THE EXPORT OF HORSES FOR BUTCHERY [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The Spectator is ever open to appeals to our respon- sibility as to animals. Again and again the evils of the export trade in horses for butchery have been exposed. Public indignation is aroused and—nothing is done. There are regulations, of course, for veterinary inspection, and in some ways the conditions are improved, but the suffering is still there. What about exporting wild, unbroken ponies straight from Exmoor and the New Forest ? It is not for us to throw stones at the treatment meted out to them in so many terrible cases once they arrive on the Continent, for we do not shine in our treatment of pit ponies. But surely a people who pride themselves on their kindness to animals and love for them can be stirred at long last to pass
a Bill prohibiting the export of live old and worn horses, as well as ponies, for butchery ? If they are humanely slaughtered here, and their carcasses exported, valuable by- products would be retained. Perhaps that practical fact may make an appeal, if the prevention of miserable suffering is not enough.
The animal societies are all agreed on the evils of this traffic, but nothing can be done without.the support of public opinion. Is it hopeless to plead once more the cause of our faithful and willing helpers in their helplessness ? Naturally no interference is intended with the export trade for breeding, remounts, racing, &c. It is again-our-responsibility I wish to
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