Amanda Martin
English 101
November 28, 2012
The Causes of horse slaughter have many surprising effects people wouldn’t think of. The drastic nature of these events changes the economy, as well as the lives of those who need products that come from horses. There are many people for and against the slaughter of horses, which has affected the situation in itself. Horse slaughter affects the economy, the mortality and standard of living of horses, and the availability of needed horse byproducts on an international level, no matter a person’s thoughts on the subject.
First off, horse slaughter affects the economy in both positive and negative ways, but what is happening now? When horse slaughter is legalized, there is a higher horse market due to meat buyer’s competition. Horses sold at auction are sold to the highest bidder, of which a meat buyer will gladly bid up a buyer until they are paying an unruly amount. This is good for the market, but bad for the buyer. Although, when a meat buyer does win, the horse will be slaughtered and most likely exported to Mongolia and Kazakhstan. This is where horse meat is a primary source of food. Slaughter houses also create lots of jobs, from hauling to working on the floor and packaging. This both strengthens trust between countries and strengthens the economy.
However, when slaughter is illegal, horses are shipped to Mexico and Canada, the closest countries. Slaughter houses shut down, and with the horses jobs follow. It costs more in fuel and takes away from the profit the US could be making. Why fight jobs that the United States clearly needs?
Then again, since horse slaughter is now legalized the horse market is now steadily rising, as well as jobs. But with the good come the bad. Due to the drought this year, hay and grain prices skyrocketed, and people who were paying three dollars for a bale of hay are now paying a hefty five dollars. Take some math into consideration. If a