'Secretariat''Secretariat' had a truly wonderful retirement as was befitting of him. 'Big Red' was foaled on March 30, 1970 and
was euthanized on October 4, 1989 due to having developed laminitis. 'Secretariat' was treated like a King, and he knew it.
Not all racehorses are as fortunate.
On July 20, 2007, the California Horse Racing Board announced that they will request
a paltry 0.3% of a purse to be
donated to fund retirement homes for horses that race in California. To the state of California's credit, horse slaughter was
banned there in 1998. Despite that, progress remains slow for improved welfare of all retired Thoroughbred
racehorses.
Of course, this very promising idea originated with author Bill Heller as he established the 'Ferdinand Fee.'
However, there is an 'out' clause regarding these small fees; they are voluntary. The miniscule amount being
requested is akin to
loose change. The fees should be larger and absolutely mandatory. The Thoroughbred industry can and must do better.
Source: Bloodhorse
Section 123 of the House of Representatives Version of the FY 2008 Agriculture Appropriations Bill
Stripped
On July 19, 2007, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for
Fiscal Year 2008. In a previous House draft of the FY 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill, the Livestock Subcommittee inserted Section 123, with language so broad that would it would have
preempted states and localities from passing regulations pertaining to food safety or GMO crops that were stricter than those
put in place by Federal agencies.
Section 123 would also have prevented states and localities from passing any laws prohibiting commercial use of
USDA
inspected products. Additionally, if the measure had been approved, agribusiness would have been able to accomplish what
it could not achieve in state legislatures: the immediate repeal of state laws that protect horses from slaughter and a host of
other
democratically approved animal welfare reforms. The Farm bill - H.R. 2419 was passed by the House of Representatives on July 27, 2007. It did not include a horse friendly amendment as the HSUS had hoped. The Farm
bill has yet to be reconciled with the Senate version before it is signed into law by President Bush. Farm bills are reviewed and rewritten every five years.
Cavel Lawsuit: On
Again
7th Circuit Court Chief Judge Frank H. Easterbrook
On June
28, 2007 District Court Judge Frederick Kapela reversed his decision of June 1st, 2007 and denied Cavel International's
motion to extend
the temporary restraing order. On June 28th, 2007, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals rendered a one paragraph order granting Cavel International an injunction while the case makes its way through the
appeals process. The three member Circuit Court panel decided that "in light of the irreparable harm that will come to
the
plaintiffs if the motion is not granted, and the degree of novelty raised by the appeal, the motion is GRANTED. The
defendants are ENJOINED from enforcing Public Act 95-0002 pending a resolution of the appeal."
Cavel is
able to
slaughter again until their appeal is decided. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals indicated that the appeals process in this
case would be expedited. Amicus Curiae briefs are being submitted to the Court detailing that no irreparable harm will
befall Cavel International and its parent Company Velda.
S.311 Has at Least Two Holds on it!
In the 109th Congress, it was thought that Senator Frist had a hold on S. 1915. This, in fact, was not the case. Senator
Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) were two Senators we know of that placed holds on S. 1915.
To date, there are only 29 cosponsors for S. 311. Efforts should be focused on gaining cosponsors for this bill. Latest Major
Action: 4/25/2007: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
If your Senator has not yet cosponsored S. 311, please call
his or her District Office for your area, send a letter as well (handwritten letters carry more weight than faxes) and don't
forget to contact every member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation who has not yet cosponsored.
Any American may
contact a committee member, so do not allow the aides to tell you that because you are not a constituent that you may not call.
Remember when calling to get the aide's name, and ask for a written response regarding your call. That is how you can be
positive that your information was properly logged.
Willow is Coming Home Soon!
'Willow'
After a month of delays due to her owner's summer vacation activities, Willow will finally be moved to her new
home. We are very excited about having rescued Willow and we are certain that Willow will choose her 'perfect' person.
Like many of our rescues, Willow will be free leased to an experienced advanced rider with an interest in Dressage.
Willow prefers not to take fences, and Dressage is a discipline at which she excels. There are only happy times, excellent care,
tons of TLC (and perhaps some ribbons) in Willow's future. We extend a debt of gratitude to all whom have been sponsoring
Willow.
For a change
of pace, enjoy more beautiful racing videos including 'Rags
to Riches' winning the Belmont Stakes. This directory also includes films of 'Barbaro' and 'Ruffian.' The videos can be
downloaded by right clicking on the link, or viewed locally by clicking on the link. Depending upon your internet
connection, the videos may not play until they are downloaded. All files are mpgs.
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