Disclaimer: Not mine. The information and statistics used in upcoming chapters were provided by Duane L. Burright, from a New Zealand website called Horsetalk. Thanks to him for sharing his eye opening information with the world. And I didn't identify the names of any real life characters because...well, some of the things I have to say are not very flattering. You'lll see!
A/N: Not my usual, but since I have your attention, I wanted to try doing something that was more along the lines of a "real" CP episode (you know, something that actually dealt with a real life issue). It's something I became aware of a few years ago through an email I received from the "American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" and something I've been actively involved in for over a year. Did you know that we slaughter horses in America so they can be shipped to Europe and Asia for human consumption? It was a shock to me. When I re-watched old CP eps, there was one called "No Horsing Around" where Ma-Ti went with his friend on a quest to find and tame a wild horse. They end up being captured by Hoggish Greedly who illegally crossed onto Indian land and was rounding up horses to send to slaughter. The initial email that I got from the ASPCA that made me aware of horse slaughter in the US was urging me to contact my representatives and senators and ask them to pass legislation, which would make it illegal to slaughter horses. They are slaughtering PET horses, horses who are tame, trusting of humans, but either no longer useful to those in the horse racing industry, or those whose owners were deceived into thinking they were selling their companion to a good home.
Stable to Table in Seven Days
Kwame, Gi, Wheeler, Linka, and Ma-Ti were spending a relaxing afternoon on the beach of Hope Island. The boys were kicking a soccer ball around, Gi was swimming, and Linka was sunbathing. The ball got away from the boys and rolled over towards Linka. She picked it up and tossed it to Wheeler who had come over to retrieve it.
"Thanks Babe. Sorry for interrupting."
"That is ok. I was just getting ready to go for a swim. I am getting hot," Linka said.
"Getting? You're always hot!" Wheeler flirted.
"Ha ha. You are funny. You better get back to your game. The other boys are waiting for their ball."
"They can wait. Looks like your shoulders are getting a little red. Maybe I should rub some suntan lotion on your back for you," Wheeler suggested hopefully, but expecting to be denied.
"Ok."
"SERIOUSLY?!"
"Nyet!" Linka said with a laugh.
"You're a tease."
"You're a lollipop."
"It's sucker. I'm a sucker."
"I know!" she laughs.
"Hey, you did that on purpose!" Wheeler exclaimed. "That's pretty impressive actually."
"Thank you. Here," she said as she handed Wheeler the suntan lotion.
"What's this for?"
"What do you think it is for? Put it on me," she says as she turns around with her back towards him.
"For real this time?"
"Da, for real. Someone has to do it and if you do not hurry up, you are going to miss your chance and I will just ask Gi to do it."
"No no no, I got this."
Just as Wheeler squeezed a generous amount of lotion onto his hand, the worst thing that could happen to him at that moment happened.
"Planeteers, to the Crystal Chamber," Gaia summoned.
"NOOOOOOOO! You have GOT to be kidding me."
"Guess I do not need it after all. Thanks anyway Yankee."
"What is it Gaia?" Ma-Ti asks.
"Hoggish Greedly is at it again. He is buying horses cheap at auctions, conning unsuspecting owners who are selling their pet, and even stealing horses out of their owners' fields in order to sell them to slaughter and get paid by the pound."
"I thought that was illegal?" Kwame asked.
"No. Unfortunately, what he is doing is completely legal. Immoral, but legal," Gaia said.
"Americans do not eat horsemeat. Why are American horses being slaughtered?" Linka asked.
"Eww, who would eat a horse?" Wheeler asked.
"People need to do what is necessary to survive," Kwame said. "In Africa, I had to hunt to feed my family. I did not like having to kill animals, but it was necessary for survival."
"Sorry Kwame, that is not the case here, "Gaia interrupted. "Horsemeat isn't being shipped overseas to feed the poor. It is considered a delicacy and served in expensive restaurants."
"Sick," Wheeler said. "Eatin' a horse is no different than eating a dog or cat!"
"Different cultures eat different foods. Some cultures do not eat cows or pigs," Gi explained.
"So are you saying you are not appalled by this Gi?" Linka asked.
"I'm saying, the issue here isn't what's being eaten, it's the fact that Hoggish Greedly is involved and is deceiving people."
"No, the issue isn't JUST Greedly. It's about animal cruelty Gi. Horses aren't meant to be slaughtered. They're pets, not livestock."
"I am upset by this too, but I did not expect this reaction from you Wheeler," Ma-Ti admitted.
"The horse is an American icon. It's a big part of the history and heritage. The country wouldn't be what it is today without it."
"Don't you think you're being a little over dramatic Wheeler? All you need is your national anthem playing in the background!" Gi joked.
Wheeler did not find it funny. After all, no one laughed at his jokes when he tried to make light of an eco-emergency. Plus, as far as Wheeler was concerned, this was no laughing matter.
"I'm serious. When I think of horses, I don't just think of a farm animal. I think of Paul Revere riding his horse through Boston warning that the British were coming. I think of George Washington or Ulysses Grant and Robert Lee leading their troops into battle. Or the horse drawn carriages that brought the founding fathers to Independence Hall in Philly to sign the Declaration of Independence."
Everyone was stunned into silence at Wheeler's outburst. Linka was impressed. In all their years as Planeteers, it was rare for Wheeler to voice his outrage about something. When it came to caring about issues, with Wheeler, it was always "actions speak louder than words." Something about his enthusiasm on this subject sparked something in her.
"And do not forget about the horses who pulled the covered wagons as your country moved westward to develop," Linka added.
"Yeah. And the horses that plowed the fields in the Midwest," Wheeler continued.
"And do not forget the importance and significance of the horse to the Native American culture," Ma-Ti offered.
"So what's the plan Gaia?" Wheeler asked.
"First of all, I think you all need to understand what is going on. It is not just about Greedly deceiving people, nor is it just about a cultural difference on what's acceptable and what is not. There are lies being told and misconceptions that need to be exposed. Some of you should go to a horse auction. See that these are not sick, old, or untamed, mean horses being bought for slaughter. Take note of the way they are transported. Follow them to either Canada or Mexico, and observe the conditions, and how they are treated. It's just as much about animal cruelty as it is about the deceitful way in which Greedly is obtaining the horses. The others should go to Washington DC and talk to Senators and Congressmen about supporting S.311/H.R.503 The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. There is already a grassroots lobbyist group already gathering there for a convention. They will also be meeting with Senators and Congressmen. Your input as Planeteers could be very instrumental in getting them to listen. Greedly is already there with others who are pro-slaughter, trying to convince the politicians to vote 'No' on the bill. Knowing Greedly, he's probably bribing them."
"'Others who are pro-slaughter?' How could anyone other than Greedly be supportive of slaughter?" Linka asks.
"There are alot of people in the farming industry who think that selling a horse to slaughter is a good way to get rid of horses who are no longer useful. A farm horse who can no longer work, a race horse who isn't fast enough, a broodmare or stallion who is no longer useful for breeding…instead of having an unwanted horse humanely euthanized, these people sell them to slaughter for a few hundred dollars. It is not a pet to them, it is property. They do not care what happens to the animal once it is no longer useful to them. There are pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs using the urine from pregnant mares..."
"Wait! Horse pee? Gross! What kinda drugs use that? I'll never use them," Wheeler interrupts.
"There are hormones in the urine that are used to make drugs for women going through menopause. The mares used are always pregnant. As soon as their foals are born, they are taken away from their mothers and the mares are bred again so they get pregnant. There's no break for their bodies to recover from birthing. During their pregnancy, they are force fed water in order to make them urinate more. They are filled with so much water, their stomachs cannot handle it all at once."
"What happens to the foals?" Kwame asks.
"They are usually sent to slaughter houses. There are rescue groups out there that try to save as many as they can, but they can't save them all."
"They slaughter foals?! There cannot be much meat on them. What is the point?" Ma-Ti asks.
"There is no point. It is just one way of getting rid of the foal and getting money for it," Gaia explains. "They send the foal to a place called a 'feedlot' where the smaller horses are fattened up for a few weeks, months, or until they reach a certain weight. Then there are foals who are taken away from their mothers so that their mother can become a surrogate feeder to a more expensive foal from a champion bloodline."
"Why not just leave that foal with its birth mother?" Linka asks.
"Because as soon as the mare with the good bloodlines gives birth, she is then bred again to a stallion with good bloodlines, and another valuable foal is produced and sold for hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars," Gaia explains.
"I'm going to DC," Wheeler declares.
"Do you really think that is a good idea? You're a little too emotional about this one. You may not come across as making a very valid argument if they perceive you as thinking with your heart and not your head," Gi says.
"I disagree," says Linka. "It is good that he is showing emotion in his arguments. I think that once we know more facts, he can use those emotional arguments and back them up with facts. Besides, Wheeler IS American. He has a better chance of getting them to listen to him than any of us do. And I will go with him to make sure he behaves."
"Good. Wheeler and Linka will go to DC and refute Greedly's side of the story. Kwame, Gi, and Ma-Ti, after you drop them off, you will go to a horse auction in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Rigger is there bidding on horses."
"Why do we go to Mexico or Canada? Are there no slaughterhouses in the States?" Kwame asks.
"Not anymore. An several groups who oppose horse slaughter have managed to shut them down with the cooperation of the state governments and Supreme Court. These groups have since come together as one, Americans Against Horse Slaughter. They are the ones that are lobbying in DC now. Unfortunately, that did not end the slaughtering of American horses. Now they are being transported even longer distances in inhumane conditions to Canada and Mexico where they face an even more brutal, merciless death. For instance, in Mexico, the horse is stabbed repeatedly in the neck and back until the spine is severed. They are conscious the entire time."
"Let us go. We cannot let this go on any longer!" Linka says.
As Gi pilots the Geo Cruiser, Linka searches for useful information on her laptop.
"Wheeler, come here and look at this website."
Linka moves over and makes room on the edge of her seat for Wheeler to sit next to her.
"What'cha got Babe?"
"It is the Americans Against Horse Slaughter website. It has all the facts and myths about horse slaughter listed. We can use this information to argue against anything Greedly says," she suggests.
"Maybe you should also look for a pro slaughter website. You know, to make sure you are not getting just one side of the story," Kwame says.
"I have. I checked several of them. They all say the same thing, but have no answers to the anti-slaughter arguments against them."
"This is some good stuff Linka," Wheeler says as he looks up from the laptop. "I hope I can remember it all."
"Do not worry. Between the two of us, I think we will manage to make Greedly wish he had never thought of this idea."
"See, I always knew you'd finally realize what a great team we make," Wheeler teased as he put his arm around her.
"I have always realized it. I am surprised you have never noticed."
"What?! No you haven't. Believe me, I would've noticed!"
"Anytime we team up on a mission, we do well…as long as YOU behave! That is what I have noticed when we team up." Linka said.
"That's not what I…never mind."
"Shut up and read Yankee," Linka said with a smile as she gently elbowed him in the ribs.
He did as he was told, but kept his arm around her shoulder, wondering how long he could keep it there before she made him remove it. She never did.
The Geo Cruiser Landed on The Mall in DC. After the Planeteers wished each other luck and said goodbye, Wheeler and Linka started making their way to the Capitol Building. Spring had arrived and the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom.
"It is beautiful. I have seen pictures of the Cherry Blossoms, but it is so much nicer in person," Linka said.
"I'm glad you're the one that's doing this with me. Thanks for offering to come with me," Wheeler says.
"It upsets me to know that this is going on."
"Yeah, me too. I can't believe Gi isn't as outraged as the rest of us. It's like she doesn't see what's wrong with horse slaughter."
"How many times have you started out a mission not knowing all the facts or feeling one way about an issue, but then by the end of the mission, you are fully educated and have changed your mind, or seen that you were wrong? In this mission, Gi is taking over your usual role!"
"Yeah, I guess you have a point. It's just weird that she's trying to justify it…you don't think she eats horse do you?!"
"I do not know Wheeler. Maybe she has. In fact, she probably has if it is not uncommon in her culture. You know, you eat cows and pigs and in some cultures, that is not acceptable."
"Cows and pigs aren't pets Babe. I mean, they can be, but mostly they are livestock. I'm not saying that killing them for food isn't sad. It is, and sometimes I feel bad, but I'm a carnivore…but only animals that are meant to be eaten. Dogs, cats, and horses are pets, not livestock. American's would never allow dogs and cats to be slaughtered to be sent to Asia for human consumption, so why don't they do something about it being done to horses?"
"Because most of them do not know, Wheeler. Part of our job here is to get the attention of Senators and Congressmen, but the other part is to inform the public," Linka explained.
"So Babe, any particular reason why you wanted to come to DC and not go with the others? Wanted to spend some quality time with a certain handsome American perhaps?"
"Actually, I did want to come along to be with you…to keep an eye on you. Plus, I like horses. When I was little, I always wanted a horse, but we did not have the money to buy one, let alone feed it and take care of it. I guess it is every girl's dream to have a pony."
"Not just girls. I kinda always wanted one too," Wheeler confessed.
"Really? Where were you going to keep it? Tie it to a parking meter on the street?!" she joked.
"Yeah, Brooklyn doesn't exactly have prime conditions for owning a horse. At least you had alot of land."
"So let me guess, you wanted a horse because you were fascinated by cowboys and the Old West."
"Close. I was fascinated by cowboys and the Old West because of the horses. When I was 8 or 9 years old, I spent the summer with my grandparents who lived upstate. I didn't realize it then, but it was their way of getting me away from my dad. Anyways, I guess they didn't know what to do with me. I was bored. Going outside and playing wasn't my idea of a good time. Besides, there were no other kids my age around for me to play with. I wanted to be home with my video games and my friends. The county fair came to town and they took me. It wasn't Coney Island, but it was fun. They bought me everything I asked for. Candy apples, cotton candy, corn dogs…they let me play games and I won a few prizes. I won a teddy bear that I planned on giving to this girl that I had a crush on. Her name was Gillian and she was in my grade. When school started up again in the fall, I packed that bear in my backpack and was so nervous. I thought for sure I'd chicken out and not give it to her."
"Did you?" Linka asked.
"No. Turns out her family moved to Michigan that summer. But back to the story…I'd never seen a farm animal in person before and the fair had all kinds. People would raise them and win contests for the best one. There were dairy cows, beef cow, pigs…it smelled horrible. I'd never smelt anything like that, but now, when I smell it, it'd not so bad. It kinda makes me happy actually…brings back memories. Then I saw that they had pony rides. I was scared and excited at the same time. I changed my mind. I didn't want to ride the pony anymore, I just wanted to pet it. My grandpa was like 'I didn't just pay 10 for you to pet him. If all you wanted to do was pet the animals, we could have gone to the petting zoo for 5 bucks.' Then my Gram, she was the best...she knew I was scared. She says 'Don, let him be. He needs to get used to the pony first.' And I did. I petted him for a few more minutes and he kept nuzzling my hand. He was bigger than me, but definitely friendly. Then I looked into his eyes. This is gonna sound weird, but keep in mind, I was just a kid…I could see it in his eyes, he was telling me it was ok, that he was my friend, it was gonna be fun, and it was like he was begging me to ride him. I got on his back and we were led around the ring. That's when I felt like a cowboy. Me and my pony, walking in circles, slow as hell…but in my mind, he was a big ol' stallion and we were chasin' down a train robber. It kills me to know that he and others just like him could end up on someone's dinner plate just because humans no longer have a need for their services. I spent the rest of that day at the horse stables. They were so much bigger than my pony buddy, but they all had that same look in their eyes. I wasn't afraid of them anymore."
Linka took Wheeler's hand and squeezed it.
"That is a good story Yankee. You should tell it to the Senators that we meet with."
"But we've got all these facts. Shouldn't we be more concerned with informing them of the truth?" Wheeler asks.
"What could be more truthful than a childhood memory that stirs up emotions? Anyone with a heart will be affected by what you just said."
"That's the problem Babe, we're dealing with politicians. They don't base decisions on emotions, and they definitely don't have hearts. It's all about the hard facts, hard cash, and votes. Unfortunately, their votes go to the highest bidder. When I was looking at that website you found, it said that the pro-slaughter side is funding alot of these guys' campaigns. That guy that's holding up getting the bill voted on so it can become law, the Senator from Idaho, he's like a sexual pervert or something."
"Wheeler, I know you are mad, but in order to be taken seriously, we cannot resort to name calling," Linka said.
"No, I'm serious. He was busted by an undercover cop trying to solicit sex in a public restroom! That guy has the nerve to make major decisions? He shouldn't even be allowed to remain a senator! I mean, Clinton had 'relations' with an intern and they wanted to impeach him. This guy gets a free pass!"
"They did not try to impeach Clinton because he had an affair, they tried to impeach him because he LIED UNDER OATH! Bozhe Moy Yankee. Why do I know more about your country than you?!"
"Because you're way smarter than me!"
"Flattery will get you no where."
"I think you mean 'flattery will get you everywhere,' Babe."
"Oh. Ok…wait…NO IT IS NOT!"
"Can't blame a guy for trying can you?" Wheeler laughed.
"Do not confuse me," she replied as she playfully slapped his arm.
"Sorry. Couldn't resist…where was I? Oh right, the senator from Idaho used campaign money to pay for his legal fees. A good chunk of that money came from the American Veterinary Medicine Association."
"I cannot believe that veterinarians support such an inhumane practice! How can they possibly consider slaughter to be humane euthanization?"
"No clue. Hopefully we get some answers…Here we are. Who should we start with first?"
"I say we go straight to the top and speak with the…what is it called…Senate Majority leader?" Linka asks.
"Sounds about right."
"We should start with him then. Why waste valuable time on the others?"
"Because…they need a certain number of co-sponsors. The people who've sponsored the bill want as much support as possible and need to be certain that they have enough votes to get the bill to pass. We need to talk to all the senators who haven't co-sponsored yet. I have the list. We can use the feedback provided by the American's Against Horse Slaughter to find out which senators are supportive of the bill, but haven't co-sponsored. There are some representatives that co-sponsored this bill last time it went through the House, but have yet to sign on as co-sponsors this time. We need to find out if there is a reason they won't co-sponsor, and if they say they need more information, we give it to them. They're probably buying into the pro-slaughter's myths and having second thoughts. That's were we come in."
"Wow Wheeler! I'm impressed. You are smart. I do not know why you play dumb all the time."
"It's part of my charm and appeal!"
"Says who?" Linka asked.
"You don't think so?"
"Nyet. Not at all. I think that a smart man is much more appealing and charming."
"Oh yeah? Well then, allow me to recite my times tables for you…two times two is four. Four times four is sixteen…"
"Ok, you have proven your point."
"Good. Cuz I'm not sure I know what sixteen times sixteen is," Wheeler said with a chuckle.
The Wind and Fire Planeteers arrive at the office of the Senate Majority Leader and hope that this is the first step in gaining support and getting a feel for what they need to do and who they need to talk to in order to get results.
To Be Continued...