Reply #12: There are, thankfully, hundreds of stories like this - but still not enough [View All]

[matt819]

We own what is called an OTTB - off the track Thoroughbred. When we bought him, he wasn't headed for slaughter, but that was almost inevitable since his racing career was a tad less than impressive. This is a horse whose guiding principle is to stop and smell the flowers (or, more accurately, stop and eat the flowers).

Sadly, there are many, many (many, many, etc.) racehorses that are destined for slaughter, and this, in itself, is an utter outrage. Equally outrageous have been the conditions in which these animals are transported en route to slaughter. It is, like so much else these days, a travesty and a stain on the human race. Thanks to rescue farms and individuals who take in OTTB and abused horses, these animals can live decent lives in other sporting capacities or as pets, companion animals, or "pasture ornaments." The reality, however, is that there are not enough of these outlets/individuals, and so many horses end up in horrendous conditions here and abroad, and ultimately head to ignominious slaughter, including some of the most famous racehorses.