In light of the recent horsemeat scandal in the UK and Europe, I naively believed that the UK did not have any horse slaughter houses of its own. I was wrong.
Although UK citizens do not eat horsemeat, horses are slaughtered in the UK/Ireland to be shipped over to the countries that do eat it. I am hoping that a trend is not starting up here in the UK.
- Some stalls in markets across the UK (one in Kingston-upon-Thames springs to mind) may sell Exotic meats including horse, zebra etc...
- One pub in Watford, is selling horsemeat (burgers)
- Ikea in the UK is re-selling their meatballs that contain horsemeat with the labelling changed to "may contain horsemeat".
In 2012, 9,400 horses were slaughtered in Britain, up from 5,100 in 2009
That is 9,400 too many!
I want the horse slaughter houses in the UK to be shut down completely, and the act of slaughtering horses to be made illegal. I want the suffering of these beautiful animals, which should not be classed as livestock, to end. I want them to be respected and honoured for the work and companionship they give to us.
Is this asking too much to give to an animal who has been with us through wars, protests, parades, competitions, as much loved pets, as the therapy for the disabled and shows? I don't think so!
Please join me in this fight for the welfare of horses in the UK and abroad, by signing my petition.
Thank you!
Picture of Horse thanks to Dana boomer from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!
