary Subcommittee Members: Phone: 202-225-3951
Website: http://judiciary.house.gov/about/subcrime.html

Call your Representative and the House leaders through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

Step up your efforts! Watch the all new exclusive “Action to End Horse Slaughter” preview clip from “SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES – A NATION BETRAYED” HERE!

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

PDF of this Release

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Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 6th, 2010


Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce that Amy and Raelyn Nelson have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as Special Guest Speakers and Cast for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed! The Nelson family has been raising awareness to end horse slaughter for almost ten years. Willie Nelson’s daughter, and grand-daughter, Amy and Raelyn (Aunt and Niece), have been working locally in their state of TN and federally on behalf of the horses. They have lobbied in Washington D.C. on multiple occasions to gain support for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R 503/ SB. 727). The girls and Willie all speak at various venues in effort to teach others how to show support for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act and also the Restore Our American Mustangs Act (ROAM) to amend the 1971 Free Roaming Wild Horses and Burros Act.

Check out the Preview Trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the official film website and also on YouTube. The Preview Trailer presents the inspirational tone of the film while also serving to raise awareness for the CAUSE.

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations are needed to bring this film to completion.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE:
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed 
Director, Producer ~ Katia Louise
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley

Executive Advisory Board 
Paula Bacon
Laura Allen
Dr Nena Winand
John Holland
Julie Caramante
Shelley Abrams

Advisory Board Members 
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Dr. Lisa Jacobson
Craig C. Downer
Sinikka Crosland
Valerie James-Patton
Jo Anne Normile
Joy Aten
Debra Lopez
Sonja Meadows
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Nancy Stanley
Vicki Tobin

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Saving America’s Horses Foundation Call to Action

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2010
Wild for Life Foundation

In an all out plea for support to help end horse slaughter, WFLF Saving America’s Horses Foundation issues the following letter of appeal:

Wild for Life Foundation
Saving America’s Horses Foundation (SAHF)

Dear equine enthusiast,

America's horses need your help! We're asking everyone who cares about the welfare of these beautiful creatures to step up, speak up and help BAN the insidious act of horse slaughter. You can help by talking about it and telling your friends about what’s going on, and also by donating to the "Saving America's Horses" Cause. Please help us to bring exposure to this issue. You will make a difference not only for the thousands of horses that will die today, but also for the hundreds of thousands of horses in the years to come.

Come Stand With Us! With the cornerstone of our campaign efforts at Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) centers on the welfare of horses and Saving America’s Horses Foundation (SAHF) is dedicated to the mission of  PROTECTING ALL EQUINES FROM SLAUGHTER. Thousands of healthy vibrant American horses lose the benefit of protective humane laws once they enter US auctions and sale barns, where they are sold in vast numbers by the pound for their flesh. These majestic and loyal beings endure barbaric cruelty; oftentimes changing hands repeatedly in the course of an unspeakable journey, eventually crossing federal borders only to face horrific slaughter. A very small number of foreigners profit highly from the sale of horse meat which is served as a delicacy overseas. Though some American breeders have taken honorable steps to help BAN horse slaughter, the majority continues to breed indiscriminately. They justify this surplus of horses based on the desires and whims of the horsemanship industry and while the horrors of slaughter are swept under the rug. All told, it’s a complicated slippery slope perpetuated by special interests seeking to get a piece of the bloody pie.

Sadly, there is such an intense need to save these horses from this barbaric treatment that many slaughter bound horses are sometimes rescued just for the purpose of humane lethal injection, but these humane acts of mercy will never end the vicious circle of slaughter. Horse slaughter is NOT humane and cannot be made humane. Until enough people take a stand, the over breeding will continue as driven by the market for horse meat.

If you would like to give back to the horses for the loyalty they have provided to mankind over the span of time, please support this Cause. Our board of advisors consists of the nation's finest equine veterinarians, trainers and specialists and we have many prominent celebrities on board in support our work. SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED is a feature length documentary film currently in production with the mission to protection all equines from slaughter. "Saving America’s Horses will undoubtedly persuade public outcry to end the brutal and inhumane slaughter of our American horses." - Debra Lopez, Co Founder Americans Against Horse Slaughter

We need more people to help get the word out so that we can make a difference. Together, we can BAN horse slaughter once and for all. Please donate and tell your friends!

Rescue is NOT the answer to stopping horse slaughter and these horses need supporters that will help insure their long term quality care for the duration of their lives. Many generous donors step up to help rescue horses from the slaughter pipeline, but these horses need sponsors to help pay for their ongoing feed and care until they can be adopted into new forever homes.  Your meaningful donations can be designated according to your preference whether for rescue, care and sanctuary or for educational media to raise public outcry and BAN this sordid practice for good.

We encourage equine professionals and enthusiasts with a passionate heart for the welfare of horses to collaborate with us. Horse people; if you have usable horse items that you’d like to donate please check out our wish list. SAHF is working to help fill the needs for the scores of well deserving equines across the country.

Volunteers are needed in various capacities and donations are crucial to save the lives of thousands to come. Donations are welcome in any amount and can be easily made on line at our website, through Facebook or by snail mail.

On behalf of all equines, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Saving America's Horses

www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html
http://www.wildforlifefoundation.org/donate.html
http://www.lifetimeequinerefuge.org/home.html

Wild for Life Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) California nonprofit public benefit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Email:
admin @ wildforlifefoundation.org
admin @ savingamericashorses.org
info @ lifetimeequinerefuge.org

Attack on the Innocence of the Sacred Horses of the First Nations People

Saving America's Horses stands together with the people of the First Nations.  A Nation Betrayed is a nation of horses and a nation of all people. The root of this situation reaches deep into the hearts of all those who respect and appreciate the horse and our planet Earth.
The below statement describes the situation as of May 3, 2010 by Elder David Swallow Wowitan Yuha Mani, Porcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement by David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani
Teton Lakota Spiritual Leader, Sun dance Chief of the Medicine Wheel Sun dance, and a Headman of the Lakota Nation Band of Wana Way Gu (Broken Bow)

Statement Date; May 3rd 2010
Transcribed To and edited by Keith Rabin and Allison Gutirrez-Bundy
Hau, Mitakuyepi na Mita Kola.  [ Hello.  Greetings my relatives and my friends. ]

My name is Dave Swallow Jr.  My Lakota name is Wowitan Uha Mani, Walks With Pride.  I'm a Lakota. I live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation [South Dakota].  I was born and raised there.  Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is The United States Prisoner of War Camp Number 344.  That's where I was born and raised.
We are the People of the  Lakota, Nakota and Dakota People. We have adopted the Sacred Horse, [ Sunka Wakan ] into our nation and into our families. It is part of who we are. It is hard in our ways to remember our lives with out our Horses. They are part of our family. We give them names and honor them. They take part in our ceremonies. They are part of our lives, not only for transportation but also the Sunka Wakan help heal our minds, bodies and spirits. 

Sunka is the Lakota word for "dog". Before the horse, Sunka helped us with our transportation. They also are our family members. When Sunka Wakan, the "Sacred Horse" came, it became a blessing a gift from our Creator to be forever in our lives.

Today, our grandchildren and children still need the Sunka Wakan for our healings of body, mind and spirit. Some of  the grandparents and parents save their money for months just to buy a colt, a Sunka Wakan for their children and grandchildren. This keeps our children and grandchildren away from alcohol, drugs and gang activities. This why we need our Sunka Wanka is part of our families.

But today, in 2010, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council at the Pine Ridge Agency created their own laws against the People of the Reservations and one of these new laws is against our Sacred Horse [ Sunka Wakan ].  Two Councilmen from the Porcupine District of the Pine Ridge have spear headed this law. The whole Tribal Council supports it. Without asking the People on the Pine Ridge Reservation to whom they are to represent, they created new Park Ranger positions on the Reservation to confiscate the People's horses, impound the Sacred Horses of the People and then charge the owners an outrageous amount of money to get their horses back. It seems they have no intent to return the Horses to the People.

Every other foreign nation conquered by the United States has received huge efforts towards rehabilitation and rebuilding.  Yet, while the U.S. cries about 20% unemployment, we have 80% unemployment.  We remain isolated and have living conditions which are as bad as or worse than any “third world country.”  Our life expectancy is only 48 years old for men and 52 years old for women. 

On March 2, 1889, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America established the Reservations. They said we are to live here on the Reservations, hunt and fish without any permits and the Reservations were established as "Open Range" without any fences.
It seems to the " The People" [ The Lakota Oyate ] that the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council has forgotten these rules set by the Senate of the United States of America and has taken upon itself some goal of not only hurting the Horse itself but the People and the families of the Lakota People .

This is a Reservation. We are NOT living in a park or a National park. It is the land of the People. We already have the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Police, the Oglala Sioux Tribal (OST) Public Safety Law Enforcement,  the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Marshals watching over us. I believe we Lakota Oyate have enough jurisdiction watching over us . Now come the Oglala Sioux Park Rangers, confiscating our Sacred Horses and arresting us if we don't cooperate. The Oglala Sioux Park Rangers are selling our horses to local ranchers (who then sell them to slaughter houses for slaughter) or the OST Rangers sell our horses directly to slaughter houses. THIS NEEDS TO BE STOPPED AND RETURN OUR Sacred Horses returned back to the People.
We are the People of the Sacred Horse. It is as much to our lives as your cars and trucks are to yours.

We have a treaty council, a council of elders, all kinds of councils but none of them are effective.  The government and state have kept us hungry and distracted with their projects which accomplish very little. 

But they need to know.  If we are to survive, people need to understand.  When we’re talking about the Black Hills, it’s not just the land that was lost but our way of life.  It’s not just money.  Money is the least important thing.  We have lost our way of life.

When we talk about the Sacred Horses, It is not about only Horses it is about everything. 

Ho he’cetu yelo, I have spoken these words.

David Swallow, Wowitan Yuha Mani
Porcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Thoroughbreds Racing to their Death?

Thoroughbreds Racing to their Death?



About Jane Velez-Mitchell
Jane Velez-Mitchell hosts Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, a topical event-driven show on HLN with a wide range of viewpoints.  Jane’s Man vs. Nature shows focus on pets and animal rights and in 2009, she did a segment entitled “Wild Horses Sold to Slaughter?” A veteran television news journalist, Velez-Mitchell reported for the nationally syndicated Warner Brothers/Telepictures show Celebrity Justice and regularly served as guest host for Nancy Grace, another HLN program. While working on Celebrity Justice, Velez-Mitchell's reporting earned the show two Genesis Awards from the Humane Society of the United States. As a commentator on high-profile cases, Velez-Mitchell has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and other national cable television programs. Velez-Mitchell previously spent more than a decade anchoring and reporting for KCAL-TV in Los Angeles. She also served as a reporter/anchor for eight years at WCBS-TV in New York City.  Velez-Mitchell is the recipient of a Los Angeles Emmy Award and a New York Emmy Award. The KCAL-TV newscasts she co-anchored won three Southern California Golden Mike Awards and an Emmy. She also wrote, directed and produced Dancing Through Life, an award-winning documentary.
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/issues.with.jane/

Film Festival Brings Horses Hope and New Legs to Run!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 8, 2010

Film Festival Brings Horses Hope and New Legs to Run!

Saving America’s Horses - A Nation Betrayed wins BEST IN FESTIVAL/ BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM!.

“Saving America’s Horses” played to a full house with a diverse audience. The screening was a success and the film was well received by the industry members in attendance.

Filmmaker, Katia Louise is thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious award. “It is an extraordinary documentary. I want everyone to see it." - Diana Means Festival Director.

"It’s a life changing film! …A masterpiece that has beauty, tragedy, heartache and joy.” -Michael Bailey, Producer/ Director Planetviews Productions, Environmentalist

Everybody needs to see it, worldwide.” –Kat Kramer, Kat Kramer’s Films that Change the World

I would definitely recommend the film.” –Larry Wilcox, Producer, Director, Actor

The film is a tour-de-force of technical filmmaking and covers an impressive scope of issues associated with horses." -Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist

In Defense of Animals (IDA) applauds the selection of “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed” by the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival. IDA President Elliot M. Katz, DVM said “finally - a film that reveals the tragic consequences and cruelties of the horse racing industry, the horror of horse slaughter and the tragedies of our government’s destructive Wild Horse roundups. We hope this film arouses the voices America’s horses need for their very survival."

“It’s an honor to receive the Best in Fest Award for a Feature Documentary Film” said Director, Writer, Katia Louise, “it’s a tribute to the horses that I’d like to share with all those who have taken part in the making of this film. Whether saving hundreds off the range, dozens of the track, or a single horse from the pipeline, all of them are important and deserve to be treated humanely.”

Filmmaker Katia Louise extends her sincere gratitude to the Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival for helping to give the film legs and bring attention to this most worthy cause.

Audience members gathered together after the screening where wine and food; donated by Du Vin and the Veggie Grill, was enjoyed. Industry members shared their comments and reviews at the after party which have since been produced to a special PSA to help further promote the film’s success and its message on behalf of the horses.

Now see the powerful reviews from the premiere screening of “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”.

Watch the review PSA on the Website! …on IMDB!

The film screens next at the International Wildlife Film Festival in Montana May 7th and 10th, 2011. Production seeks to continue showcasing the film through select festivals in the US and abroad while various levels of distribution are developed and considered.

Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed” is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of the American countryside. It’s about a journey of courage, honor and betrayal in a country divided; inspiring great hope for compassion and protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.

This film explores the chronic absence of humane treatment for equines once designated as food animals in the US, and brings to surface two opposing arguments which are ironically are based on the same primary foundation of equine welfare. It takes a look at economic and pollution history associated with the past operation of horse slaughter plants in the US; and also exposes the lethal health risks to humans as associated with the consumption of known toxic substances that are administered to US horses on a regular basis. The film features appearances by Paul Sorvino, Tippi Hedren, Linda Gray, Michael Blake, Ken Wahl, Shane and Sia Barbi, Willie Nelson, Amy and Raelyn Nelson, Dr Elliot Katz, Dr Nena Winand, Dr Nicholas Dodman, Paula Bacon, Nick Zito, Craig Downer, Ginger Kathrens and many more!

Watch the powerful Official Trailer for this film on the Website! …on IMDB

The film’s Mission is to save & protect a million horses in the 21st century.
How to Help:
Supporters are requested to help get the word out in support of this film by telling their friends. Donations are essential to bring this film to the public eye. Many levels of giving are available including sponsorship opportunities. Supporters are also invited to COLLABORATE and receive an on screen credit in the film in recognition for their support.

Director/Producer: Katia Louise
Associate Producers: Debra Lopez and Nancy Stanley
Presented by IMA Studios & Humanion Films
Saving America's Horses is a sponsored project of Wild for Life Foundation a CA nonprofit charitable organization.
Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization with over 100,000 members, is located in San Rafael, Calif. and is dedicated to protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitat through education, outreach, and our hands-on rescue facilities in Mumbai, India, Cameroon, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival is produced by Alliance of Women Filmmakers Inc. a non-profit 501c (3) organization established to honor and advance the careers of accomplished and emerging female filmmakers by providing a forum for them to showcase their work to industry decision makers, as well as Southern Californian moviegoers. Each year in March the organization produces the film festival which showcases narratives, documentaries, animation and student short films made by women of diverse backgrounds from around the world.

Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501 (c) (3) volunteer based, nonprofit corporation dedicated to protecting and saving animals from cruelty. WFLF works to accomplish its mission through education, investigation, rescue, adoption and outreach. The cornerstone of our work is centered on the welfare of horses. Public education is conducted through various forms of media including the production of Documentary Film, Audio Documentaries, Public Service Announcements, Flash Media, Broadcast, and various Publications.

Contact:
Mario[@]humanionfilms.com
Info[@]savingamericashorses.org

Visit www.savingamericashorses.org to learn more

Link to PDF

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MUSICIANS DONATE PROCEEDS OF SONG TO HELP BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER

Saving America’s Horses - A Nation Betrayed
WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 28, 2010

MUSICIANS DONATE PROCEEDS OF SONG TO HELP BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER 

WAMI award winning vocalist Ronnie Nyles and WAMI Nominee songwriter/producer, Debra Lopez donate proceeds from their song, “Racing For Time”, in support for banning horse slaughter.

Racing For Time”, tells the story of a racehorse who loses his best friend to slaughter only because he couldn't run fast enough to win races. He quickly realized with fear that he also may be running for his life.

Each year hundreds of thousands of young, healthy American horses are slaughtered and their meat is sent overseas for human consumption when they are no longer considered useful. American horses continue to be transported across our borders to Mexico and Canada for slaughter even though the last three remaining horse slaughter plants in the U.S. have been shut down.

Racing For Time” is available via download at www.racingfortime.org and www.savingamericashorse.org for .99 cents with all proceeds being donated in support of this CAUSE.

Whether retiring from a career due to injury, or if for some other reason a horse doesn't measure up, many horses wind up in the slaughter pipeline. “Saving America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed” is a feature length documentary film exposing the truth about one of America's dirtiest little secrets. This film features expert testimony and colorful anecdotes by some of the nation's top equine rescue organizations, trainers, veterinarians, pro horse advocates, celebrities and more. It's a CAUSE driven film for the Protection of All Equines from Slaughter. WFLF also supports safe refuge for Thoroughbreds that have been discarded upon the completion of their careers in the race industry. Lifetime Equine Refuge is a sponsored project under WFLF that provides protection from slaughter for all equine breeds through rescue, adoption and rehab programs.

Whether you want to save one horse at a time or you want to end horse slaughter for good, you can help save all American equines from this horrific fate with a meaningful donation!

Humanion Films is a program under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) volunteer-based nonprofit corporation. Donations can be made directly to “Wild for Life Foundation” and are fully tax-deductible.

We rely on the generous donations made by our supporters. Every penny that comes into WFLF goes to save America's horse from slaughter. No amount is too small to help save the lives of these majestic sentient beings.

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WFLF Salutes AATV for Their Support of HR 503

Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 16, 2010

WFLF Humanion Films is excited to announce that Animal Advocate Television (AATV) will be running a promotional spot in support of “Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed”.

AATV Wisconsin's premier animal welfare television show airs in March, 2010 on CBS affiliate WMLW. The show aims to raise awareness for animal shelters and horse rescues, encourage the public to foster and adopt and will inform and educate on state and federal animal welfare legislation as well as encourage parents to teach children compassion at an early age.

During each show AATV's host, Debra Lopez usually covers 2 shelters and 1 horse rescue. In addition, there's a segment called Legislative/Advocacy. During this segment show covers two main bills, the HR 503, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act and the state puppymill bill. The promotional clip for “Saving America’s Horses A Nation Betrayed” will be shown during our Legislative segment of the show. As a lifelong friend to horses, and Co Founder of Americans Against Horse Slaughter, Debra Lopez has vowed to cover the horse slaughter bill on her show until this legislation passes.


WFLF Humanion Films salutes Animal Advocate Television for their support of this import CAUSE. The horse slaughter issue is heating up and the proponents have been very aggressive in their misleading promotion of this insidious industry. We have been working around the clock in the trenches and on the front lines as we investigate and document this issue. WFLF Humanion Films’ Advisory Board, Honorary Board and Cast for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED is comprised of the Nation’s top anti slaughter equine experts and specialists. This film project is a very special collaborative effort which will bring this controversial matter to the public eye.

We rely on the generous donations made by our supporters. We need your help to raise the needed funds for completion as we come into the final phase of production. Your support is greatly appreciated.


The mission of his CAUSE driven feature documentary film is to protect all equines from slaughter, both domestic and wild. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES is a compelling compilation of expert testimony and true life stories. It takes a tender yet honest look at the reality that American horses are born into, and the love, joy and respect they give us. Through following the life stories of these proud and majestic American horses this film explores the untold truth about what should be “the quiet retirement of Thoroughbreds”, “the freedom of wild horses and burros” and “the peaceful demise of once loved horses”. Featuring Paul Sorvino, Tippi Hedren, Michael Blake, Linda Gray, Ginger Kathrens, Dr Nicholas Dodman, Paula Bacon, Nick Zito, Craig Downer, Dr Nena Winand, Dr Elliot Katz, Brad Woodard, Steve Long, John Holland, Laura Allen and many others!

WFLF Humanion Films is a program under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a tax exempt 501 (c) 3 volunteer-based nonprofit corporation. Donations can be made directly to “Wild for Life Foundation” and are tax-deductible.

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Stand Against Horse Slaughter!
Sign up for Production News

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Production Update & News

WFLF Production Update & News
March 8, 2010

We are excited to announce that we are wrapping up the filming and finishing up the last few interviews for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. The feature length documentary film is coming along very nice. We are about ¾ of the way through editing what we have filmed to date.

The horse slaughter issue is heating up and the proponents have been very aggressive in their misleading promotion of this insidious cruelty. The general public must be exposed to learn the truth and never before has there been a need so strong for people to come together for total ban of horse slaughter in the US.

We have been working around the clock in the trenches and on the front lines as we investigate and document this issue. WFLF Humanion Films’ Advisory Board, Honorary Board and Cast for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED is comprised of the Nation’s top anti slaughter equine experts and specialists. This film project is a very special collaborative effort which will bring this controversial matter to the public eye.

We rely on the generous donations made by our supporters. We need your help to raise the needed funds for completion as we come into the final phase of production. Your support is greatly appreciated.

WFLF Humanion Films is a program under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a tax exempt 501 (c) 3 volunteer-based nonprofit corporation. Donations can be made directly to “Wild for Life Foundation” and are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Come Stand With Us!
Our United Stance Against Horse Slaughter
We believe that…

• Horse slaughter is NOT humane and cannot be made humane
• Horse slaughter does NOT stop; has nothing to do with Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment of equines
• Americans do NOT support human consumption of horsemeat
• A Federal Law permanently banning horse slaughter in the US is necessary
• A Fed Law permanently banning the transport of Equines for slaughter is necessary
• Wild horses and burros belong free on the range
• A moratorium on all BLM round ups is necessary
• Horses may become homeless, but No horse is “unwanted”
• Horse owners should have the right to humanely euthanize their equine
• Equine owners and breeders must take responsibility for the life of each equine in their charge


We invite you and your friends to join SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES’ United Stance Against Horse Slaughter. Come Stand With Us! (Click here to learn how)

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED
Healthy vibrant horses are disappearing. Every day, thousands of horses are being shipped across state and federal borders to later face gruesome slaughter in Mexico and Canada. The BLM is rounding up thousands of wild horses from across the west, never to be seen again.  The mission of his CAUSE driven feature documentary film is to protect all equines from slaughter, both domestic and wild. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES is a compelling compilation of expert testimony and true life stories. It takes a tender yet honest look at the reality that American horses are born into, and the love, joy and respect they give us. Through following the life stories of these proud and majestic American horses this film explores the untold truth about what should be “the quiet retirement of Thoroughbreds”, “the freedom of wild horses and burros” and “the peaceful demise of once loved horses”. Featuring Paul Sorvino, Tippi Hedren, Michael Blake, Linda Gray, Ginger Kathrens, Nicholas Dodman, Paula Bacon, Nick Zito, Craig Downer, Brad Woodard and many others!

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed Director
Producer ~ Katia Louise
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley

Executive Advisory Board 
Paula Bacon
Laura Allen
Dr Nena Winand
John Holland
Julie Caramante
Shelley Abrams

Advisory Board Members 
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Dr. Lisa Jacobson
Sonja Meadows
Craig C. Downer
Sinikka Crosland
Valerie James-Patton
Jo Anne Normile
Joy Aten
Debra Lopez
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Nancy Stanley
Vicki Tobin

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Stand Against Horse Slaughter!
Sign up for Production News
Donate!
Collaborate!

About WFLF Humanion Films:
Humanion Films mission is to defend animals, investigate cruelty and expose the truth about the abuse through compelling feature documentaries for film and television that motivate the world's societies into action for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

About WFLF’s special equine rescue efforts:
WFLF recently launched a new website for it's ongoing equine rescue support efforts. Lifetime Equine Rescue (LERR) is a volunteer-based, nonprofit equine rescue and rehabilitation organization located in Southern California. We actively rescue horses that have been "salvaged" (aka discarded & abused) for profit in the slaughter industry. LERR' mission is to save lives, and protect equines from slaughter. We have a small number of Thoroughbreds that need a little more time in order to find qualified adopters or long term foster homes. We also facilitate the rescue of Mustangs and other domestic breeds. Learn more here.

Dr. Elliot Katz of In Defense of Animals Joins as an Honorary Board Member in Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Feb 19, 2010 

Dr. Elliot Katz of In Defense of Animals joins WFLF Humanion Film’s efforts as an Honorary Board Member in Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed.

Dr. Elliot Katz, graduate of Cornell Veterinary School, founded In Defense of Animals (IDA) in 1983. “In Defense of Animals' objectives are to stop the round ups, keep the horses on their home range, end the senseless killing of all equines,
and do all in our power to return the rounded-up horses to the home range where they truly belong.” – Dr Elliot Katz. Over the past 25 years, under Dr. Katz’s leadership, IDA has been at the forefront of the struggle for animal protection, and has won many precedent-setting victories for the animals. Some of these accomplishments include Closing the infamous Coulston Foundation, once the largest chimpanzee research center in the world, saving hundreds of chimpanzees and monkeys from the horrors of vivisection; spearheading the rescue of hundreds of dogs and cats after a devastating "firestorm" swept through the Oakland/Berkeley hills, destroying more than 3,500 homes; preventing the US Army from breaking the legs of 120 retired racing greyhounds; freeing 180 beagles scheduled to be dissected by UC Davis veterinary students; saving the lives of hundreds of Catalina Island buffalo scheduled to be sent to auction and arranging and paying for their transfer to a South Dakota Reservation; and ending NYU's crack cocaine experiments on monkeys, Rockefeller University’s vomiting experiments on cats, and Michael Beren¹s brain cancer experiments on Beagle puppies.

Check out the “Message from the Filmmaker”! Also see the Preview Trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the official film website and also on YouTube.

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Production has also released a Series of Sneak Peeks which are available for viewing on the official film website and also on the Saving America’s Horses Channel at YouTube. Check out Film Sneak Peeks HERE!

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations are greatly needed to bring this film to completion.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate


Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed
Director, Producer ~ Katia Louise
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley

Executive Advisory Board
Paula Bacon
Laura Allen
Dr Nena Winand
John Holland
Julie Caramante
Shelley Abrams


Advisory Board Members
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Dr. Lisa Jacobson
Craig C. Downer
Sonja Meadows

Sinikka Crosland
Valerie James-Patton
Jo Anne Normile
Joy Aten
Debra Lopez
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Nancy Stanley

Vicki Tobin


Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email
Production
Email


PDF 

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Blood Money: "Under the Guise of Euthanasia"

Blood Money: "Under the Guise of Euthanasia"

Feb 15, 2010
By Katia Louise, Director SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES
Wild For Life Foundation

In response a 900 page FOIA document produced by the USDA[1] providing irrefutable evidence that horse slaughter is INHUMANE, proponents of horse slaughter declare that once the horses arrive at the slaughter plants they are treated humanely, yet nothing can be further from the truth. Proponents assert this nonsensical premise as proof that horse slaughter is purportedly humane, based on the fact that horses depicted in said FOIA were injured when they arrived at the US horse slaughter plants[2] rather than having their injuries sustained during the actual slaughter process.

In a recent report[3] by Animals’ Angels USA, where investigations of horse slaughter focused on conditions and treatment of horses at slaughter plants, auctions, feedlots and during transport investigations, it was found that “the instant a horse is designated a ‘kill horse’, handling and treatment change radically from that normally given horses.

Documented Kill Horse Handling:
  1. ·          Auction employees use wooden sticks, striking horses with full range of motion           and force
  2. ·          Auction workers hitting in face and jabbing in eyes
  3. ·         Transport driver whipping horses over the head, hips and legs
  4. ·         Horses were confined on trailer for over 34 hours, without food, water or rest
According to the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (1978), animals should be stunned into unconsciousness prior to their slaughter to ensure a quick, relatively painless death.  The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the Agency within USDA responsible for ensuring that slaughter plants are in compliance with the Act.[4]

Evidence of barbaric animal cruelty and suffering has been well documented on US soil long before US horse slaughter plants were forced to close down.  It cannot be emphasized enough that slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia.  "The captive bolt is not a proper instrument for the slaughter of equids, these animals regain consciousness 30 seconds after being struck, they are fully aware they are being vivisected." -Dr. Lester Friedlander, DVM & former Chief USDA Inspector

As documented by Animals’ Angels in their 2008 investigation of the Juarez, Mexico Horse Slaughter Plant, horses are killed with a “puntilla knife.[5]  “Such a barbaric practice does not render the horse unconscious, it simply paralyzes the animal. The horse is still fully conscious at the start of the slaughter process during which the animal is hung by a hind leg, its throat slit and its body butchered.”[6]Dr Nicholas Dodman BVMS, MRCVS, and Founding Member Veterinarians for Equine Welfare

The USDA affirms that, “Humane stunning procedures are required by the Humane Slaughter Act of 1978, and multiple stuns of an animal are considered INHUMANE.”

A 2008 report by the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition revealed unacceptable practices regarding the stunning and slaughtering of horses inside the plant. The CHDC report states, “They did not necessarily ensure accurate hitting of the horses with the captive bolt”; further that, “systemic neglect, cruel handling, poor slaughter practices, resulting in immense suffering.” 

In 2004 the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the most frequent violation noted by inspectors in slaughter houses was ineffective stunning, meaning "in many cases ..a conscious animal reached slaughter" in violation of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act[7]. The GAO also noted there had been no effort made to stop the ineffective stunning and the records kept by inspectors were so poor, it was impossible to tell even by 2008 that there had been any improvement.

In 1998 the USDA implemented a survey to determine if humane slaughter requirements were being applied and enforced as specified. In reference to the Act, the USDA asserts that FSIS Veterinarians and inspectors stop the production line if they see any violations of the humane slaughter regulations. In each plant, documentation showed the incidents were handled according to FSIS guidelines, yet onsite follow up by FSIS inspectors indicate this is NOT the case.
As reported by the USDA, “A deficiency in humane handling was noted in each of 13 establishments.[8] These FSIS observed deficiencies included: The inappropriate and inhumane movement of downer animals to the stunning area by use of ropes, chains, and forklift.. overcrowding of animals in holding pens resulting in animals not being able to get to the watering troughs ..improper stunning of both normal and downer animals. Additional past incidents of inhumane handling were documented on Processing Deficiency Records in 15 plants.”

The USDA further reports that “Employees used devices such as whips, a length of garden hose, or plastic tubing to drive the animals. Against regulation, employees were observed to drive animals at a pace that was faster than normal walking speed to ensure full chutes and driveways to the stunning area.”

The USDA FSIS reports that with regard to captive bolt stunners, plants with lower efficiency rates usually resulted from “inexperienced operators, misplacement of the stunner, or misfiring of the stunner.”

The USDA states that, “it is desirable that animals be bled as soon after stunning as possible to utilize post stunning heart action and to obtain complete bleeding. Also, the longer the interval between stunning and bleeding, the more likely that an animal will regain consciousness. It is considered INHUMANE to allow an animal to regain consciousness after the stunning procedure, so the bleeding should be done as quickly as possible after stunning. Although a stunning-to-bleed interval is not specified in the regulations, the stunning-to-bleed intervals were monitored and recorded. The intervals ranged from less than 15 seconds (in six plants) to greater than 60 seconds (in 34 plants).”

The topic of horse slaughter has been called America’s dirty little secret and for good reason. Most people have no idea that this covert industry is not only thriving, but it’s being fueled by an aggressive and well funded international movement to reopen horse slaughter plants on US soil. 

Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence of barbaric cruelty within the horse slaughter industry, the protective legislation that would provide for a Federal law banning it has been stuck in Congress for nearly a decade.

What seems to be a pattern is that the bill is passed by the House and then lingers without movement once it reaches the Senate.  For example, H.R. 503 was passed in the House on September 7, 2006, but the bill was anonymously blocked from a vote in the Senate, so the bill died at the end of the session and then was reintroduced.

Current pending legislation reflects a clear and present need for law enforcement and on Mar 16, 2009 HR 503 was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009[9] - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to three years for possessing, shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering, or receiving any horse, horse flesh, or carcass with the intent that it be used for human consumption. The Act reduces the prison term to one year if the offense involves less than five horses or less than 2,000 pounds of horse flesh or carcass and the offender has no prior conviction for this offense.

Despite countless instances of documented cruelty and cases where charges were brought against known offenders, and the government’s own documentation of irrefutable evidence that horse slaughter is INHUMANE; law enforcement agencies continue to look the other way, fines are not enforced and the dirty little secret goes on and on.

Proponents argue if horse slaughter plants were reopened in the US, that horses would be protected from cruelty by the Humane Slaughter Act which is enforced by the USDA FSIS inspectors; however findings indicate that inspectors have become paper pushers and don’t have access to the slaughter area on a regular basis.  “We are the people who are charged by Congress with enforcing HSA, but most of our inspectors have little to no access to those areas of the plants where animals are being handled and slaughtered,” said Arthur Hughes, President of the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals.

H.R. 503 and S 727 are two pending Bills that could put all this to an end for domestic equines. H.R 1018 would provide additional protection for wild equines and H.R 305 would outlaw the use of double decker cattle trailers for transporting horses within the US.  Despite the support of many courageous Congressmen and Senators that currently support these Bills, they are being challenged by some of the strongest lobbying powers in recorded history.

What most American people don’t realize is that America’s horses are still facing brutal slaughter in Mexico and Canada, and that these slaughter plants are owned by the same foreign interests that once operated in the US.  

Many policy makers are being mislead, and or bought out by special interests. Many of those who oppose a ban of horse slaughter have been misled to believe that there are allegedly too many so called “unwanted” and “excess” horses and/or that horse slaughter is purportedly humane.  Gov Tracks US currently shows that there are 180 co sponsors of H.R 503, yet new pro slaughter legislation is being introduced on a regular basis in several states across the Nation at an alarming pace. There are now approximately 65 Senators that oppose the Prevention to Equine Cruelty Act or have yet to step up and support it.

Proponents are pushing hard for Americans “to accept and embrace the idea of using horse meat for human consumption”.  Proponents seem to be targeting the states that have FSIS inspections in place for food animals. According to the United Organizations of the Horse (UOH), a nation-wide network of pro slaughter activists reports that legislative action is mounting and taking place in approximately 23 states including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming--and legislative efforts in support of the horse industry are being considered for introduction in a number of other states including Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.” Pro slaughter legislation encourages foreign interest to invest in horse slaughter plants in North Dakota and Montana and there are aggressive lobbying efforts to reverse the court actions in Texas and Illinois to re-open horse slaughter plants.

Illinois State Rep. Jim Sacia recently reintroduced a bill to repeal the state's 2007 ban on slaughtering horses for human consumption. Rep. Sacia's bill, H.B. 4812, would also allow horses to be shipped into the state for slaughter for human consumption, with no certificate of veterinary inspection, contrary to current state law governing horses.- Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition.In what is perhaps even more disturbing, Rep. Sacia has also offered a clause to HB 4812 that calls for a fee of $25 to be charged to the slaughterhouse for each horse slaughtered. This money would then be placed into a fund for eventual distribution to equine rescues for use in expanding their operations or providing care to rescued horses.
The ILEHC finds this clause to be particularly repulsive and we want our members and supporters to know that we would never accept a single penny of the proposed blood money.” – Gail Vacca, President Illinois Equine Humane Center

How to Help:
Americans can contact their US representatives in support of HR 503, S727, HR 305 and HR 1018. Thank your representatives if they currently support these bills (180 co sponsors of H.R 503) and to contact the policy makers that haven’t yet stepped up to support this important legislation.

The hearing on IL HB 4812 is scheduled for February 23. Contact representatives to voice your concern regarding the pending IL legislation. Learn more HERE.

Learn more:
Veterinarians for Equine Welfare                               
Animal Law Coalition                                               
Equine Welfare Alliance


[1]  Evidence produced by the USDA dated Oct 8, 2008 in response to a Nov 17, 2005 FOIA request by Julie Caramante 
[2] UOH: The Fundamental Truth of Animal Agriculture
[3] Animals’ Angels Compilation Report
[4] USDA FSIS Fact Sheet
[5] Animals’ Angels Compilation Report Horse Slaughter 2007/2008/2009
[6] Horse Slaughter – Its Ethical Impact and Subsequent Response of the Veterinary Profession, by Dr Dodman
[7]GAO-04-247, GAO-08-686T

[8] USDAFSISantemort.pdf
[9] H.R. 503 Full Text HR503FullText.pdf
PDF of this Article