THE EXPORTATION OF HORSES BILL
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Will you allow me to make this appeal through the influence of the Spectator to your readers interested in the welfare of animals ?
It is hoped that Mr. Broad, M.P. for Edmonton, will present to Parliament this Session the Exportation of Horses Bill, a measure to end the unnecessary suffering of British horses exported for butchery in foreign abattoirs. Although the figures of the live traffic are decreased,. and stricter inspection at the ports is enforced, • there is still a flourishing trade in this line. Suffering is inseparable from this traffic, and in some places abroad conditions are incredibly cruel. 0 Recent investigation of Vaugirard, the great Paris abattoir where about 360 British horses a year are slaughtered, prove that humane methods are unknown. There is no guarantee that horses there are properly fed and watered before slaughter. They are forcibly dragged, terrified, into a filthy abattoir hung with flayed carcases, and strewn with blood and litter, knocked carelessly on the head with a blunt hammer, some- times more than once, and finally stabbed with a knife.
It is to this end many old borses go, after lifelong service in this country, ? Is it justice ?
I feel that if people only knew the true facts of foreign butchery, there would be a storm of indignation throughout the country.
If Mr. Broad's Bill passes, our old horses will not only be protected by law from this diabolical death abroad, but British labour and industry will benefit by the economic advantage of the carcase trade, now largely lost, by the live export. Every_ part of the carcase of a horse is utilized, the flesh for human food abroad, the by-products are used for land-dressing, essential to agricujture, also the feet and hide.
For the sake of alleviating animal suffering caused by the export of horses for butchery, and to benefit labour and indus- try in this country, I beg all who read this letter to make a personal appeal to their Member of Parliament for his support of Mr. Broad's Exportation of Horses Bill.
I appeal to the Spectator as it has always upheld the rights of the Animal World, and encourages efforts on their behalf for humane and just treatment.—I am, Sir, &C.,
ELIZABETH KEMEYS-TYNTE. . Hon. Parliamentary _Secretary, International League Against the Export of Horses for Butchery.
1 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C. 2. ".
• [The Spectator has for many years tried to help.forward the efforts of those seeking to abolish the export of horses from Great Britain for slaughter in foreign abattoirs. We welcome the announcement that Mr. Broad will present a bill to Parliament this session to stop the abuse. We hope that readers of the Spectator will ask their M.P.s to support the measure.—En. Spectator.] _
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