Sanctuary rescues more horses

August 4, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
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 last week, purchasing the animals that were slated to be sold as meat.
According to Clare Forndran, media director for Dog Tales, the majority of the horses they rescued were in “bad shape” — several were bleeding, most had scars, and one was limping.
Sanctuary staff opted for larger horses, as their meat is sold by the pound. This time out, a pony and a donkey also captured their hearts.
Unfortunately the auctions provide no background information on the horses, only their size and weight, as this is all that most buyers care about.
Forndran noted it’s difficult to say what uses the horses had been put to, and what their lives had been like.
“That said, many are very frightened and weary of humans, which implies a difficult past. Such has been the case with our rescued horses in the past, but over time, with patience and love from our staff and volunteers, they have come to trust people again.
“While we try to find families to adopt our rescued dogs, our horses are given a permanent home at the sanctuary, where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace.”
Sadly, the issue of horse slaughter in Canada is not getting any better. It’s kept low-key and few are actually aware of the practices, with even fewer taking action.
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.