July 31st...

With the up coming full enactment of the EU’s drug requirement in horses intended for food I am wondering, possibly predicting, a few things.... Remember we have all been given this information more than 6 months ago.

(1) I have already read some articles by vets on this, the US will very likely research and begin putting withdrawal times on drugs for horses like they do for cattle and other “intended for food livestock”.

(2) Will the price per pound on qualifying horses go up? We are told so few will pass the requirements meaning lower supply for the same demand. Heck demand may even go up since people will feel horse meat is now safe to eat.

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of free weanlings and yearlings. I think it won’t be long (maybe is already happening) before people start picking them up for the feed lot. The better ones may be picked out of the herd for riders etc... and the others go on the big truck with all papers in order. If the per pound price is up and a person has the farm resources, keeping a weanling for 2 to 3 yrs would still be lucrative. We do it with our naturally raised beef steers, why not naturally raised equine? Remember there will be a list of qualified drugs and there is already a list of 6 month withdrawal drugs.

With all of the bred broodmares for sale cheap or free I don’t suppose it would be at all hard to have a herd for next to nothing and let them breed. I do believe there will be horses bred strictly for meat. I do believe culls will still go to the plant, they’ll just spend more time on the feed lot. Keeping records is all it will require.

I have a 14 yr old gelding whom I’ve owned his entire life. He would meet the requirements and he has not been neglected in any way. In fact I would venture to say he is healthier than those who have been over de-wormed and given drugs that some people feel are necessary for all horses and feel it is abusive to not pump poisons and toxins into them.

(3) Some horses will go to the unregulated plants in Mexico. We know they already are but will that number increase? Will the unqualified horse be even cheaper and more obtainable for that market now? Will the NAHSC be able to help them? I certainly don’t believe they will but they will be patting themselves on the back and taking credit for the EU regulating food safety for their citizens. Do they not know that’s all it is about? It is not for the welfare of horses. Why on earth do they think they have had any hand in what other Countries allow their people to eat or not?

John, Vicki, Alex, and the rest of you knot heads, Stop taking credit where it is not yours to take. You already get credit for the suffering of many horses, isn’t that enough for you?

What’s next, you ego maniacal morons? Gonna jump on the HSUS band wagon and fight for no animal ownership just guardianship? Make it possible for Rover to sue their guardian in a court of law over a dog food dispute, or over the humiliation of having your nose rubbed in it when you had an accident on the carpet...

Better be careful I know several horses who would start a class action suite against you for much of their suffering.

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Really, How hard is this? I keep these records for the entire time I own a horse just for my own personal use, it wouldn't be a big deal for 6 months.

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E.2 Equine Information Document

EQUINE INFORMATION DOCUMENT

This document represents and provides for the minimum requirements of written and pictorial identification as well as a record of medical history and declaration for equine (horses, donkeys, zebras and their crosses) presented for slaughter in Canada. Alternatives to filling out the written description and picture identification below are given at the end of Part 1.

Part 1 Identification

Written Identification

Name of the animal (write N/A if the animal has no name)
Primary location of the animal
(Land location or legal address or Premise Identification Number)
Primary use(s) of the animal. Circle one or more of the following: recreation/companion animal/ pleasure riding, breeding, ranch/farm work, public work, private industry work, performance/sport/show, racing, rodeo, urine production, food production, if other please specify
Sex - Mare/Filly, Gelding, Stud/Colt (Circle one) month and year of birth .(if known)
Country of Birth (if known) Height in hands (1 hand = 4 inches)
Refer to Section E.3 for terms to be used for the following equine colour and marking identification section
Body Color
Markings: Head
Body
Limbs: Right Front Right Hind
Left Front Left Hind

The following seven items must be completed or marked N/A if not applicable
Pedigree registry and registration number
Microchip number and location
Passport ID number
Unique Equine Life Number
Or other unique identifier
In the case of an Equine Information Document completed by the previous owner; name of previous owner:
List visible acquired marks (brands, tattoos, scars, etc.) and location
/

Picture Identification

Attach, by stapling to this document, a single page containing the name (if applicable) of the equine and clear printed colour pictures of the animal showing each of the views in the diagram below. The pictures should be large enough to see the detail required. The views shall be printed on a standard 8.5 X 11" page. Ensure that at least 90% of the picture contains the side or portion of the animal shown in the part of the diagram below to be depicted. Take close ups of any visible acquired marks such as brands and attach.Owners, please ensure that the written description and pictures attached agree and then sign and date the picture page.

Diagram

Click on image for larger view

Alternatives to Written and Picture Identification

The picture and written description identification in the above sections will not be required to be fully completed if the identification information listed above is contained in either of the following four alternative options. Any information required above but not contained in the options below must be completed in the applicable section above.

1. The written description information and as a substitute for pictures, the silhouette above, is completed by a licensed Veterinarian or an authorized person*. Lines are to be drawn on the diagrams above representing white areas on the animal where applicable. Mark whorls with an "X". Mark the location of scars with an arrow ->. Draw in acquired marks e.g. brands.

   Name and signature of Veterinarian/authorized person
   License/authorization number
   * Authorized persons would include those authorized by an Animal Pedigree Actrecognized pedigree registry, or recognized by Equine Canada to issue identification passports or brand inspectors employed provincially.

2. For pedigree registered animals that have official registration papers with picture and written description identification, a legible colour copy of the registration papers may be attached to this document.
3. For non pedigree registered equines with an official passport, the passport may be attached.
4. When a complete Equine Information Document (EID) (including part 1) has been provided by a previous owner(s), provided that the EID from the previous owner(s) is attached to this document.

Part 2 History

I, (name of owner) of ////-- (state your full contact address, (street number or post office box number/city/province or state/ postal code or zip code, phone number) am the owner** of the animal identified on this document and have had uninterrupted possession, care or control of the animal identified below from (indicate date care or control started) to (indicate end date).

1. Have any drugs or vaccines been administered to or consumed by the animal during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal? Circle Yes or No. If yes, write the name the drug(s) or vaccine(s), last date of use, withdrawal period(s) *** and for drugs, the amount used (dose) per treatment if the label does not indicate a dose or if drug is used at a dosage different than the label indicates
   
   
   
   
   (use back of page if more space is needed).
2. Has the animal identified on this document to your knowledge been diagnosed with an illness during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal? Circle Yes or No. If yes, provide details with dates of diagnosis and recovery
   
   
   
   
3. Has the animal identified on this document to your knowledge been treated with a substance listed under the table named substances not permitted for use in food producing equine found in section E.4 during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal, Circle Yes or No.

Notes

** An owner is a person who owns or has the possession, care or control of an animal.
*** For information on withdrawal periods for drugs safe for use in food producing animals but without a withdrawal period for equine listed on the label, please consult sections E.5 and E.6 or contact your veterinarian. Indicate the withdrawal period (number of days/hours before the animal can be slaughtered) for vaccines found on the label.

Part 3 Declaration

OWNER DECLARATION

As the owner of the animal identified on this document I hereby certify that the information stated in this Equine Information Document is accurate and complete.

I understand that, effective July 31, 2010, at least six continuous months of documented acceptable history is required for an equine presented for processing in an establishment inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As such, I have the option of attaching to this document, completed Equine Information Document(s) from previous owner(s) in order to cover the required six continuous months of documented history.

(Signature of owner)

// (Date DD/MM/YY)

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/meavia/man/ch17/annexee.shtml#e1

Comment - #3 under Part 2 History. (see type that I have changed to blue and red) If they ask the question in that manner I assume many horses that have been given drugs on the prohibited list will pass without the owner ever having to lie. hmmmm?

By RM