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Dog Tales saves more horses

By Mark Pavilons
Leaders at a King animal sanctuary rallied the troops once more, saving some magnificent horses from the worst fate of all.
Dog Tales staff visited an auction Saturday (Feb. 28) that is frequented by “kill buyers” who purchase horses that are put to hard labour or go to sale for slaughter (meat).
According to Georgette Dunn, media director for Dog Tales, they were able to intercept and bid against meat dealers on three horses, including a young pair of pulling Shire horses. They were marched through the sales hall harnessed up together but one could tell that they were young and not trained for this type of work.
She said when the seller thought that the price might be compromised due to the lack of training he asked the auctioneer to say that they have never been off property, but that they are willing and will work all day long.
“This was pathetic, meaning that he wanted them to go for a higher price,” she said. “Also they made mention of the total weight of the two of them, obviously trying to attract a meat dealer.”
Dog Tales also won a Belgium horse that was very big and heavy that was at risk of going for meat that was significantly lame on his hind legs.
“All in all it was a fantastic rescue day and we welcome our three new horses to Dog Tales.”
Last November Dog Tales staff picked up 11 draft horses, one mule and one Arabian horse, loaded them up and brought them to their new King home. While they may have ruffled some feathers at the auction house, they were simply carrying out their mandate – saving horses and giving them a comfortable place to live out the rest of their days.
The equine rescues are not ridden or adopted out, but rather live out their lives in comfort. Most are older, perhaps 20. They live upwards of 25 to 30 years.
Dunn said many of these animals tend to be long-service working draft horses, who've performed their menial tasks faithfully for years. Their last stop, she said, is the meat buyer.
While some meat is sold in Ontario, most is exported to foreign markets. Some horse meat is used as byproducts in pet food.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reported that 71,961 horses died in Canadian slaughterhouses in 2013 – more than 1,380 per week. There are five federally licenced plants in Canada, but none in Ontario.
Almost 60% of these horses originate from the U.S. where horse slaughter ended in 2007.
The 48-acre property in King has plenty of room to roam and the animals are also encouraged to socialize with one another.
For more on the rescue efforts of Dog Tales/Horse Haven, visit www.dogtales.ca.

Excerpt: Leaders at a King animal sanctuary rallied the troops once more, saving some magnificent horses from the worst fate of all. Dog Tales staff visited an auction Saturday (Feb. 28) that is frequented by “kill buyers” who purchase horses that are put to hard labour or go to sale for slaughter (meat).

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