(Uh, would someone remind me once again about the Navajo’s great connection with the “spirit of the horse”? Maybe I missed a footnote or something. – Jerry)
Navajo Nation rounds up horses on drought-stricken reservation; those unclaimed will be sold
August 19, 2013, AP, Daily Journal
GALLUP, New Mexico — Navajo Nation rangers have rounded up numerous horses in northwestern New Mexico under an operation conducted as part of the tribe’s response to the continuing drought.
A natural resources law enforcement official says least 248 horses were seized through Thursday and that additional horses were seized in operations late last week.
According to the Gallup Independent (http://bit.ly/1dm9qfQ), the horses are said to be either feral or belong to residents who lack grazing permits or have more horses than their permits allow.
Grazing official Wilbur Murphy says horses unclaimed by residents will be sold to a buyer either for resale off the reservation or for transport to Mexico for slaughter for meat.
The Navajo Nation has voiced support for a Roswell company’s plan to begin slaughtering horses for meat.
PAULA DENMON
GREED above all. IS there not another way to make the owner of these horses responsible for them.. Why should they be off the hook.. Turn out stallions and mares.. too many horses.. Gelding fixes this problem.. Why do INDIANS GET A PASS?
Sharon Jacobs-Salinas
I agree Paula! The solution IS simple, so JUST DO IT…geld these horses. You can’t tell me there’s not one Native American Indian guy who doesn’t know how to geld a horse! It’s all GREED!
D.K.
Watch This Video! The beginning is a bit difficult to watch, but doesn’t last very long and then gets to the heart of the matter regarding the wild horses in the U.S.:
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/mustangconspiracy/
Bonnie
1) y’all would rather the horses slowly starve to death or die from diseases caused by malnutrition because if drought? I’m a horse lover and own several. To slaughter for meat is kinder than allowing them to die slowly.
2) horse prices are down generally across the country and feed prices are up. Yes, the owners if the horses should generally be held responsible but there are some people who have tried to sell and then even give away their horses…with no luck. Personally, if I couldn’t afford to feed my horses anymore and I couldn’t sell or even give them away…I’d euthanize them myself to make sure they didn’t suffer.
3) try looking over a situation a little closer before making judgements. Sometimes the best solution is the most difficult one which requires the most maturity and internal fortitude.
People need to grow up and put their adult panties on.
jfinch
So Ms. Bonnie, you would euthanize your horses, but you recommend all the rest of them send their horses to slaughter, right? Take them away from their home, put them on trucks and transport them to the “processing” facility? You wouldn’t do it, but it’s what others should do, if I understand you correctly. I guess that, in your opinion, is far better that trucking water out to the herds and spending a few thousand dollars on hay. Sure it costs money, but so does a bullet when a horse simply can’t make it any longer.
Somehow, solving a problem by killing and eating it doesn’t really add up. As to the size of everyone else’s underwear, I’m glad we have folks like you to lead us down the right path.
Terri Davison
Wow, Bonnie. Your logic is twisted.
Have you checked out the pictures of the horses in question? They are certainly not starving. Do you really think kill buyers are going to be interested in a bunch of skinny horses? I guess you’re too busy admiring your underwear to think logically.
It’s all about greed. As jfinch said, if necessary (and the condition of these horses doesn’t seem to warrant this) use some tribal money for hay and water, and then start gelding. I’m guessing they probably have casino money. But I’m also guessing that the real reason they want the horses off the land is so that private cattle concerns can use tribal lands to maximize their beef profits.
The Navajo Nation should be ashamed.
MorganG
There were solutions long before this “problem” was allowed to get out of hand. It takes a bit of effort but there is that real life term called individual responsibility. If the tribe was that concerned why wasn’t something done years ago? Many of these horses were left to free graze and so the cost of feed doesn’t really figure into this. Lady, we have looked over the situation. None of us are irresponsible enough to have allowed this to happen and all of us were damn sure find a way to help the horses rather than to send them to slaughter.
And lady, finally don’t you sit there in virtual world and insult me about what type of panties I wear. My panties have walked with me through years of working for horse welfare. I would never even think the word slaughter. I wear the panties of concern, humanity, love of horses and common sense enough to figure out a solution when the problem is small.
D.K.
Please ask your U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the Safeguard American Food Exports act. Safeguard American Food Exports act is S. 541 in the U.S. Senate and H.R. 1094 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This website makes it easy to contact your elected officials: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
ok
These horses that this tribe doomed to a horrendous one way death trip will do nothing but SUFFER !!
Try doing some research before spouting pro slaughter propaganda. Even better, volunteer and go out there and count cows, sheep, and horses. We anxiously await your findings. Thanks for your service!
D.K.
It’s the Obama administration:
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/obama-administration-wild-horses-082013?src=soc_fcbks
jfinch
This was happening during the Bush 1 & 11 Administration, Clinton Administration, Truman, Roosevelt … how far back do you want to go? Hoover? Yep, killed horses for dog food. It’s easy to blame this administration but it is subject to the same forces as all the other administrations in the past. What I want to see is an administration that will stand up to the pro-slaughter forces, stand up for what is right. So far no solid group, be it either of the political parties, has had the courage to face down those who make money off the murder of horses.
susan carter
Slaughter begets slaughter. Open Horse slaughter plants in the US and ignorant people will raise horses just for slaughter.
Ricky Rogers
Yes, I seen all those supposedly starved horses you’re talking about who by the way for the most part looked as good as any horse one would want to own – Bonnie, take it from an seasoned horse trainer you need to grow up and put their adult panties on – The round ups and horse slaughter is all about greed for money and nothing to do with what few old, sick starved horses there may be! Also, the Indians need to get back to the old ways and quit drinking the white eyes whiskey!!!
Susan Monty
I am just heartsick over this, and angry. I can’t get over what people will do for money. The SAFE act must be passed……
D.K.
There is a brand new Facebook page dedicated to consolidating all of the anti-horse slaughter petitions into one place, so you no longer have to go looking for them all!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Horses-from-Slaughter-The-Petition-Sight/141706992706386
Sunnytxgal
How can we contact the Gallup Navajo tribe to express our outrage?
D.K.
Here is a way to take action:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/08/dine-leland-grass-wild-horse-slaughter.html
Margaret
For personal reasons I didn’t want to say what race it was that starved my horse all those years ago. My horse ws boarded out and the feeder was Native American. He took a dislike to many owners and instead of quitting he chose to starve “the white man’s” horse. Me, at the time I was 12 years old. If he didn’t like me–grow up. He was an adult out on his own. He’s not suppose to like bratty teenagers.
So am I now surprised to see the hostility Native Americans are showing towards horses? Nope. At an early age I learned and had knowledge that Native Americans were as likely as the next person to turn a blind eye to horses.
Sorry to be racist on this one. But it’s absolutely the truth the man responsible for starving my horse was Native American. I would swear to this on both my parents graves and in Court.
jfinch
Margaret, I don’t think race has anything to do with it.Having been around for awhile, I haven’t found any race or religion that is more animal friendly than any other race or religion.
Margaret
I agree Jerry. But for me it gets a bit more personal cause of my horse. The man who did this–starved about 12 horses and admitted he didn’t like the owners cause we were white.
Not everyone is rotten or is responsible for this weekend atrocious actions. But those that are there is simply no justification in my mind for knowingly sending horses to a cruel and inhumane death. It was sickening knowing there wasn’t a darn thing I could do to stop this.
I don’t know about the folks who were so deeply responsible–but me? I’m not sure I could live with myself afterwards. I guess I live in a bubble or a cocoon–where I just don’t see or experience that kind of betrayal.
Who needs to watch Survivor when we have reality staring at us right here? Our reality is much more real. Some 200 horses were sent to a deplorable death because of greed and dirty backroom politicking.
Suzanne Moore
Well that was his personal vendetta against whites. Agree that was a horrible way to take out his hatred, but that doesn’t meat ALL Native Americans would do the same. Native Americans are no more “all alike” than whites after all.
Gayle-Suzanne Barron
I absolutely agree Miss Paula.
And Equine Advocates were raising money to help them get water.
So, now they do this which goes against the fiber of EVERY Equine Advocate!
The Tribal Council is primarily to blame.
They drank too much greedy white man koolaide!
The nations are divided, but more individuals are against it, for moral and spiritual reasons as the Horse Is A Sacred Animal, than those who promote this and are making a profit from the murder of these Precious Animals.
Just like the gap between American Citizens and Our Government on these issues about wild and domestic equines.
susan carter
A month or two ago at Tec Nos Pos, there was no water for the horses, they should all have died of thirst by now. The Piute claimed their horses were starving but all the pictures show healthy horses. I think the promise is a big fat pay check to Ben Shelley and his friends.
Robyn
Yep I thought so too.. I saw healthy horses in the video’s..I was thinking same thing?
Big Fat Pay Checks…
D.K.
I have a feeling that this is all about the money with the Navajo Nation, and that by taking horses directly to slaughter it avoids the issue of the Wild Horses, which are Federally-protected. Last Saturday the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe had what are said to be Mustangs mixed in with their horses and tried to sell them at the Fallon Livestock Auction.
Debbie Olmsted
I agree.
Teresa Heaney
Taking the easy, very unethical way out. Spiritual people my ass
Pamela W
The Navaho are very lost indeed in adopting the practices of their conquerors. Domination, disregard for the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves, callous indifference to the suffering they cause, abdication of all responsibility in causing the ongoing problems, and willingness to commit any atrocity for a buck.
The Navaho have been and are capable of much nobility and wisdom. Yet their lack of mercy toward the horses absolutely alienates people like me. I can’t respect those who who have been victimized and exploited and who perpetrate the cycle by victimizing others. If they want to stand with the butcher in Roswell or the butchers in Mexico, they stand alone and can reap the contempt that stance deserves. Rather than bravado, they should feel SHAME.
darlene supnick
I am ashamed of my Indian heritage even though only a small protion. Whatever happened to the sacred horse. I hear they even want to hunt the white Eagle?What has happened to the souls of the Indians?
Jo Anne Larsen
Paula is right!!! Geld the males that will fix the problem. Indians should not get a pass. it’s all for the love of money. What about the love of these gentle souls you want to kill. They deserve much better than you.!
susan carter
Never, never ,never go to an Indian Casino!
D.K.
Watch This Video!!!
Here is the truth about the Wild Mustangs that used to number in the millions.
The beginning is a bit difficult to watch, but doesn’t last very long and then gets to the heart of the matter:
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/mustangconspiracy/
Robyn
D.K.
Everyone who lives in the US need to see this
video!!
Seen it before and it gives me Nightmares!!
D.K.
Please WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES – Demand that Congress pass the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1094/S. 541) to prevent horse slaughter from resuming in our country and to permanently stop the shipment of our wild and domestic horses to slaughter for other countries.
Safeguard American Food Exports act is S. 541 in the U.S. Senate and H.R. 1094 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Contact your politicians here.
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
Afroditi Katsikis
Yes you have missed something; the dine’have been betrayed by their elected tribal officials. Read about it here:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2013/08/dine-leland-grass-wild-horse-slaughter.html
jfinch
Do you mean to tell me that the Native-American tribes actually elected tribal officials that are NOT representing the people? That’s why you need us to show you the way! That’s terrible! I mean, when we non-native Americans elect someone to office, they represent … uh… well, I mean…, when we… oh, never mind.
Afroditi Katsikis
They have been betrayed by their elected tribal leaders just as we Americans have been repeatedly betrayed by our own elected officials. It will be interesting to see what happens to President Ben Shelly, Speaker of the Council Johnny Naize in their next election or even sooner.
Maria Northcutt
HORRIBLE!! Makes me sick.
Debbie Tracy
Of Course we all know about the Shoshone in just what happened last weekend well before this happened there had been numerous of attempts from what I understand to help with the horses whether it be birth control or also rehoming, and the head tribal council would not except it… SO ther you go, money and it is NOT only the Indians who are doing this hundreds of horses go over the border because of OVER BREEDING and backyard owners not taking responsibility, imagine wonder what would happen IF there was not a market for them overseas, THEN our idiot’s in Washington and States would HAVE to fix the problem cause then NO ONE would give a crap or want these horses NO MONEY you see, just infuriates me…. SICK those who send horses to slaughter should NEVER have another horse EVER… That includes the Indians…. There had better not be any Wild Mustangs in the mix??? When will this stop??? Please everyone call Tom Harkin 202-224-3254 to get S.541 out of the committee he chairs. AND Frank Lucas 202-225-5565 sits in his committee Also call Fred Upton H.R.1094 he is for this Bill wants it out of committee so CALL 202-225-3761 Hate to keep harping BUT these guys have the KEY to get these bills in motion other wise they will never be voted on… AGAIN……
Judith Schmader
These Navajo’s need to look at they’re heritage, you claim things like sacred places and certain rituals Oh where is it here. No you just don’t care anymore. Yes, we took your land at one time and made the buffalo extinct now you are doing the same thing over again only to us. May YOUR God prevail here .
Marsha Middleton
And they call themselves one with the land,One with the earth,and one with the spirit of the wild horses….OMG….even the native american’s are letting them down as well as their ancestors down. My heart hurts 🙁
sherriey
this makes me sick! i once had respect, admiration and empathy for the Native Americans…but never again! they are as greedy as the white man and more evil…b/c they hide behind the pretense of having a connection with all of mother earths living creatures. show them a buck and a bottle and its all over for the poor horse! …without even a look back!
disgusting evil people! betrayer of their heritage!
Kay
The bottom line is there are ‘good’ first nations peoples who are true to their beliefs and values, and there are ‘bad’ first nations peoples who just want money and have sold out their soul for same. I belong to the former. The first nations people in this article are an example of the latter.
D.K.
There is a brand new Facebook page dedicated to consolidating all of the anti-horse slaughter petitions into one place, so you no longer have to go looking for them all!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Horses-from-Slaughter-The-Petition-Sight/141706992706386
Deb Schroer
That is why it is imperative to get the SAFE Act passed. Once passed, they and others will have no choice but to deal. Hard to believe that so many follow the “Red Path” but yet, have no problem with adding insult to injury by professing to “love’ a being, yet betray it so easily.
moirra
since some of you take the road to slauggter..first of all the navajo horses are left to breed indescrimently. This is about GREED..it is not stopping the horses from suffering as anyone that has actually seen a horse tortured and brutelly killed sliced apart while still alive. I suggest ANYONE advocating that this is a humane end to their lives to go and see what happens to a horse before its life is ended in torture. You want them not to suffer??a simple bullet to the head…a needlein the veins is a sure way that they dont endure suffering..anyone who thinks that being tortured before having its life ended in butchery is plain stupid..people yhis is about almighty greed..do you know that over half the horses trucked across state lines never end up at the slaughter house…why because they are looking for horses between the ages of two and eight..o and by the way do you know what they do to mares in foal??!they hit them with baseball bats to abort the foal..the babies are cut out of their living mothers stomachs..this is your solution???you are sick.
Katie
People who think slaughter is going to help the house business are the most ignorant people there are. If we can beat and kill houses without a charge I think we should do people the same way.we are over populated so how do you think we should help that! I hope people who want slaughter be treated the same way they are. Humanly killing then would be a needle if they can’t do that than it shouldn’t be allowed!
Debbie Olmsted
Don’t you think this was the plan all along? Breeding horses indiscriminately, no care, no expense, no chemicals. Suddenly too many horses. All they need now is their slaughter houses.
John
And so what I thought were some of the most honorable, spirit driven people in existence have sold out!!! Disgrace!!
Sue
These tribes are sell outs. They are willing to do to these horses what was done to them. Slaughter is not the answer. The Navajo have done themselves in People will not forget this atrocity they have committed to these beautiful horses who have every right to be there. There is a way to co exist and if the horses can’t be there then we should take the land from the Navajos. Do on to others. Dirty business will bring the same, right back at you. ANTI SLAUGHTER WILL PREVAIL.
Rachael Bannister
NM horse slaughter plant says he is ready to talk to Navajo President and move his slaughter operation there.Where they think the ban will not effect them.
These folks will not be happy til the hear the screams and terror of our horses and watch the cruel deat and see the bllod flow our across the land.Dear God help us all.
thunder row
This is just for ben shelly to be a public figure for sue wallis to open slaughter. These people have Always slaughtered for money, why else grow large uncontrolled herds since 2006? Ponder this ben shelley told chicago tribune is they close us plants he would let the horses run rampant.they did. They judt had a temper fit, pardon the pun, but its reality.
Shay
Wow do really think us Navajos are happy our own government is doing this to our horses? All you see is a picture with an article written next to it and are quick to judge. If you were here firsthand you would know that people are taking their horses to family and friends places and even out to hidden corrals that are miles away from any home or road until round ups are done in their area. The Navajo people are doing everything they can to keep their valued livestock from being taken to a slougher so dont blame the people blame the greedy people in office.
am.leah10
I am Navajo &’ this is definitely not the choice we made as one nation!! This was all made behind closed doors &’ us, Navajos who still believe in our heritage and culture are trying our very best to fight against this. BEN SHELLY IS NOT GETTING MY VOTE, NEXT ELECTION! ugh, so much for sticking w. our Dinè culture inside our governmental system!
And for those of you who say we don’t care for our animals, come to the Navajo nation and observe one family who cares for their animals then think twice about what you say before saying anything at all. Not all Navajos/natives are the same. We tend to our livestock w. what we have. W. all the feed prices rising, we are doing the best we can!
Ricky Rogers
The Navajo nation needs to remove BEN SHELLY, and remove him fast or the Navajo reputation will be severely tarnished forever in NOT already – The white man looks at what the Navajo leaders have done as hypocrisy which is deeply frowned upon in any culture!!!! Are you sure that BEN SHELLY is a chief and not a crooked politician like the rest of the world leaders – Sounds like he has some greed in is blood!!!!!!