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The Day No Horses Went to Slaughter: Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue Saves the Lives of 163 Horses in a Single Night

by By Jennifer Swanson | Jun 3, 2008, 3:23 PM

At a tense horse auction in Sugarcreek, OH last weekend, Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue left angry horse "kill" buyers no choice but to haul their trailers home empty. One hundred sixty three horses stood for sale that night facing the same grim future: a grueling trip to a painful slaughter in Canada or Mexico, then on to fill overseas dinner plates. But Pure Thoughts co-founder Jennifer Swanson and sponsor Victoria McCullough gave every one of those horses a second chance.

"I have bought wonderful things for myself during my life," said McCullough, "but providing funds for the rescue of these horses is truly the best purchase I've ever made. If every one of us can open a stall door to a horse in need, there wouldn't be horses at auction facing a painful death. No horse should have an end like that."

The horses are in Ohio until their health papers come through. Then they will be shipped to Pure Thoughts in Florida where they will be evaluated, rehabilitated, loved and paired with adoptive homes.

"These horses are our number one priority. The group is full of lovely serviceable horses including many gorgeous paints, beautiful thoroughbreds, draft horses, and adorable ponies," said McCullough, who is also championing a program to facilitate adoptions from Pure Thoughts to intercollegiate college riding programs. She is also spearheading a plan to create a unified global collaboration to help stop the slaughter of horses with help from the International League for the Protection of Horses.

"It is time for the voice of the people to be heard and put an end to horse slaughter," said Swanson. "For years others have tried to suppress anti-horse slaughter legislation HR 503 and S311, incorrectly believing horse slaughter is over is a myth. Horses are now being transported INHUMANELY to Mexico and Canada, where the cruelty is beyond comprehension. We have laws in our country regarding humane treatment of animals. Why are we not adhering to them for the horses?"

The cost of the purchase of these horses was $70,000. It will cost more than $32,000 for shipping. Pure Thoughts needs your help on this community horse rescue. "This experience has taught me to appreciate my own horses and how lucky they are. I had no idea who unbelievably cruel the other side is," said McCullough.

You can help! Pure Thoughts is looking for supporters to donate temporary use of stalls or pasture, adopt horses, sponsor horses, and volunteer.

"People are calling everyday to help and I am overwhelmed by the generosity," said McCullough. "Mr. Isaac Arrguetty has graciously let us use his Mida Farm in Wellington, FL for about 40 of the incoming horses."

Join us on this mission to save horses and help us have more days like this one in which...for one day...all the horses were safe. To contribute you may visit www.PTHR.org or you may send a donation to Pure Thoughts Inc., 19181 Capet Creek Ct., Loxahatchee, FL 33470. You may also contact Jennifer at (561) 254-0415 or Victoria at (561) 371-2203.




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Disciplines: Dressage