The Plight of Horses in Bouvry's Slaughter Pipeline

In a lengthy and in-depth investigation conducted in October 2012, Animals' Angels documented conditions at Bouvry Exports' various locations in the US and Canada. Investigators alternated between locations throughout this investigation to document as much as possible. Due to the sheer length of time this investigation encompassed, we have merely summarized the investigation in this newsletter, but we encourage you to read the full report for detailed day to day information. Bouvry Exports operates one of the largest horse slaughter plants in Canada approved to export horse meat to the EU. Bouvry Exports owns about 2000 acres of land near Fort Macleod, where they fatten US and Canadian horses in large feedlots. The company also leases property from the Peigan Indian Reservation near Summerview, where they are allowed to keep up to 4,500 horses. Additionally, Bouvry maintains the large "Bar S" feedlot in Shelby, Montana, which serves as a collecting station for horses bought at auctions across the US. Bouvry Exports has in its possession thousands of horses on any given day which makes providing appropriate care next to impossible. Observations by Animals' Angels during this investigation confirm this fact. We found horses that were neglected and forced to live in appalling conditions, with no shelter. Our investigators repeatedly observed the following: Lack of shelter in harsh weather conditions with heavy snow and temperatures as low as 11 degrees Horses, including foals, covered with snow and ice and left to suffer in the harsh elements Crowded pens Hooves that had not seen care and would therefore make standing and walking painful Obese and extremely lethargic animals, from gross overfeeding Fighting and distressed horses Emaciated horses Horses in great distress due to medical emergencies with no workers around to even take notice Click here to read full length report... Bouvry Exports Slaughter Plant The first stop in this investigation was the Bouvry Exports slaughter plant itself. Our investigators noted that delivery trucks arrive and unload in quick succession. One truck arrived, unloaded 28 horses, and then left, all in less than 10 minutes. Fighting between the horses could be observed on the transport trailer prior to unloading. Horses kept in the paddock directly next to the slaughterhouse had visible slaughter and auction tags. Although there was water and feed available, there was no shelter. Investigators spent several days trailing trucks from surrounding auctions and the US feedlot to the plant. Based on information gathered from trailing vehicles as well as USDA documents obtained by Animals' Angels, it became clear that Bouvry has a large network of buyers acquiring horses for him all across the US as well as Canada, securing a steady supply for his plant. Feedlots Bouvry Exports maintains numerous feedlots. The majority of horses observed were Belgium and Percheron draft horses. Several of the holding pens, especially at the Shelby feedlot in Montana and the Prime Feedlot in Granum were overcrowded. Aggressive horses were seen biting others, a behaviour some horses can develop in crowded conditions. Most of the horses were tremendously overweight, having been fattened prior to slaughter. They were eating or lying on the ground lethargically. They didn't even lift their heads when other horses walked by or were fighting next to them, which is very unusual behaviour. Only their breathing showed they were still alive. As our investigation progressed, the weather took a severe turn. It snowed heavily with high winds and the temperature dropped to 11 degrees. There was absolutely no shelter protecting the horses from the snow, wind or freezing temperatures. They were left to endure the harsh elements. A good many of the horses had neglected hooves which evidenced a complete lack of farrier care. One horse could be seen with an open wound just above the hoof. Another horse was found down and apparently sick. Blood was visible around his anus. He was able to lift his head, but did not have the energy to stand. Given the number of horses contained in the feedlots, it is likely that injuries & sicknesses often go unnoticed and untreated. It would be extremely difficult if not impossible for anyone to adequately maintain proper care for so many horses. One incident in particular needs to be highlighted as it raises grave concerns for the whole: A mare had tried to give birth, however, the foal had come out head first instead of legs first and it died in mid-birth with only the head emerging from the mare. When investigators found her, she was already very weak and unable to rise. The foal was still lodged inside of her and a steady stream of blood was dripping from her teats. The surrounding horses nudged at her and the head of the dead foal. At this heart breaking scene, the investigators made the decision to call the local SPCA to get much needed help for the suffering mare. It took over an hour for the SPCA officer to arrive and during this time the mare continued to endure what had to be pure agony. It was heart wrenching even for seasoned investigators to witness such a horrendous sight. However, much to our investigator's disbelief, the presence of the SPCA officer brought no relief to the mare's suffering as apparently there were no plans to euthanize her nor was a vet brought in to attend her. The SPCA officer only briefly looked at her, spoke to some workers and then left the scene. Indeed, our investigators had to interrupt the friendly, laughing conversation between the SPCA officer and a Bouvry worker to inquire as to the mare's condition. To see such a conciliatory manner between the Bouvry workers and the SPCA officer is disconcerting to say the least. It was obvious that the SPCA officer failed in his duty that day as he should have remained with the mare to ensure that she would receive humane and appropriate treatment. Leaving her in the care of Bouvry's workers and without a veterinarian is not responsible. Pastures with Mares and Foals In addition to the feedlots, Bouvry Exports maintains vast pastures with mares and foals. Although there was shelter at one pasture, it wasn't large enough for all of the horses present. Dominant mares will fight aggressively for shelter and keep weaker mares and especially foals out. The foals observed were very young and many were lying down. However, one foal did not move even when approached, with only his breathing to indicate he was alive at all. Several of the mares were thin and their ribs were showing. One extremely emaciated mare was found, however, she disappeared the following day. When the temperatures dropped and heavy snow began to fall, the mares gathered around the foals in an attempt to protect them from the heavy snow and ice build-up that was obvious on all of the horses. The foals were a sad sight as their coats were caked with snow and ice. The young foals were clearly suffering greatly from the extreme temperatures and weather. To add to the cruelty, there was a large empty barn just outside the holding area but as it was fenced off, the horses could not reach it. Of grave concern is the fact that temperatures in this area can and do drop to as low as -15 degrees making it questionable if all of these foals will even survive the winter. Sadly, without adequate shelter, many will likely succumb to such harsh temperatures. Bouvry Exports is a vast slaughter empire built squarely on the backs of horses. The conditions observed by Animals' Angels investigators over the course of this intensive investigation show a consistent lack of even the most basic care. Of equal concern is the witnessed attitude of local SPCA staff towards Bouvry. Animals' Angels will use the evidence gathered during this investigation for our 2013 consumer awareness campaign in Europe. We will keep you updated on the progress. Please also continue to contact your representatives and let them know how you feel about the plight of our horses. There is strength in numbers, so encourage your family and friends to do the same.

 

 

When things are taken for granted, it is time to THINK and ACT with COMPASSION.
The animals are not here for us to do what we want with them as inanimated objects that do not feel.
They have a body and like us, they feel the pain.
Everything in Nature is a expression of Love and Unity, EVERYTHING!

And we are part of that everything, so are Animals!

Please, treat everybody and everything with Love.

Learn to develop and exchange that energy of Love that ties us together, in a boundles energy, as a whole. We do not own animals on this planet, we all co-exist!

Learn to share the same space with Love and Respect!

EVERYTHING in Nature has beauty and is ALIVE!

Nature is the pure Love that the Creator gave us. Take care of it!

 

Not just for yourself, but for the future generations, that is the

ONLY TRUE TREASURE that we can inherit them . . .

 

 

 

 

Love, Honor, Respect and Compassion

ANIMAL HUMAN SOCIETY

What We Do

As the leading animal welfare organization in the Upper Midwest, the Animal Humane Society is committed to engaging and serving local communities of people and animals and providing comprehensive programs and services to compassionately serve all of the stages of an animal’s life. At our campuses in Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury, our mission is to engage the hearts, hands and minds of the community to help animals.

Our programs at our five campuses include the following:

Adoption and surrender

At our facilities we have cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets available for adoption. All animals in our care receive examinations, vaccinations and medical treatments, behavior assessments, microchipping and spaying or neutering for all cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets prior to adoption.

The Animal Humane Society believes in an open admission philosophy, which means we accept every animal regardless of health, age, breed or temperament that is surrendered to us. Open admission is essential to providing shelter and care to the thousands of animals that would otherwise have no safe refuge. We strive to be a resource for people when they need to surrender an animal—and to place no judgment on their need to surrender.

There are no time limits that regulate how long adoptable animals are available at our Adoption Centers. As long as the animal remains in good health and temperament, it is available until it is adopted.

(click here to view Adoption and Surrender statistics from our annual report)

Outreach

Our educational and outreach programs foster humane values and animal responsibility. Each year, we present programs at Twin Cities schools, offer summer camps for youth, community service projects and a youth pet club.

Our animal-assisted therapy volunteer program visits libraries, nursing homes, hospitals and community centers throughout the area.

AHS’s mobile services veterinary unit assists breed rescue groups with spay/neuter surgeries at off-site locations.

(click here to view Outreach statistics from our annual report)

Rescue

Our humane investigators respond to thousands of reports of animal cruelty or neglect each year.

In addition, we regularly work with partner organizations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin who ask for our assistance when their shelters are full.

We receive, provide care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife at our Golden Valley location.

(click here to view Rescue statistics from our annual report)

Pet Services

An important part of our work is pet training and socialization. Each week we provide nearly 40 dog training classes at our locations in Coon Rapids, Golden Valley and Woodbury and at the Now Boarding Pets facility near the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. In addition, we provide a behavior helpline, one-on-one training and socialization, therapy animal training, dog play groups, rabbit agility classes and pet loss support groups.

We offer competitively priced pet boarding at our Golden Valley location or at Now Boarding, located near the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.

(click here to view Pet Services statistics from our annual report)

As a private non-profit organization, we receive no federal, state or government funding and rely totally on private donations, merchandise sales and adoption fees.

http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/aboutus/whatwedo



A Spark of Light & Love in deep sadness

It is after all the call or greed for money and more money that makes horse trader and other individuals create this "slaughter export trade." And then that which is destined to die is already treated as if it were dead, without respect, sensitivities toward their needs, caring, feeling and so forth. This is how and where the tortures are committed and then comes the slaughter house with its own horrors.

We have our own karma and additionally, with events such as these new karma is created as we stand by and do nothing about it, we become part of it. So please, let us tackle this somehow either spiritually and/or physically. Also, if you do know of someone in your area who carries out this kind of trade, call the Humane Society of the US at 301-258-8276. They cover any part of the US. Contact for Animal's Angels as below and Tel.: 410-848-3153.

 

 

Investigation Updates November 19, 2012 Animals' Angels PO Box 1056 Westminster, MD 21158     Recent Investigation in Mexico Reveals Continuing Non Compliance with EU Standards Animals' Angels investigators observed harsh conditions in EU approved Mexican slaughterhouses during an intensive investigation conducted in September 2012. The goal of this follow up investigation was to check if any improvements had been made since the 2007/2008 investigations had revealed abhorrent conditions. Animal welfare investigators are accustomed to observing the most egregious treatment of animals. Even the slightest improvements are welcome, but do not bring a cease fire to the battle for humane treatment of all animals transported to slaughter. Open Roof Trailer   Link to full length investigation report   Watch the video filmed at the Camargo horse slaughter plant   WARNING! Report and video contain extremely graphic images that might be disturbing to some viewers.   EU inspections of Mexican slaughter houses are scheduled in advance, clearly giving notice to the slaughterhouses to comply with regulations on that one day of inspection. Animals' Angels arrived unannounced at several of the EU approved plants as they observed multiple trucks carrying horses from the US to slaughter. Horses were jammed into transport trailers, resulting in biting and fighting among them. The common use of trailers with no roof is cruel as the intensive sun in the transport areas beats down upon horses already over-heated due to over-crowding and long waiting times inside parked trailers at US broker offices and the border. (Please read more about this issue here...) Emaciated mare with US slaughter tag   One transport trailer observed arriving at the Inter Meats plant contained many emaciated horses and others with snotty noses and discharge-clotted eyes. After travelling at least 16 hours with no food or water, they were unloaded in pens with no food or water during observance by the investigators. Horse with BLM brand Alarmingly, amongst them were BLM branded horses. These mustangs were shipped by Triple Crown Ranch from Meeker,OK. Examination of owner/shipper paperwork by Triple Crown Ranch reveals identical information as to previous certificates, as if Triple Crown has shipped the same group of horses over and over again. This is in clear violation of paperwork intended to track contaminated meat. Investigators left when told by slaughterhouse personnel to cease filming. The following day, investigators arrived at Carnicos de Jerez slaughterhouse in Jerez, MX observing that a solid block wall and manned security gate had been erected around the premises blocking all view from outside the premises. Investigators proceeded to Empacadora de Ganadera de Camargo, the newest EU approved plant. The horses were held in open pens at the Carmargo plant, exposed to the hot Mexican sun, with limited access to food and water. Many of the horses were extremely emaciated and investigators found a downed horse that slaughterhouse staff did not check during the time of the observation. A large pit holding horse carcasses was found. The bodies were left uncovered for vultures to eat. There were bones and body parts scattered throughout the area. The smell of decomposition filled the air. Horses' tails and hair could be seen drying on wooden planks with the USDA tags still attached, some stuffed into feedbags. While being moved the horses were forced to walk through areas with no bedding or traction. The slippery floors caused several to fall with full force. Prior to entering the killbox, horses are subjected to a pressurized water shower resulting in one horse to panic during our time of observation. The horse tried to jump the chute's concrete wall; workers forced him back into the chute, but he obtained a bleeding face injury in this struggle. Our investigators were able to obtain documentation of the slaughter process. Led into a kill pen, the horse is stunned by a captive bolt. The left hind leg is secured with a chain in order to hang the horse from a beam. Blood is drawn for testing. They are then cut open and bled out. As explained in our full investigative report (Warning - report contains graphic images) , the investigation revealed several areas of concern. Council Directive 2002/99/EC states that third countries importing meat into the European Union have to comply with Community Legislation.Obviously this is not happening. Specifically, animal welfare requirements at slaughter must be met in accordance with Council Directive 93/119/EC. Observations at the Camargo plant show that horses slip and fall during movement to the plant due to slippery surfaces. Additionally, one horse panicked after being showered and tried to escape over the concrete wall of the chute obtaining a bleeding face injury. A non-ambulatory horse was observed which did not receive immediate attention. Observations at the Camargo plant as well as the Aguacalientes plant show that horses did not have access to water at all times. Horses are transported to the plant in open roof trailers that offer absolutely no protection from the desert sun. Loaded trailers are parked for an extended time at border crossings and checkpoints, causing overheating. Evidence obtained by Animals' Angels shows that the paperwork used to identify the horses in the individual shipment is often falsified and therefore not reliable. The information regarding sex, breed and age of the horses in different shipments is identical on multiple owner/shipper certificates. Consequently, it can't be determined where the horses in such shipments originated. Slaughterhouses and suppliers are in clear violation of EU standards yet the violations continue unabated with no repercussions. Animals' Angels investigations are used to educate consumers in the EU, citing mistreatment and possible contamination of the American horse meat they pay a premium for. Link to the full investigation report... (Warning - report contains graphic images) Watch the undercover video from the Camargo plant investigation.. (Warning - video contains extremely graphic images that might the disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised)