With the amnesty cull of horses in Ireland being touted, where exactly does everyone think the carcasses are going to end up ? It's going to need funding somehow, considering the economic state of the country, so I'd guess the pet food industry will certainly be buying.
I have no beef (couldn't resist it) with folk who don't want their beloved horse entering into the food chain after it's had to be destroyed for whatever reason - their horse, their choice and, if they are prepared to pay the extra for cremation or whatever, of course it's their right.
But they don't have the right to criticise any one who chooses a different path for their horse's end, as long as it's done humanely. Personally, I would far rather any of mine had a 'useful' death when it happens, rather than wasting fuel unnecessarily on cremations or burial (if it's permitted). If by 'useful' that means they are eaten by either humans or their pets, that's great. Gets my vote everytime.
I would guess jockeys would be far more pragmatic about it than most - they make their living, after all, from riding horses and so horses become the tools of their trade. If you are endlessly getting on and off them all day, I guess you would become slightly detached from them in a personal sense (although hopefully not literally because they keep falling off
).
I am extremely fond of my pedigree Blues that I work with every day, most of whom won't enter the food chain until they reach an age where they can no longer breed but it doesn't stop me eating beef!
I have no beef (couldn't resist it) with folk who don't want their beloved horse entering into the food chain after it's had to be destroyed for whatever reason - their horse, their choice and, if they are prepared to pay the extra for cremation or whatever, of course it's their right.
But they don't have the right to criticise any one who chooses a different path for their horse's end, as long as it's done humanely. Personally, I would far rather any of mine had a 'useful' death when it happens, rather than wasting fuel unnecessarily on cremations or burial (if it's permitted). If by 'useful' that means they are eaten by either humans or their pets, that's great. Gets my vote everytime.
I would guess jockeys would be far more pragmatic about it than most - they make their living, after all, from riding horses and so horses become the tools of their trade. If you are endlessly getting on and off them all day, I guess you would become slightly detached from them in a personal sense (although hopefully not literally because they keep falling off
). I am extremely fond of my pedigree Blues that I work with every day, most of whom won't enter the food chain until they reach an age where they can no longer breed but it doesn't stop me eating beef!
