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General Focus of HHT
Horse Haven of Tennessee reserves our resources for animals that have been confiscated and removed from cruelty and neglect situations. Animals that have suffered at the hands of humans and need our help. Due to the number of individuals that call us to take their horse(s) they can no longer care for, we regret that we do not take those horses because of our limited facilities and purpose statement. Our horses are seized by law enforcement. We provide our expertise, transportation from the property, and rehabilitation to these horses because law enforcement organizations do not have the facilities or knowledge to care for large animals. Our horses are evidence in court hearings or surrendered to the courts.
We do offer programs to HELP responsible owners when they fall on hard times, but only as a short term fix. There are plenty of options out there for those wishing to get rid of their horses they longer want, and humane euthanisia is one of these. Please own responsibily.
General Viewpoints of HHT
PADDED WALKING HORSE SHOWS
The Tennessee Walking horse is the Official State Horse of Tennessee. Instead of trying to protect this magnificent animal from undue torture and pain, the public applauds these squatting, high stepping techniques inflicted on these horses in the show ring. The Tennessee Walking horse is a naturally smooth gaited ride. Some trainers use all sorts of artificial means to reach that ultimate gait that is extremely painful for the horse. HHT educates the public on the cruel training practice called “soring”. Even
with the federal laws that have outlawed these practices, they still exist today.
EQUINE EUTHANASIA
There are two accepted ways to euthanize a horse. The first is to hire a veterinarian to sedate the horse who injects it with an overdose of tranquilizer. We prefer people to choose this method over just allowing an animal to die of starvation due to a medical condition or old age. This method is quick, painless, and clean. A vet usually charges between $100-400 which can include carcass disposal. Disposal can present a problem if the owner cannot bury the animal on their own property. If the euthanasia and disposal are done by the local veterinary college, the cost starts at about $250. Horse Haven of Tennessee offers the transport for free (if within 30 miles of Knoxville) if an owner needs assistance. The second option should only be used in the event of an emergency that would leave the animal suffering if left to wait for a vet, and that is a bullet through the brain. Death is instantaneous and painless but care must be given that the shot is correct and on target.
No matter the method, the most important thing to remember is that when we agree to accept one of these awesome creatures into our lives, we agree to take on the responsibility of making that critical choice – when to end your friend’s life with dignity and not let the horse suffer.
HORSE RACING & RODEOS
Horse Haven of Tennessee does not approve or disapprove of sports where horses are being used for competition. HHT does, however, oppose any activity where the horse receives any type of torment, harassment, pain, injury, undue stress, or death. We denounce the use of any device such as electric prods, sharpened sticks, spurs, flank straps and other tack which would cause a horse to react violently. We find these abuses cannot be justified. HHT feels it is, therefore, our policy to educate the public about humane treatment of all horses.
HORSE SLAUGHTER
Horse Haven of Tennessee is opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption. We do not agree with the senseless and cruel act of downing horses by inhumane means to be packaged and sent overseas for human consumption. HHT feels the inhumane slaughter method of killing horses with a nail gun, or by shackling a chain around one or both of its hind legs and hoisting the horse from the floor head down by power machinery while dislocating leg joints, tearing tendons and muscles, rupturing blood vessel cause great agony to the horse who is not “always” dead yet and are NOT an acceptable practices.
Rendering plants
Is a means of horse disposal, besides burial, is the only option available. When presented to the plant, the animal has already either died or been put down using humane options
PREMARIN
Is made by collecting urine from pregnant mares. The mares are kept pregnant and attached to collection bags that are suspended from the ceiling during their entire pregnancy so their urine can easily be collected. The offspring of these mares are sent to slaughter or meet other horrible forms of existence or death. Only a few lucky ones are taken in by rescues or other people looking for young horses to train. With the advancements in medical science and the making of synthetic drugs, HHT feels there is no longer a need to produce this hormone replacement drug.
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