Summary: Princess Anne -- Queen Elizabeth II's daughter and the organization's president -- suggested that making horse meat more valuable might lead to better treatment of the animals. The Olympic equestrian remarked saying that many horses, while in transit from Poland, were beautiful and quite gorgeous before taking the long trip to Britain, but because of their declined value - and availability - that many resorted to treating them quite harshly. "It's worth noting transport of horses itself is the problem -- not the horses or indeed the way they were brought up," she said. The Princess even then suggested that our "our attitudes to the horse meat trade ... and the value of horse meat might have to change."
World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said the Princess Royal had made her point "within the context of the equine crisis we're currently in" when ponies are being sold for as little as £5 ($8). "The killing of horses for meat is an emotive subject as many see them as companion animals rather than a food source, a sentiment the RSPCA has great sympathy with. "However, the Society's primary concern for all animals killed for meat and otherwise is that they are cared for, handled and transported in a way which safeguards their welfare at all times."
My Opinion: Well, first off, being that I am American, and did not grow up eating Charlie or his friends, I have a considerable opposition to eating horses at all. But being that other countries have different values than America, and different "norms", I could say that I understand why Britons eat horse meat. I agree with what Princess Anne says, and definitely for the improved treatment of ponies and horses on their transit ride. The only neigh I have against this (ha!) is the fact that they still eat the horse meat. Horses were originally eaten in World War II - ONLY due to the fact that it was a very critical and needy time. Now, the horses are eaten because they are cheaper than selling them for sports or leisure riding. But I seriously doubt that will ever completely stop.
Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/15/world/europe/uk-horse-meat-princess-anne/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2 (Original by Susannah Cullinane)
I don't think horse meat should be eaten as much as beef or pork, but I think it's okay in smaller amounts. I know that some countries in Europe treat horse meat like a delicacy, which I think is alright. But I also agree that horses should be treated with more care, so I like how people are taking action on that subject.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of eating horse meat really grosses me out, but I can understand why certain countries would need to just because its cheaper;I don't think it should be considered a delicacy anywhere though.
ReplyDeleteI'm a vegetarian, so I would probably never eat horse meet. However, I think it's good that she is trying to improve the horses condition--animals being treated badly really upsets me,
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