Equine Protection Network
www.equineprotectionnetwork.com
February 23, 2004

Visit us at the Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, PA
February 27-29th, 2004
Booth 820

HoofPAC Newsletters:

# 1: Response to AAEP on HR 857 from HoofPAC member Priscilla Clark
of Tranquility Farm.

# 2: Equine Vet Speaks Out For the Horse:

NOTE: Dr. Liskey, former board member of the California Equine
Council, a HoofPAC member, wrote this letter which was mailed to
every AAEP member across the nation in 2000 and is even more
relevant today.

Billboard Updates!

EPN Sanctuary Program

Horse Cruelty & Felony Assault Charges Filed Against Horse Owner

Stolen Horses

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Childrens Horse Books to Benefit the EPN!

The EPN appreciates the generous donation by Syncopated Press of
several copies of the childrens books,"Heart, Hoof, & Soul" and "
Forelocks, Fetlocks & Horse Tales" to the EPN.

Your purchases of these books helps to support the EPN in our
efforts to improve the welfare of horses and to end horse slaughter.

http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com/book.htm

Books are also available for purchase at our booths at the PA Horse
World Expo, Ft Washington Horse Expo & Schuylkill County Fair.

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HoofPAC Newsletter # 1:


HoofPAC ALERT

The following is a response to the AAEP from HoofPAC member
Priscilla Clark of Tranquility Farm. During the California campaign
Priscilla and I took on no less than fifteen editors from
the 'Bakersfield Californian' during an Editorial Board and got
their support... And Bakersfield was the home of the largest
Southern Californian slaughter auction!


TRANQUILITY FARM
The Harry A. Biszantz Memorial Center for Thoroughbred Retirement

P.O. Box 210 Tehachapi Ca 93581
661-823-0307
www.tranquillityfarmtbs.org

Open Letter to the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for providing me with your position paper on HR 857, which
would make the commercial slaughter of horses for human consumption
and other purposes illegal in the United States. In response, I
would ask that you consider the following:

In recent years two of America's most beloved equine champions met
untimely deaths while serving at stud duty in Japan. Sunday Silence
lost his life after being unsuccessfully treated for a persistent
foot infection. He was euthanized by lethal injection, and while the
American public mourned his loss, they were assured that his death
was merciful.

The death of Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughterhouse, however, shook
the racing world to its very core, and cries of outrage are still
being heard wherever horse lovers express their views. The terror
and suffering he endured in the slaughterhouse sparked a profound
soul searching in the racing community, and has contributed
tremendously to the growing political momentum to protect all
American horses from such a fate.

Why was there such a disparity in the reaction to the deaths of
these two great horses? The answer is quite simple; the American
public understands the difference between humane euthanasia by
lethal injection and being bludgeoned to death by a captive bolt in
a slaughterhouse. The American public is not confused about the
consequences of administering these two very different means of
rendering death. The American people understand implicitly that the
horse, a highly intelligent animal, is also not fooled and dies
fighting for his life in the slaughterhouse instead of peacefully
passing by tranquilizers administered in a stress- free environment.

How the American Association of Equine Practitioners, you who are
entrusted to protect the welfare of horses by the American public,
could fail to make this distinction and equate slaughter with humane
euthanasia, is nothing short of remarkable.

It is clear that the overwhelming majority of Americans, whenever
they have an opportunity to express their preferences, choose
euthanasia by lethal injection as the only acceptable means of death
for the animal that has partnered with them to build this country.
No opinion poll has ever shown evidence to the contrary. Horses are
raised solely for recreational and aesthetic value in the United
States, they are neither a food nor fiber animal, and to endorse the
butchering of American horses for consumption in foreign countries
is a betrayal of our American values.
Further, I find the arguments put forth in the AAEP position paper
on HR 857 specious in declaring that funding is not available for
the care of unwanted or confiscated horses. In the first case a
similar situation exists with unwanted dogs and cats. Unfortunately
our society must necessarily perform euthanasia on thousands of dogs
and cats each year precisely because funding in not available for
their continued care. They are put to death, however, by lethal
injection rather being killed and sent to foreign countries for meat
because that is the only means of death considered humane by the
American public. The benefit of outlawing the slaughter of American
horses is not that every horse will be cared for ad infinitum by
public moneys, but that their manner of death shall be swift and
merciful.

It has been empirically demonstrated that in California, where the
transportation of horses for slaughter has been outlawed since 1998,
that no loads of horses have been confiscated and placed into
protective custody. The costly vaccinations, Coggins test, and
health certification legally required to move horses over national
boundaries effectively removes the marginal profits to be made
smuggling horses long distances into Canada or Mexico.
The specter of thousands of confiscated horses draining public funds
exceeds credulity.

I urge you to reconsider your opinion on HR 857 and to work
positively with horse professionals and the American people who are
so desirous of humane treatment for horses. Please uphold the faith
entrusted in your organization and work to truly protect the welfare
of the American horse.

Respectfully,

Priscilla Clark, President
Tranquility Farm

Let's Keep America's Horses In The Stable and Off The Table!!!

Cathleen Doyle, founder
HoofPAC

Keep America's Horses In The Stable... And Off The Table!

For information please contact: savethehorse@...

Thank you for caring about America's horses,
Cathleen Doyle, founder
HoofPAC

Join us today at www.HoofPAC.com and go to our HoofPAC Store at
www.HoofPAC.com and purchase merchandising which will help support
the campaign.

Thank You.
Please post or send out through other e-mail lists.


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EPN Merchandise is availabe at:

http://www.cafeshops.com/equineprotet6

The EPN receives on average $2.00 for each purchase.

Shopping at the EPN Online Shopping Mall Raises Funds for the EPN
including Back in the Saddle & Jeffers Equine:
http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com/saveamericashorses/store.htm

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Support the EPN by shopping online at Igive.com! Over 500 of your
favorite stores!

When new supporters use the EPN joinLink to join iGive, the EPN is
automatically pre-selected to benefit!
The EPN joinlink is listed below & is also on our website

http://www.igive.com/EPN

Remember, shop At IGive.com!Your purchases support the EPN!

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HoofPAC Newsletter # 2

HoofPAC ALERT

NOTE: Dr. Liskey, former board member of the California Equine
Council, a HoofPAC member, wrote this letter which was mailed to
every AAEP member across the nation in 2000 and is even more
relevant today.

At the bottom of this letter, please note the AAEP response given to
a fellow equine practitioner/surgeon regarding the renting of their
mailing list. Obviously to hold these opinions within the AAEP is
considered heresy.


Year 2000


Dear Equine Practitioner,

I recently attended the Equine Welfare Forum in Albuquerque
cosponsored by the AVMA and the AAEP. This letter has been generated
from numerous hours of discussion with AVMA (Drs. Gail Golab/David
Granstrom/Dean Goeldner), AAEP (Dr. Reece), APHIS (Tim Cordes),
American Humane Association (Adele Douglas), American Horse Council
(James Hickey, Dr. Jerry Black), animal welfare specialists, animal
welfare groups, numerous equine practitioners and my own equine
clients.

Initially, it became painfully clear to me that most of the speakers
at this forum represented industry views on each topic. The welfare
of the horse seemed secondary to the security of each group. If a
point could be proven scientifically then it was okay no matter what
common sense told the listener. As I drove home to California the
AAEP slogan for the seminar "WHO SPEAKS FOR THE HORSE?", kept
ringing in my ears. Fortunately, Eric Davis, the recipient of the
AVMA equine welfare award summed up my sentiment concerning equine
welfare. He stated that we need to treat each and every horse with
compassion.

I spoke with many people who considered the fact that the AVMA/AAEP
sponsored an equine welfare forum a positive step. I personally
wonder if this is true. In l992, in San Antonio, I asked the AAEP
animal welfare committee for their support in passing a bill in
California against the cruel practice of horse tripping in the
Mexican rodeos. I quickly learned the AAEP was NOT going to support
efforts to stop this cruel practice. I left the meeting stunned and
ashamed for an organization whose mission statement proclaims
concern for the welfare of the horse. This obvious cruelty issue was
a hot potato for the organization. Undeterred, the California Equine
Council, CVMA and other groups truly motivated by compassion for the
horse successfully lobbied the California legislature and AB49X was
signed into law prohibiting the tripping of horses for sport or
entertainment.

Seven years have passed. In l992 this group was undecided on horse
tripping. In l999 they are endorsing factory PMU farming, foal
genocide and the inhumane transport of equines. These words may seem
harsh but they need to be said. I am sure the leadership of the AAEP
will deny this. I hope the individual members will take a close look
at the endorse/support political position their leadership has taken
on these issues.

I am sure the vast majority of equine veterinarians are filled with
compassion for the horse. On a daily basis equine veterinarians
provide compassionate care for horses. However, the AAEP is doing a
poor job with political issues involving equine welfare. The AAEP
was formed in the 1960's when a few practitioners became worried
about the public perception of the profession after some problems
within the horse racing industry.

Today, I am deeply concerned about the public perception of equine
veterinarians involved in equine welfare issues. In fact, when I
discussed some of these issues with my clients, I was stunned to
hear the clients say that they did not trust equine veterinarians
with equine welfare issues! A veterinarian from the AAEP welfare
board summed it up very concisely after the slaughter horse seminar.
He volunteered that he wished the AAEP would not take positions
other than to give the horse the best medical care possible when
called. That is good advice based on the AAEP's current position.
However, the reality is that the AAEP/AVMA will be called often to
offer political opinions on future equine welfare issues. These
organizations cannot be reluctantly involved. Equine welfare issues
are not going away.

Unfortunately, the AVMA is no better on equine issues since they
rely heavily on the AAEP for advice. Both organizations need to take
positions that represent the welfare of the horse, not the welfare
of the industry.
The public is watching.

For example, recent polls conducted in California and New York
clearly show that the public rejects the slaughter of horses. There
are models available that bring diverse groups together creating
positive equine welfare results. In California equine welfare groups
have successfully lobbied the legislature on important issues such
as horse tripping, humane transportation and horse slaughter.

I will give you an example of the problem. The AVMA/AAEP were asked
to comment on pending federal regulations for the commercial
transport of horses to slaughter. This was a great opportunity for
the veterinarian to make a large difference in a previously
unregulated industry. An obvious first step would a simple "fit to
travel" inspection by a veterinarian prior to transport. Severely
foundered horses, horses with fractured limbs, impending foaling,
obvious blind horses could be stopped from being shipped. This seems
reasonable; however, the AAEP opposed this suggestion. I will let
their leadership explain this position. I am sure they think they
have a perfectly suitable response.

The AAEP/AVMA also would not stand up and reject the use of the
double decked cattle trucks. Instead they are, passively allowing
these trucks to be used for 5 more years. Both organizations also
supported transport of horses for 28-34 hours without water. These
regulations would allow the slaughter industry to continue its cruel
methods with impunity. Cruelty will be regulated into law. The
horses get nothing. Business as usual.

Do you want to know who supports these purposed regulations? Here is
a list of the supporters. California Cattleman's Association, Beltex
Corp. (horse slaughter plant), Central Nebraska Packing Inc. (horse
slaughter plant), Dallas Crown Inc. (horse slaughter plant),
American Horse Council, American Meat Institute, AVMA and AAEP.
These regulations are opposed by all humane rganizations and all
humane horse organizations. This is how our veterinary organizations
work for the welfare of the horse!!! Who DOES speak for the horse??

I was also very disappointed with all the talk about science based
decision making. This phrase most certainly came from a focus group.
It now appears to have been scientifically proven that pregnant
mares can be tethered for five and one half months during gestation
in tie stalls with no more than five gallons of water per day with
no exercise. TRY SELLING THAT ONE TO OUR CLIENTS WITH PREGNANT
MARES. A REAL PRACTICE BUILDER! DO NOT FORGET TO MENTION 80% OF THE
FOALS HAVE TO BE SLAUGHTERED! Better yet, it is now scientifically
permissible that horses can be transported for 28-34 hours without
water in 5'7" - 5'9" height vehicles. Is this decent? Is this
humane? Would you haul your horse under these circumstances?

Mark Twain said, "There are lies, there are damn lies and there are
statistics." Statistically speaking bumble bees cannot fly! The age
old battle between empirical thinking Vs intuitive thinking. How do
you define compassion scientifically? Would slavery still exist if
scientists had measured the cortisol levels of African Americans in
the l800's? Be careful, be very careful. Those same scientific
parameters that make it okay to treat slaughter horses inhumanely
may be used to end rodeo or horse racing.

Finally, at the end of the welfare forum, I watched a well known
researcher grovel for funding. This disturbed me. A hungry
researcher can be played like a violin. Remember the tobacco
industry had paid for and scientifically proven that smoking was not
addictive.

All of the USDA studies! For what reason? I can pick up any existing
reference book and find that horses should not be given water less
than twice daily. And millions of dollars have already been spent
setting the current standards of 6'6" - 7' height for commercial
equine vehicles today. Vehicles which were designed, manufactured
and safety tested on roads for horses. As an equine veterinarian I
refuse to cater to the lowest denominator for equine husbandry
standards. I do not care what the USDA studies show. I started in
this profession with a love for the animal and a desire to promote
wellness and to establish the standards of humane care to its
highest level. To hell with these studies.

Currently, horse slaughter is an ongoing industry. Many people feel
it is unrealistic to believe it will go away. However, I hope for a
different outcome. Within the past five years the number of horses
that were slaughtered has declined significantly and horse slaughter
plants are dwindling in numbers in the United States. Veterinarians
should educate horse owners on needless breeding and the result of
over population. Euthanasia should be discussed openly and offered
as an alternative to shipping the horse to slaughter. A great
challenge to future equine veterinarians should be to make slaughter
of the horse at the very least an exception.

I have hope for a future where there will be no need for animal
welfare forums, or at least where forums are truly dedicated to the
actual welfare of the animal, and there is no need for defensive
presentations.

During the welfare forum many speakers used quotations from well
known people to bring a point to the attention of the audience.
Einstein, Schweitzer and Ghandi have all spoken out for kindness and
compassion for animals. For me as I listened I think Professor
Bernie Rollins summed it up the best. He asked 3 simple
questions. "Is there justification for the cruelty?" "Is it
necessary?" and "Is there a humane alternative?" These are brilliant
words, simply brilliant! If everyone would take the time to think
about the answers to these questions when involved with animals then
cruelty would nearly be eliminated.

Please, I urge you to get involved. Find out the truth. Listen
carefully, ask uestions. Dig deeply through all the rhetoric.

Sincerely,

Charles Liskey D.V.M.



Dr. Charles Liskey
Ventura County Equine
601 E. Daily Dr., Suite 114
Camarillo, CA 93010

Dear Dr. Liskey,

I regret to inform you that you do not have permission to use the
AVMA mailing list. The policy governing the approved use of the AVMA
mailing list states that the list will not be made available for use
in connection with the dissemination of materials which AVMA
characterizes as inappropriate, offensive, or represents attacks on
or attempts to demean
veterinary societies.

Sincerely,


Karen M. Wernette, DVM
Associate Director
Membership and Field Services

KMW


Keep America's Horses In The Stable... And Off The Table!

For information please contact: savethehorse@...

Thank you for caring about America's horses,
Cathleen Doyle, founder
HoofPAC

Join us today at www.HoofPAC.com and go to our HoofPAC Store at
www.HoofPAC.com and purchase merchandising which will help support
the campaign.

Thank You.
Please post or send out through other e-mail lists.

********************************

EPN 2004 Event Schedule

Horse World Expo, Harrisburg, PA February 27th - February 29th 2004
Booth 820
Christine Berry
Horse Slaughter - An American Tragedy, Not a Necessary Evil

Ft Washington Horse & Pet Expo in Ft Washington, PA March 12-14th
2004

Schuylkill County Fair, Summit Station, PA
August 2, 2004 - August 7, 2004
Indoor Midway

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Billboard Updates!

The Save Americas Horses National Billboard Campaign continues to
ride across America! Just like the Pony Express the campaign has
reached the West Coast! New billboards are being posted in
Washington, Pennsylvania, and Alabama!

Equus Magazine has a wonderful picture of the board in Philadelphia,
PA in the March issue in the Roundup section.

Join the Campaign!

Send your tax deductible donation for the billboards to EPN,
Billboard Campaign, P.O. Box 232, Friedensburg, PA 17933

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EPN Sanctuary Program!

http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com/saveamericashorses/sanctuary.h
tm

The EPN has established a Sanctuary Program for unwanted, neglected,
abused and slaughterbound horses. Horses in the program are not
available for adoption, but are in need of people willing to make a
financial committment to help the EPN provide for these horses for
the remainder of their lives. Horses accepted into the program must
meet certain qualifications. The EPN focuses on horses that have
been the victims of neglect and cruelty in situations where there
has been an investigation by law enforcement resulting in the
forfeiture of the horse due to a court order.

The EPN has set these guidelines due to our philosophy that owners
must be held accountable for their actions if we are to truly make a
difference for the welfare of horses.

The EPN can only accept a limited number of horses due to financial
resources and space limitations. The cost of caring and feeding for
each of our horses in the program runs $250.00 a month for a total
of $3000.00 a year. This includes feeding and sheltering the
horses,and veterinary, farrier and dental care.

Donations in any amount are appreciated to help offset the cost of
caring for these horses.

Sponsorship

Individual Sponsorships:

You can sponsor one of the EPN Sanctuary horses for as little as
1.65 a day! This is great project for riding clubs, schools, youth
groups and other organizations. Sponsorships can also be shared.

Individual sponsorship does not cover the entire cost of maintaining
horses in our program, but it does help to offset the cost. One
horse needs five individual sponsors at $50.00 a month to cover the
entire cost of caring for one horse.

Each of our horses has an important story to tell, please take the
time to visit their pages, and remember your donation ensures these
horses a sanctuary for the rest of their lives.

Donations in any amount are appreciated to help offset the cost of
caring for these horses.

Corporate Sponsorship:

A donation of $3000.00 covers all expenses involved to maintain an
EPN Sanctuary Horse for one year and provides a website link to your
company's website.

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Horse Cruelty & Felony Assault Charges Filed Against Horse Owner

The Large Animal Protection Society, LAPS, has filed four charges of
cruelty to horses against Donald L. Hess, Lancaster, PA. The PA
State Police have also filed several charges against Hess, including
Aggravated Assault on two PA State Police troopers, a felony in PA.

On February 11, 2004 LAPS served a search warrant on the property
where Hess had maintained a brown Morgan type mare aged 18 to 20 in
a confined area that was approximatley six feet by six feet for 2
and a half months. While LAPS was attempting to execute the search
warrant to seize the mare as evidence, Hess assaulted two
Pennsylvania State Troopers. The PA State Police have filed several
additional charges against Hess, besides the 4 charges filed by LAPS.

The mare was in manure that was 10" deep in some places, was
dehydrated, and had untreated lymphagitis in both hind legs. Hess
has been charged with failure to provide necessary vet care, water,
and sanitary shelter. Hess also has 2 pending charges against him
for shelter for the mare and a donkey. The donkey died before a
warrant could be obtained to seize him as evidence.

District Justice Stuart Milin in Quarryville, PA will preside over
the cruelty hearings. Court dates have not been set.

PA Cruelty Law: Title 18, Section 5511(c)
§ 5511. Cruelty to animals

(c) Cruelty to animals.--A person commits a summary offense if he
wantonly or cruelly illtreats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses
any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of
care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any
animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink,
shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter
which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve
the animal's body heat and keep it dry. This subsection shall not
apply to activity undertaken in normal agricultural operation

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STOLEN HORSES

Your Horse is Missing--What Now? - Debi Metcalfe in The Horse
http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.asp?fid=4897&dpt=5


Horse Theft Education Starts Here
Horse Theft. Been There--Done That now available on site now.
Stolen Horse International
www.netposse.com

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The EPN is a proud supporter of Hoofpac. Visit Hoofpac.com for more
information & visit their online store!

Keep America's Horses in the Stable & Off the Table!

For more information on the EPN's position on horse slaughter, visit
our FAQ page:
http://www.equineprotectionnetwork.com/faqs.htm


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Thank you for supporting the EPN!