How many will die?

Many people do not understand the sheer number of animals killed each year in pounds and slaughterhouses around the world. These statistics are just a small insite into the issue.

Be a RESPONSIBLE owner. Spay and neuter your dogs & cats and don't let them run free. Keep tags & collars on them so that if they get loose they can be returned to you, and find them homes if you can no longer care for them! Don't assume because they are small and cute that they will be adopted when you take them to the pound. Did you know that older dogs, large breed dogs, hunting dogs, and black dogs stand the least chance of being adopted?

If you find yourself unable or unwilling to keep your horse any longer check into rescue groups or retirement homes for that animal. Don't assume that if you send your horse through a sale that a kill buyer will not be the one buying it! Check out the people who you sell your horse to...they could be working for a kill buyer. Make sure you send your horse somewhere safe... After all they have done for you don't they deserve that from you?

Dog & Cat Statistics
In 2003 there was $32 million spent on the euthanasia of dogs & cats in Virginia!
130 million dogs and cats were put to sleep in Virginia in 2003 & only 18% of animals that were turned into the local pounds were returned to their owners!
The "kill rate" of the 2 shelters closest to us (Wythe & Smyth County) is almost 90%!

Horse Slaughter Statistics
Over 3.3 million horses were slaughtered worldwide since 1985

2006: 135,288+

2007: 111,771+

2008: 1086+ (as of 1-19)

The only open slaughterhouses at this time are in Canada & Mexico

Canada
Bouvry Export Calgary Ltd.
Calgary, Alberta Canada

Viande Richelieu, Inc.
Massueville, Québec Canada