Sen. Craig Airport Restroom a Tourist Attraction

I am sure you all remember Sen Larry Craig as the pro-horse slaughter rep that kept stalling and blocking our anti-horse slaughter bills....and the one who got caught soliciting sex in a mens room at an airport.

In this Sept. 17, 2007 file photo, the bathroom at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis where U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, was arrested in a sex sting. Officials say the men's room at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport where U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, was arrested in a sex sting has lost interest as a tourist stop.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com

BOISE, Idaho - The men's room at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport where Republican Sen. Larry Craig was arrested in a sex sting is losing it appeal as a tourist stop, an official said.

"We're getting there," said Patrick Hogan, director of public affairs for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. "I think we'll all be glad when there's no special interest in that restroom."

Craig was accused of soliciting sex in the bathroom in June 2007 and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in August 2007.

One person had offered to buy the restroom stall for $5,000, Hogan said, but airport officials "don't sell fixtures for novelty purposes."

Though tourist interest has withered, the surge of publicity from Craig's arrest helped end the type of activity in the restroom that had prompted lewd-conduct complaints, he said.

Plans to modify the restroom to prevent occupants from passing signals were scrapped because complaints dropped.

"It is the busiest restroom at Minneapolis-St. Paul International," Hogan told The Spokesman-Review. "It's right in the middle of our main thoroughfare."

Craig - who has maintained his innocence and heterosexuality - has said he only pleaded guilty to keep the embarrassing situation quiet. He attempted to withdraw his guilty plea but the Minnesota Court of Appeals earlier this month rejected the appeal.

Craig, who said he was considering another appeal, did not seek re-election in last month's election for the seat he has held for 18 years. He will be replaced in January by Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, a Republican.


http://www.kansas.com/848/story/644974.html

SlaughterGate: The USDAs "Dirty Little Secret" and BIG FAT LIES Exposed

From Texas Horse Talks Steve Long;

Well I never heard of this guy before but who hasent herda' TXHT?

I hope this aint one of those "not-what-you-say but what-you-dont-say" instances where they dont actually come out and say it but subtly impart conotations that would lead you to believe what it is that they did not want to come right out and say. If you notice, Mr King dosent actually say he is against slaughter, per se. Or am I reading this wrong? Somebody please correct me if I am. My ole gamblin philosophy was to always hope for the best but to expect the worse,....well, how do you think I leaned that? The worst always DID seem happen, thats how. Anyways, I am hoping that Mr. Long is FOR REAL against horse slaughter PERIOD and not advocatin for "More oversight,management or more humane slaughter methods.

http://www.khou.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=315146

Equine Advocate "Gets it," about Stenholm, Gets Active Again

Click on title above to see and sign the petition to ole' slaughterhouse Stenholm.


Equine Advocates, Inc.
Promoting The Humane And Responsible Treatment of Horses


Horse Slaughter Lobbyist and Former Texas Congressman Charles Stenholm is Pushing for American Indians to Slaughter Horses on Their Reservations

No way, Charlie!

According to the Associated Press, horsemeat lobbyist and former Texas Congressman, Charles Stenholm, is encouraging some American Indian tribes to consider starting a horsemeat industry on their reservations. This is about as un-American as you can get, especially when over 70% of Americans overwhelming want federal legislation passed banning the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

After Californians made history in 1998 when they passed "Proposition 6," the first state initiative in the nation outlawing horse slaughter, the practice declined, but then escalated during the Bush years. However, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act did pass in the House of Representatives in 2006, but was blocked in the Senate by special interests, including the Farm Bureau, the Cattlemen, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other pro-horse-slaughter groups.

In 2007, the very last foreign-owned and operated horse slaughterhouse in the U.S. finally shut its doors thanks to the will of the American people. The federal bill should have passed around the same time. However, these very same powerful special interests used their influence to prevent that from happening and with that, created a massive problem. More horses than ever are now being transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. Had the legislation passed, real solutions to the problems of indiscriminate/over-breeding and irresponsible horse ownership would have been on their way to being solved. As long as slaughter is available, every reasonable idea will continue to be rejected. As long as greedy and irresponsible people are able to get rid of their unwanted horses quickly and for a profit, they will never take the time to try to place them or spend the small amount of money it costs to have them humanely euthanized.

Pro-horse slaughter terrorists are trying every trick in the book to re-establish the horse slaughter industry in the U.S. One reliable source who asked to remain anonymous, told Equine Advocates that these terrorists are actually turning horses loose in Texas and other parts of the West to deliberately create problems for the cities and towns. It seems that they will stop at nothing to try to bring horse slaughter back.

Charles Stenholm was advising the new Obama Administration on a choice for Secretary of Agriculture. He actually wanted the job himself, but was also strongly endorsing John Salazar, a long-time horse slaughter proponent. Obama is to be commended for instead nominating former Iowa Governor, Tom Vilsack for that post.


Over 100,000 American Quarter Horses are bred in the U.S. annually, often "puppy mill style" where tens of thousands end up being slaughtered for human consumption every year in Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses. This QH is one of the lucky ones. After being used at an urban riding stable, he was rescued by a woman who had ridden him after she found out he was being shipped to a slaughter auction due to an illness that caused him to become infirm. Today, he is a permanent resident at Equine Advocates' Safe Home sanctuary in upstate New York..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cathleen Doyle, former head of the California Equine Council and the historic Proposition 6 - Save the Horses campaign in 1998 which led to horse slaughter being banned in California, had this to say in response to Stenholm's intentions and comments:

"Former Congressman Charles Stenholm is clearly out of step with mainstream America and appears to be 'cow-towing' to a handful of special interest Cattlemen. The American people do not want horses cruelly slaughtered and exported for the foreign meat markets...Period! And their voice has been unwaveringly heard by way of a mandate initiative in California (the largest agricultural and horse owning state in the nation), majority votes in both the Illinois and Texas legislature, an overwhelming majority vote in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as all independent national polling conducted throughout the last decade.

"Stenholm, himself, concedes that unwanted horses must be dealt with in a humane fashion, and that the American people do not want them slaughtered for human consumption.

"Here, we agree to agree. So the issue is really one of disposal. Horses whenever necessary for whatever reason should be humanely euthanized. It's easily accessible, and the cost of euthanasia and carcass removal is commonly under $200. Humane disposal goes with the territory of horse ownership and personal responsibility.

"However, I am embarrassed for Mr.Stenholm when he represents that Native Americans should embrace horse slaughter which is something completely contrary to American sentiment evidenced by the fact that each of the fourteen foreign-owned horse slaughter facilities previously operating in the United States have had to close their doors. Why would Native Americans want the stigma of this reviled, underbelly business which would generate only a small handful of minimum wage jobs and would potentially lay their profitable casino businesses open to massive, negative public relations campaigns?

"Stenholm is also forgetting that when the national bill to prohibit the slaughter and export of American horses passes in the next Congress, the reservations could not open nor operate horse slaughter facilities because they must adhere to federal laws. It would seem like pure folly to me especially in today's economy to capitalize a business venture whose immediate demise is tied to an extremely popular bill merely being placed on the calendar and brought to a vote.

"So. Mr. Stenholm, the question is not what to do with unwanted horses nor who will pay to feed them but rather how do we dispose of recreational, non food tax based animals in this country?

"What do we do with our unwanted horses each year? There are several humane options including humane euthanasia (a lethal injection administered by a licensed veterinarian) which has been the method of disposal for our recreational, non-food animals for a very long time, including dogs and cats.

"Starving or abandoning a horse is against the law, and anyone who would do so is a criminal. Horse slaughter is not a humane alternative.

"At the very least, Americans can. and should, guarantee our horses a humane and dignified death!"


Slaughtering horses is simply un-American.

What You Can Do

Let Charles Stenholm know how you feel by contacting him at Olsson Frank Weeda, the Washington, D.C.-based firm where he works:
phone: (202) 789-1212
fax: (202) 234-3550
mail:
Olsson Frank Weeda
1400 Sixteenth Street
N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Let him know that horse slaughter goes against the American culture and that there is no place for it in this society. Let him know that massive protests and boycotts of Indian casinos will be organized immediately if they try to build horse slaughterhouses on Indian reservations.
Stay tuned for Equine Advocates updates on new legislation introduced during the 111th Congress that would ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption and prohibit their transport across the Canadian and Mexican borders or to any other country for the purpose of slaughter.


Down with horse slaughter!

Words from a Pro-Slaughter Horse Rescuer

Fates worse than slaughter await surplus horses
By MJ Clark


December 15, 2008 --
JAY EM — Helen Boreczky runs Wyoming Horse Rescue on 300 acres in Jay Em in eastern Wyoming. She only accepts horses from law enforcement, “because otherwise I’d have hundreds.” In the last few years, she’s seen an increase in the number of horses abused and abandoned.

“I’d say the abuse has increased because people aren’t selling them to slaughter,” she said. “I see so much brutality, they’re better off dead if they could euthanize them humanely.”

Historically, the ‘humane’ aspect was missing in the slaughterhouses. Boreczky refers to videos she’s seen in which horses were hung up and skinned while still alive. Because of protests, the last horse processing plant in the United States closed in 2007. But the issue of what to do with surplus horses didn’t go away.

Instead, many surplus animals are being purchased by agents for slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada, which Boreczky says are even worse.

As much as she loves horses, “I’m not so stupid as to think that all these horses can be saved,” she said. A slaughterhouse, she added, “would be a good thing if it was humane, and somebody was there to watch. Not PETA, but some other group who could make sure the process was humane.”

Boreczky may get her wish, and hopefully see a drop in demand for her services, thanks to action taken this weekend. A policy co-sponsored by Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis regarding the need for humane slaughterhouses in the U.S., was approved at the National Council of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Fall Forum in Atlanta.

Wallis said that the bill received support “from literally every crook and cranny of this nation, and from all walks of life.” She listed letters of support from “horse rescue and recovery organizations who are over-whelmed and without options” as well as from horse councils, horse owners, breed registries, professional rodeo cowboys, and many others who are sincerely concerned about the fate of horses and the equine industry.

The Horse Industry Policy urges Congress to oppose legislation that would restrict the market, transport, processing, or export of horses, to recognize the need for humane horse processing facilities in the United States, and not to interfere with state efforts to establish facilities in the United States. The passage of the policy provides the authority for NCSL staff in Washington, D.C., to lobby on Capitol Hill as it effectively establishes the position of the states.

At Wyoming Horse Rescue, Boreczky continues to care for and place as many horses as she can. While she approves of humane slaughter, when the time comes to put one of her charges down, she hires a vet and then gives each a proper burial. For more information on Wyoming Horse Rescue, go to www.wyominghorserescue.com.



http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=97681

NCSL Musters Forces, Gets Vocal for Pro-Slaughter

Some more "horse loving" pro-slaughters,.....

NCSL supports horse industry, humane horse slaughter


(12/14/2008)
Sarah Muirhead

The National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) this weekend adopted a policy that urges Congress to oppose legislation that would restrict the market, transport, processing, or export of horses, to recognize the need for humane horse processing facilities in the U.S. and not to interfere with state efforts to establish facilities in the United States.

The passage of the policy provides the authority for NCSL staff in Washington, D.C., to lobby on Capitol Hill as it effectively establishes the position of the states. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories.

The Horse Industry Policy received overwhelming majority support at the NCSL annual fall forum in Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 11-13. The policy was co-sponsored by Representative Sue Wallis of Wyoming, and Representative Dave Sigdestad of South Dakota.

Wallis, who is a vice chair of the agriculture and energy standing committee at NCSL, said, “We have received an absolute flood of support from literally every crook and cranny of this nation, and from all walks of life. We had letters of support from Horse Councils nationwide, we heard from horse owners, horse rescue and recovery organizations that are over-whelmed and without options, breed registries, professional rodeo cowboys, horse owners and many, many people who are sincerely concerned about the fate of horses and the equine industry.”



http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=A7EFC2EAC5DF4578ABC968DDF65840DB

NCSL Pro-Slaughter "Horse Lovers

NCSL supports horse industry, humane horse slaughter


(12/14/2008)
Sarah Muirhead

The National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) this weekend adopted a policy that urges Congress to oppose legislation that would restrict the market, transport, processing, or export of horses, to recognize the need for humane horse processing facilities in the U.S. and not to interfere with state efforts to establish facilities in the United States.

The passage of the policy provides the authority for NCSL staff in Washington, D.C., to lobby on Capitol Hill as it effectively establishes the position of the states. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories.

The Horse Industry Policy received overwhelming majority support at the NCSL annual fall forum in Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 11-13. The policy was co-sponsored by Representative Sue Wallis of Wyoming, and Representative Dave Sigdestad of South Dakota.

Wallis, who is a vice chair of the agriculture and energy standing committee at NCSL, said, “We have received an absolute flood of support from literally every crook and cranny of this nation, and from all walks of life. We had letters of support from Horse Councils nationwide, we heard from horse owners, horse rescue and recovery organizations that are over-whelmed and without options, breed registries, professional rodeo cowboys, horse owners and many, many people who are sincerely concerned about the fate of horses and the equine industry.”



http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=A7EFC2EAC5DF4578ABC968DDF65840DB

Starving Horses in BC Owned by Veterinarians

by: Kimberly S. Brown, Editor

December 13 2008, Article # 13264
Print Email NEW! Add to Favorites RSS ShareThis
Five horses found starving at a ranch in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, were seized on Friday (Dec. 10), according to a report on http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca.(Click title above) One horse was euthanized after the owners tried to use the emaciated horse to pull a stuck car out of a ditch.

The local Society for the Prevention of Cruety to Animals determined that the owners are veterinarians. That group is recommending charges be filed against the couple.

The Web site also has video clips of the horses.


http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13264&nID=22&src=RA

Crow Nation Horse Mounted Unit to March in Inaugural Parade

Hot News frum Big-Mouth Broad Castin'; Dec. 10, 2008

Crow Nation Horse Mounted Unit to March in Inaugural Parade
By Shannon Gilson

December 6, 2008

WASHINGTON—in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Crow Nation of Montana Horse Mounted Unit to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade.

Members of the Crow Nation of Montana Horse Mounted Unit will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups' applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

Two dozen Crow Nation members will ride paint horses single file. President-elect Obama visited the Crow Nation in Crow Agency, Mont., in May.

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help the Crow Nation of Montana Horse Mounted Unit raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Crow Nation of Montana Horse Mounted Unit and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Robert Old Horn, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Crow Nation Robert Venne, at 406-638-3868 or Donald Spotted Tail at 406-638-3717.

Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on the Presidential Inauguration Committee Web site.

Shannon Gilson writes for the Communications department of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

X-Sen. Larry Craig Looses his "Sex Appeal"

You all remember Idahos Sen Larry Craig, the one who was caught in an airport mens roon soliciting illicet sex and the one who was blocking and stalling all our anti-slaughter bills? He finally gets his "in the end."

Hot News frum Big-Mouth Broad Casting; Dec. 9, 2008

Larry Craig's statement

Idaho Senator Larry Craig issued the following statement in reaction to today’s ruling of the Minnesota Court of Appeals:

“I am extremely disappointed by the action of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. I disagree with their conclusion and remain steadfast in my belief that nothing criminal or improper occurred at the Minneapolis airport. I maintain my innocence, and currently my attorneys and I are reviewing the decision and looking into the possibility of appealing. I would like to thank all of those who have continued to support me and my family throughout this difficult time.”

By STEVE KARNOWSKI - AP
Edition Date: 12/09/08


MINNEAPOLIS — Idaho Sen. Larry Craig on Tuesday lost his latest attempt to withdraw his guilty plea in a Minneapolis airport bathroom sex sting case, but said he’s considering another appeal.

A three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected the Republican’s bid to toss out his disorderly conduct conviction.

Craig was arrested June 11, 2007, by an undercover police officer who was conducting a sting operation against men cruising for gay sex at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The senator quietly pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor and paid a fine, but changed his mind after word of his arrest became public.

The appeals panel said in a 10-page opinion that Craig failed to show that the district court judge abused his discretion by denying his petition to withdraw his plea. The opinion also said Craig failed to show that the state’s disorderly conduct law was unconstitutionally broad.

Craig said he was considering an appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

“I am extremely disappointed by the action of the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” Craig said in a statement. “I disagree with their conclusion and remain steadfast in my belief that nothing criminal or improper occurred at the Minneapolis airport. I maintain my innocence and currently my attorneys and I are reviewing the decision and looking into the possibility of appealing.”

His attorney, Billy Martin, said he was disappointed with the ruling.

Patrick Hogan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which runs the airport, said the appellate decision again confirms that Craig knew what he was doing when he entered his plea. He said the commission hopes that’s the end of the case.

After the story of his arrest broke in August 2007, Craig publicly insisted he was innocent and that he was not gay. He said he would resign from the Senate, but he changed his mind about that, too, and vowed to fight to clear his name.

Craig was unable to persuade Hennepin County District Judge Charles Porter to allow him to withdraw his plea. Porter ruled in October 2007 the plea was “accurate, voluntary and intelligent” and that it was supported by the evidence.

So the senator turned to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, a move legal experts had said was unlikely to succeed.

Martin told the three-judge appeals panel this September that the police officer misconstrued Craig’s foot-tapping, hand movements and other conduct. He said there was insufficient evidence for any judge to find Craig guilty.

The American Civil Liberties Union also weighed in on Craig’s behalf, arguing in an amicus brief that the state’s disorderly conduct law was unconstitutional.

Prosecutors, however, insisted his plea was legally binding.

Craig lost several GOP leadership positions in the wake of the scandal, and the Senate Ethics Committee said in February that Craig had brought discredit to the Senate. The committee members said they believed he was guilty, and that his attempt to withdraw his plea was just an effort to evade the legal consequences of his own actions.

He did not seek re-election in last month’s election for the seat he has held for 18 years. He will be replaced in January by Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, a Republican.


http://www.idahostatesman.com/1263/story/598540.html

NCSL Meeting Dec. 10-13th - I have made my calls

Well I have contacted my state NCSL Agricultural Reps today;
New York Reps.
Ronald C. Brach, Legislative Commission on Rural Resources
&
Senator Carl L. Marcellino

to remind them that the majority of americans are strongly opposed to horse slaughter. I had to email Marcellino but I spoke directly to Mr. Brach for about a half-hour, and was pleasantly suprized to learn Mr Brach, a big-whig in Ny agricultural circles, is strongly opposed to horse slaughter: at least that is what he claimed to me on the phone. The BAD news, Mr Brach cannot make it to Dec 10-13th Committee Meeting due to state budget cuts..... still, I am hoping we have found a new "Friend of Equines" and promiced to put him on our mailing list.

Click on title above to go to the National Committee of State Legislatures
Agricultural & Energy Committee

http://www.ncsl.org/standcomm/scagen/scagenroster.htm

Once you open the link, be sure to go to the "members" page to see who from your state is on the Committee
Please DO call them and let them know you are against horse slaughter and you VOTE!

Thanks!

Phillip C. Olsson a Harvard Hippophaian?

Olsson, Frank & Weeda

DC Lobby Firm
Representing Foriegn Horse-Slaughter Interests

http://www.ofwlaw.com/Bio/PhilipOlsson.asp

Founder Phillip C. Olsson a Harvard graduate, possibly a "Harvard Hippophaian?"
I have emailed him today to ask him. Click on title above to read more about them;
http://www.inthemedievalmiddle.com/2007/03/pagans-harvard-professors-horse.html

That would explain his love of horseflesh for human consumption.

Slaughter-Happy "Slaughterhouse" Charlie Stenholm works for this firm; You can read more about him here;

http://tinyurl.com/6hv2m9

Tell "Slaughterhouse" Stenholm he is wrong!

Click on title above to tell "Slaughterhouse" Stenholm he is WRONG about horse slaughter and the kinds of americans who want to see it end!

What We Are Up Against

Click on title above to see what we are up against in trying to get our anti-horse slaughter bills passed. Once you open the page, be sure to page down a bit and see all the members of the cattlemens political action committe, and look at all the $$$ switching hands, pac-to-pac giving its called, among other things, like cronieism, special interests, favoritism, etc.

Say it Isnt So! Stenholm Possible New Head of USDA? Says horse slaughter industry good for economy, will create jobs

Hot News from Big-Mouth Broad Casting

By ROXANA HEGEMAN

Stenholm Says USDA Needs to Focus More on Food Safety
(But that aint all hes saying!)

Former Texas Rep. Charles Stenholm, whose name has been mentioned as a potential U.S. agriculture secretary, says he does not expect to be nominated for the job.

Stenholm told the Kansas Livestock Association Friday that he believes Colorado Democratic Rep. John Salazar is probably the top name on the list of potential appointees.

Salazar, one of the few farmers serving in Congress, would make an excellent agriculture secretary, Stenholm said.

Stenholm told reporters that he has not been contacted by the transition team that is picking the Cabinet positions.

"I make no bones about it, if the President calls I would accept it in a heartbeat," Stenholm said.

Stenholm said he was contacted Thursday by Obama representatives working on the Agriculture Department transition, who asked him to attend a meeting Monday for recommendations for other hiring decisions at the department. They also wanted to hear about the top priority agricultural issues.

Stenholm said he served on the 156-member committee that advised the Obama campaign on rural issues and had some input on the policies he adopted in his campaign.

Stenholm, now a lobbyist for a Washington law firm, said the Agriculture Department needs to be restructured so it is the only agency overseeing food safety.

"We don't have in place a system that can adequately deal with food safety," he said.

The new administration offers a perfect opportunity to transform the Agriculture Department, making it an example for all government agencies on how to do things to better serve the public, he said.

"If we can bring USDA into the 21st century with technology, we are going to be awesome," he said.

The agriculture industry also is interested in the selection of the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, amid concern over what impact stricter environmental regulations may have on agricultural operations such as feedyards.

"The selection of the EPA administrator may be more important to us in this room than the secretary of agriculture," Stenholm said.

Much of his talk to the Kansas livestock group focused on the unintended consequences the shutdown of the last three plants that slaughtered horses for human consumption in export markets. Horse owners are abandoning horses they no longer want or can afford to feed, creating problems for county governments and others who must deal with the animals.

Some states and Indian tribes are now considering possibly starting a horse slaughter facility to deal with the problem, which would also create jobs and bring in an industry, Stenholm said.


http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewContent.act?clipid=177399882&mode=cnc&tag=3.5721%3Ficx_id%3D20081205-stolfiler-mt0425

Miricle Horse Doing Well after Six Gunshots to Head! Ready for Adoption!

Next time I will think twice before I tell someone "a bullet to the head" is more humane than slaughter. Surley, to do it right would take an expert.
This is an amazing story!
CJ
----- Original Message -----
From: RIVER PROJECT
To: QARR
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 10:12 PM
Subject: Miracle Horse Living New Life At Shelter - Albuquerque News Story - KOAT Albuqu


Miracle Horse Living New Life At Shelter
Horse Survived Six Gunshots To The Head

POSTED: 9:46 pm MST December 4, 2008
UPDATED: 6:25 am MST December 5, 2008


A horse shot in the head six times in Dona Ana County refused to die and now will continue her recovery at the Horse Shelter near Santa Fe.

Miracle is a very apt name for the horse.

Almost five months ago, she was left for dead.

Miracle arrived at the Horse Shelter Thursday afternoon healthy and happy.

The wounds and burns from being shot are barely visible now.

"You can never underestimate a living creature's will to live," said Jennifer Rios at the Horse Shelter.

Miracle fought to live.

She spent many years as a polo pony for New Mexico State University and after retiring from that job, she became a children's horse, but in June she was no longer wanted.

"She was supposed to be sent to slaughter," Rios said. "But the man who picked her up to take her to a sale barn didn't find the guy he needed so he decided to take care of the problem himself."

His solution was to take Miracle to the desert and shoot her.

Investigators said they followed the dirt footprints in the desert and found the man tried to kill the horse for more than two miles.

Miracle refused to die and finally, the man abandoned her with six bullet holes in her head.

The wounded horse hunted for help.

"She got past a cattle guard in the road about a foot wide and went and found a house and banged her head against the door until someone came to the door," Rios said.

The Horse Shelter provided pictures of Miracle the day she found help.

Months later, she's healing and now in her new home.

Rios said, "Her life is going to be pretty darn good here."

Miracle is friendly enough she can be adopted out.

Horse Shelter officials say it could happen any time after the vet looks at her on Friday.

As for the man who tried to kill her --- he's facing severe animal cruelty charges which in New Mexico could lead to jail time.

The Horse Shelter currently has more than 40 abused, abandoned and neglected horses -- double their normal capacity.

They say many of their horses can be adopted.

http://www.koat.com/news/18208883/detail.html#

Stenholm Confirms Plans to Rebuild Horse Slaughter Industry in the USA

Hot News from Big Mouth Broad Broadcasting;
More Pro-slaughter Propaganda & a Confirmation of killing plans,.

Dec. 6, 2008

Unwanted horses a drain on economy

Experts wonder who will take on the costs of caring for the increasing number of unwanted animals if a proposed federal ban on slaughtering and export for human consumption passes.

BY RICK PLUMLEE

The Wichita Eagle

Former Rep. Charles Stenholm of Texas said Friday that the consequences of a proposed federal ban on processing horses for people to eat would further exacerbate an existing economic problem for the growing number of unwanted horses.

"When a horse is unwanted, something has to happen to that horse," Stenholm said during a talk at the Kansas Livestock Association's convention at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. "We don't believe it should be used for human consumption, and we've made that clear.

"But it's private property. No one should tell you what you should do with a horse except to treat it humanely."

In 2006, the year before state laws in Texas and Illinois closed down the nation's final three facilities that slaughtered horses for human consumption, there was a $65 million export market for horse meat, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Now it has dried up to almost nothing.

Horses are now largely taken to slaughterhouses in Mexico or Canada. Horse meat is consumed by humans in countries such as France, Belgium and Japan. Part of the proposed federal legislation would ban transportation of horses to the Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses.

But Stenholm said the economic fallout has gone beyond the loss of the export market.

He said there are more than 125,000 unwanted horses in the United States. Another 33,000 wild horses roam federal land in 10 Western states and have drained the Bureau of Land Management's budget, he added.

"There's a cost to this," Stenholm said after speaking to an audience of about 350. "There's going to have to be money appropriated from states and Congress to deal with unwanted horses.

"What do you do with them when one turns up on the country road and you're the sheriff? Who pays for the feed? Some people are just letting their horses starve."

Stenholm, who spent 26 years in Congress and is now a consultant for various agricultural groups, said it can cost $200 to $2,000 to have a horse euthanized and disposed. In Wichita, the price is closer to $170.

Jason Kaiser, a Wichita veterinarian, said his Equine Surgery and Medicine clinic charges $40 to euthanize and an additional $40 for a trip charge.

Darling International, the only renderer in the Wichita area, charges $87 to haul off a horse. The two solid-waste transfer stations in Sedgwick County said they don't accept dead horses.

Kaiser confirmed Stenholm's concern about increased abandonment of horses.

"It's been a lot more in the last year, especially with hay prices up and the economy bad," he said.

Kaiser said often people will turn horses loose near Hope in the Valley Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization north of Wichita.

"Then animal control has to feed them and find what to do with them," Kaiser said. "No one wants them.

"The horse market is down. Cheap horses are free. There have been (livestock) sales where you just hope someone puts their hand to take the horse for free."

He said he believes the cause of the situation is the lack of slaughterhouses.

"There's a base value for a horse if there is a slaughter," he said. "It would be more humane than to let them starve to death."

Ted Schroeder, a livestock marketing economist at Kansas State University, said the situation is an animal welfare "nightmare."

"It's an emotional issue," he said. "It's hard to be for slaughtering horses. How do policymakers sell that?"

But Stenholm said it's an issue that must be tackled.

He said horse slaughter facilities may start to spring up on Indian reservations. He said he knew of one with definite plans.

"This can't be ignored," Stenholm said. "These are issues that need to be resolved in a less emotional way."

Reach Rick Plumlee at 316-268-6660 or rplumlee@wichitaeagle.com.


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http://www.kansas.com/business/agriculture/story/621989.html

Immediate Action Needed! Dark Forces are Aligning

Of all times for this to be happening, the week of the National Day of the Horse!

MESSAGE FROM AWI

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE LEGISLATURES CONSIDERS PRO-HORSE SLAUGHTER RESOLUTION - AGAIN ACT TODAY TO DEFEAT THE MEASURE

December 5, 2008

Dear Humanitarian:

At its December 10-13 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) will once again consider a resolution designed to promote the cruel and foreign-driven horse slaughter industry. Similar to the resolution considered - and defeated by Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee- at the NCSL summer meeting, this resolution paints horse slaughter as a humane and necessary industry and calls on Congress to oppose the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Here are the facts: ·

Horse slaughter is a cruel, predatory and profit-driven industry - not a humane service for 'unwanted' horses. · Unlike humane euthanasia, horse slaughter causes enormous animal suffering and results in a brutal death. · Most Americans oppose horse slaughter and the public has called on the United States Congress to ban the practice. ·

States that have played unwilling host to the foreign-owned slaughterhouses (Illinois and Texas) have made their opposition to the industry clear by passing laws to ban horse slaughter. · In addition, California voters passed a ballot measure against horse slaughter while Delaware passed a resolution in support of a federal ban. Last year, an attempt to promote horse slaughter in South Dakota was defeated in the state legislature. Should NCSL approve the pro-slaughter resolution it would be acting entirely out of step with current state actions. ·

Conditions in Mexican and Canadian horse slaughter houses, where American horses are still slaughtered, are horrific with some facilities stabbing horses in the spine multiple times to induce paralysis prior to slaughter. · The US-based plants, while still operational, were hardly better. Recent information obtained by Animals' Angels (WARNING GRAPHIC) through FOIA show that horses at US plants regularly suffered horrific injuries and conditions including: o Bloody, battered faces o Legs missing or hanging off o Eye balls dangling from their sockets o Mares giving birth to their foals at the slaughterhouse o Horses dead on arrival · A federal ban on horse slaughter will end this cruelty and NCSL is out of step with the majority of American voters in opposing the measure. ·

Wild horses are not unwanted or in need of a home, there is more than enough public land for all wild horses to roam free. In addition, Madeleine Pickens has been working with the Bureau of Land Management to provide a home for every horse currently in BLM holding facilities.

What You Can Do: If you are from a state listed below please take a moment to call or email your legislator and urge them to oppose and speak out against this misguided resolution during the conference. Be sure to share the above mentioned facts with them so they are aware of how cruel this industry is and out of step the resolution is with current public opinion and legislative actions.

For more information on horse slaughter and how you can help make a difference please visit www.every5minutes.org.

Sincerely,

Chris Heyde



Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee

Chair: Senator Harris B. McDowell III, Delaware Harris.McDowell@state.de.us Main office: 302-744-4147 District office: 302-577-8744

Chair: Senator Stephen R. Morris, Kansas morris@senate.state.ks.us Main office: (785) 296-2419

Vice Chair: Senator Brian Bingman, Oklahoma bingman@oksenate.gov Main office: (405) 521-5528 District office: (918) 227-1856

Vice Chair: Representative John A. Heaton, New Mexico jheaton@caverns.com Main office: (575) 887-5983

Vice Chair: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi chydesmith@senate.ms.gov Main office: (601)359-3246

Vice Chair: Representative Thomas E. Jackson, Alabama Main office: (334) 242-7738 Office: (334) 246-3597

Immediate Past Chair: Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/5315.htm Main office: (800) 832-9467


This message was sent by: Americans Against Horse Slaughter, 1551 Willow Pond Dr., Yardley, PA 19067

Baker Appeals and Loses, Must Pay Fine by Jan. 16th!

Sugarcreek Livestock Auction owner fined $162,800 by USDA

By Joseph Ledford
Local Edition Editor

The Sugarcreek Livestock Auction has gained notoriety as of late due to owner Leroy H. Baker’s long-standing practice of buying and selling horses for slaughter. The facility has been the target of TV news investigations and animal rights groups. On Memorial Day weekend, a non-profit group known as Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue bought 163 horses and donkeys at the auction, saving them from so-called “kill buyers.”
Now, Baker has attracted the attention of the federal government as he has been ordered by the United States Department of Agriculture to pay a civil penalty of $162,800 for multiple violations of the Commercial Transportation of Equines for Slaughter Act.
Kevin Shea, acting administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) branch of the USDA, filed a complaint against Baker on March 11 of this year alleging that Baker and/or those he employed violated the CTES Act while shipping horses from Sugarcreek to Texas for slaughter between the dates of March 26, 2003 and January 7, 2007.
Baker, during a brief telephone interview with The Budget, called the violations “bogus” and questioned why, if he was indeed in violation, did the USDA wait so long to address the issue. Attempts at a follow-up interview with Baker were unsuccessful.
Listed in USDA docket 08-0074 are more than 30 dates containing multiple violations, most having to do with improperly completed or incomplete paperwork such as statements indicating that horses had been rested, watered and fed for at least six consecutive hours prior to being loaded for commercial transportation. However, the most notable violations listed in the docket have to do with animal well-being and health issues. For example:
• On March 31, 2003, a shipment of 85 horses were on their way from Sugarcreek to BelTex Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas when a dark/brown horse with no back tag died. The horse was not taken to the nearest APHIS office to allow a veterinarian to examine the body.
• On May 22, 2005, a gelding with a severe cut on its left rear leg and unable to bear weight on all four limbs was shipped with other horses. Baker and/or his driver allegedly did not handle the injured horse as quickly or carefully as possible to prevent any unnecessary discomfort, stress, trauma or physical harm to the animal. Another such incident was documented in July of 2005. Also in July, a horse in physical distress was documented as falling down three times while en route to a Dallas slaughter house, yet no veterinarian services were obtained.
The horse died and apparently no APHIS veterinarian was contacted to examine the body.
• On June 11, 2006, a bay mare with a severe, pre-existing and badly infected cut on its right shoulder was shipped with other horses.
• On July 16, 2006, Baker shipped 41 horses in a conveyance with large holes in the roof, failing to provide transportation that protected the health and well-being of the horses.
According to the 25 page docket, Baker was served a letter on March 17 of this year advising him of the APHIS complaint, but he did not file an answer to the complaint within the 20 day time period, which constitutes an admission to the allegations in the complaint and a waiver of a hearing. Baker also did not answer to a follow up letter advising him of Shea’s motion for a default decision and order. As a result, Administrative Law Judge Jill S. Clifton handed down a decision on October 1 that Baker pay the fine and also cease and desist from violating the Commercial Transportation of Equine for Slaughter Act.
Baker filed a timely appeal petition on November 5 in which he denied the allegations in Shea’s complaint. However, on November 17, Judicial Officer William G. Jenson upheld Clifton’s decision for the fine, citing that Baker’s response, filed more than six months after the deadline, was “far too late to be considered.”
Jenson did not adopt the cease and desist order as he ruled the Commercial Transportation of Equine for Slaughter Act had no provision for such an order. Baker must pay the $162,800 by January 16.


http://www.thebudgetnewspaper.com/Article.php?ItemID=526