Animals deserve compassionate care

Sadly, horse slaughter in our country is almost a necessary evil for the owners who no longer will provide care for old or injured horses.

However, one dreadful part of this industry is the unscrupulous element of our society that steals wonderful healthy horses, beloved pets, and sells them to the “killer buyers” for a few hundred dollars. The slaughter plants should be forced to demand proof of ownership from the sellers.

The fright and pain a horse goes through at the slaughter house is made worse by a long trip, crammed into a semi with many other horses of all ages, including stallions, pregnant mares, even foals. Some horses that have severe injuries, even broken legs, or are too ill to stand, suffer for endless hours with no food or water.

I ask for just one thing: humane transportation for all animals and a humane slaughter, free from fear and pain.

No innocent animal, whose entire life is given to serve humans, should have to suffer on the farm, on the way to slaughter, or even in their final hours or minutes. They all deserve compassionate care and handling.

Carole S. Gauger

Cedar Rapids