Bruce,
Very well said - digest
3.3737....( for all of text) ; " In
this discussion about disposing of aging horses, I would hope we give some
thought to that before we even first take possession of a
horse." as I am facing making a difficult descision about an
older horse I have.( not that old, but terribly arthritic - he has to fall
- to lay down; and and has trouble getting around, even
at a walk) - and other horses are trying to keep him away from feed/
hay the past couple months,especially, - adequate piles of hay
are put out; and I protect him to eat his grain; but I can tell that
' in the wild' situation; they would have made it so , he would
have not have survived the winter - even though a mild winter. He has lost
about 100+ lbs past couple months. Did so past winter also, but 'harder"
winter then. Have found this discussion 'interesting' to say the
least,, Requardless, I have to say - I think horse slaughter does
have its' place.... and there have been better transport laws inacted, and
as for "kill pens". - a necessary 'evil' -- would prefer an
animal 'go for slaughter' - than the slow death of neglect, and abuse.( No, my
horses are not neglected...or abused. Thinking of those that owners think 'to
keep hanging on to' - barely feeding, no vet care, etc,.... because of
ignorance, or can not afford, either/or both, and out of ignorance keep
horses.) Yes, a vets' visits, euthanasia - and 'disposal' - either by
'pick-up by renderers' or burial = expensive. - but, I figure, I owe
him 'that' much. We learned together - he has been a pasture ornament ( 4 legged
hay burner; for past 10 yrs+, but before - taught me 'to ride' - a QH, had
'to ride', at times, and taught me humility ( ask about 'that poem'
?) - he could be boss, sometimes; as strong willed/opinionated - or
more so , than any arab - or mare - - swear, he is half mule/ and
'studdish' - would have made a great 'teaser'.(seriously). and could do
arab -teleport 'thing'. ( thank gooodness, Lyric, did not know that trick. and
hope new horse, does not know either./ and other arab I have - Trapper,
can not do 'it' as well. ) Figure make decision
tomorrow.
Dangerous dogs - face horse to
dogs, ( yell, at dogs "to go home! NO ")... - at least you and horse
can see what is comming, if they(dogs) do not turn and run off, ...you know
where they are.. - If actually 'feral' dogs' - shoot??. In most ? states, owner
is responsible for any damages ---especially, if dog off their property.
Swear,, I am no expert, but, even if dog in "prey mode"... when faced with
something as big as a horse and a yelling person, acting aggressively;
can not think of many that will continue attack - they are not
stupid.- * but do not turn your back on them.! and, Do NOT
RUN! do not make it into 'prey' mode situation . Most states have
laws- that if a dog is harrassing livestock - it's shoot first, ask who owner is
after....?? If continued
problem just certain dogs, and know owner, I would say something to them - they
may be ignorant to fact that their dogs are a 'problem'. Let animal
control in area know of 'problem'. After that,.... take
whatever steps necessary to ensure your safety.Stephanie
M
