Good morning Alex, FOB & Sweet Heavenly Barbaro.

Thanks for the updates Alex!!!

It's snowing here in PA again... hope the weather clears soon.

To everyone in this snow, please be careful.

Hope everyone has a great day.
Lynn G
East Stroudsburg, PA

Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!

It is "wicked" cold here in Maine these days. Below zero with extreme wind chills. I worry about the animals who don't have proper protection on days like this.

Great news about the Texas slaughterhouses but we still have work to do to prevent horses slipping across the borders. I have renewed my efforts to contact my non-cosponoring representatives to get them on board.

A BIG Welcome Back to Laurie H. You have been missed. We all could have used a soothing tuck in after the sad news about little Fitch but we want you healthy. Take all the time you need.

Prayers to all who are in need. Be careful out there in the bad weather. And, as always, thank you, Alex, for all you do for us.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro foreve

Good morning all. Fitch is having fun now with our boy. Great news from Texas but we must go on.
Marg, where in Maine? I'm south of Boston in Plymouth.

Good morning, FOBs! Snow here in Hershey, PA.

Thank you, Alex! We appreciate your updates.

PLEASE CALL AND FAX YOUR SENATORS AND REPS TODAY, and follow the new strategy that Debra and Shelley will post shortly. We must carry on Barbaro's legacy, and continue working to end slaughter in this nation...then it's on to Canada to stop it there as well.

Please consider Letters to the Editor, FOBs as well. We must continue educating people about the horrors of slaughter.

In loving memory of Barbaro, and Baby Fitch.

Good Morning, FOB's!

Its begun to snow here in Chester County. All those in its path, please be care-full(spelling is deliberate...)

###
Laurie H, welcome back. Take good care of yourself. I hope you bring back the tuck-ins. Tonight, I'll re-post my favorite lullaby just for you.

###
MaryL - just read the entire thread about Ernie and saw the pics. What a baby. WE can use all the good news we can get right now. I don't know about anybody else, but I'm exhausted both physically and emotionally.

###
What's going on with Rosie? Reason I ask? Not 30 minutes ago, I woke up after having dreamed that a beautiful bay/chestnut horse gave birth to an adorable foal and I was able to watch the entire birth. Anybody else dream of a horse giving birth last night/this morning?

Am going back to get some rest and start morning meditations/prayers. Will be back later.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

Love you, Miss you Barbaro. I hope I have a heart as big as Secretariats was, because lil Fitch took another part. I know you welcomed him, but I know my Alydar was there too.
#########
Speaking of Alydar, brings me to Affirmed, which brings me to Deb's Way of an EAGLE!!!! (feel like I am playing the Kevin Bacon game here) He is running today? (Eagle's coat reminds me of Alydar, but his neck conformation looks like Granddad Affirmed to me. FLY Eagle FLY!! On the road to victory!
Great ruling on anti-slaughter, heck they should have the FOB's as border patrol, we'd get it done.
Love to Family,
Susan
Barbaro...Forever.

###
Stu - I'm in central Maine - Augusta/Waterville area.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barabro forever

********Anti Slaughter Postcard Update********

Hi everyone-

Planning to professionally print a substantial number of anti slaughter postcards and make them available for 50% of cost + shipping!

* Please send an email to:
antislaughterlobby@earthlink.net with the quantity and your mailing info if you would like to participate.

* The cards will be 4X6, card stock, glossy on the front and cost will be between .03 and .18 a piece depending on the total quantity printed. They will be offered in multiples of 25 and should take approximately 2 weeks to print.

The more we order the cheaper they are!

* Go to Anti Slaughter Issues, POSTCARD OFFER thread on the forum to see the card design. If you can't access the forum, email the above address and I'll send you the files.

* As with the new approach of targeting our calls and faxes to the politicians, a coordinated mailing campaign should maximize our impact. More news on that front as we get further along.

Looking forward to your emails!

Good Wednesday morning Alex, Barbaro, FsOB

I, too, am happy about the closure of the Texas slaughterhouses but as others have said, without legislation, the horses will go to Mexico. Barb M. mentioned last night that some FsOB were contacting the Mexico tourism board explaining that until the Mexican horse slaughterhouses close, they will NOT vacation in Mexico. Mexico depends on tourism. I will do that today in addition to making my calls to committee members.

Rosie - what is going on? Anyone have an update?

#######
Marg

When I lived up north I was anxious all winter about the impact of the frigid temperatures on the animals. People can pile extra clothes on - they cannot.

Janice
A proud FOB

Marg, nice to meet you on here. Beautiful area up there. I'll be up there in about 2 weeks. Stay warm

Good morning to our sweet heavenely Barbaro.

Good moring Alex, thanks for the great artical on the Texas ruling of the slaughter houses. It is about time someone saw the light.

Prayers to little Fitch.

Rosie, please have your little one.

Snowing here in Pittsburgh, and the roads are getting bad, very cold with a mix of rain and snow. Be careful out there. I hope this is the last of the snow.

Stay safe and warm, and have a good day.

Rememer to fax and call.

Hiya, FsOB! Alex, are you shedrowing this AM. The Thames has ice on it close to the riverbanks, i'ts been so cold here. Please stay safe and warm

To Jane inCT: If you might take a look at my posting from 03/07 at 2:223 (on update 224), I'd like to get more info re. the article or letter that you plan to send to a CT-based newspaper.

To Barb M. in FLA: I'll contact the Mexican Board of Tourism this weekend. So far, I've had no response from anyone in NYC at the Belgian Tourist Board.

A good day to all FsOB. May Abercrombie be given all the support he needs following his traumatic experiences of the past week. Peace, RMH

Alex - Thanks again for your updates! I hope you bundle up this morning.

I hope everyone stays safe and warm today, especially with the snow expected here in the East.

Alex -
I appreciate all you do for us. We'd be lost without you.

FOB's -
The Texas situation is VERY encouraging, but we must continue to fight on to envoke the legislation to end this practice and all things connected to it...Barbaro spurs me on each day. He battled to viliantly. We have to do the same.

Hope everyone has a good day. Make it one you are proud of.

Pam

Good Morning FOB's

Thanks to Alex and Tim for this Site.

Looks like we had a quiet night last evening. "I" obviously didn't do any "sleep posting" LOL

###
Laurie H, welcome back. I hope you stay well.

###
Harriette, Where are you? Hope you are well.

Such an Up and Day yesterday. Sad for the passing of Fitch, happy for the news in Texas. I hope these places close soon.

###
Nina, I have sent you an eternal flame.

Sent another e-mail to Senator Voinovich. If I don't hear back from him soon, I will probably take two weeks vacation and camp out at his office. Has any Ohio FOB's heard back from him yet?

###
To all FOB's
Stay well, warm, and safe today.

Let's assume that Rosie hasn't had the foal yet (7:41 am EST). There's still time to get into the pool! $5 for each pick and so far there is $415 in the pool!!! The winner gets to pick their charity of choice to send the money to. GET IN THE POOL HERE!

For those of you that are relatively new to the board, I posted a few links to slide shows of the FOB's that I have met while travelling. Here is the Link to those photos! You also get to see some pretty cool horses in the slide shows.

Good Morning FOB's,

Yet another night/morning and no Rosie baby!! It is 4:49am PST, and as I sit here watching Rosie, I am beginning to think she is enjoying frustrating us all. Rosie's half sister on Monday afternoon at 1pm gave birth to a beautiful little filly. My dear friend sent me photos but I do not know how to post here. Brandy was purchased at the same sale Rosie came from and the former owner did not know if she had been covered. Brandy and her baby are doing great. Now if we can just get Rosie to do the same thing. I will take her for a walk after breakfast this morning (her breakfast).

Please!! Continue to FAX and MAKE THOSE CALLS, Headway is being made!! FOB's are making a HUGE difference!!

Stephanie

COMMENTS NEEDED!

Hi Everyone:
I know today has been an eventful one, but if you could spare a couple of minutes to post a comment on espn.com regarding Jason Shandler's article, I would really appreciate it. The article is linked in Alex's update #1563, and there is a link after the story to post a comment. Right now, there are only seven comments, and two of them are from the same pro-slaughter person.
I know hardly anyone here knows me because I don't post very often, but I've been in contact with Jason regarding this article since late January. He is very committed to this cause, and also in helping us to get the word out in any way possible. He worked really hard on it, did an excellent job, and it could help us get future stories done if ESPN sees a big response to this article.
Thanks for all you do; I am constantly in awe of the generosity and caring of the FOBs!
Steph

Posted by: baxterbee at March 7, 2007 3:13 AM

FOB's

Stephanie has worked very hard with Jason Shandler and he is anxious to help us. Please click on the link in updates and leave a comment. He is committed to help us on a regular basis so we must show him our appreciation. He wrote a WONDERFUL article and even told people how to help!!!!
His article will reach MANY people and we can't let the pro slaughter comments over shadow us.

Thanks,
Shelley

Posted by: ShelleyA at March 7, 2007 3:46 AM

####Cal

Voinovich was the only rep that didn't respond back to me in OH. Just would like to know what he is thinking about the issue either way...

My thoughts
NO accountability NO VOTE NEXT TIME

Good Morning, Angel Barbaro...

ACN..now have a wonderful day. I know you are smiling about the good news concerning the slaughterhouses, but know you are concerned about traffic across the border...We promise we are working on that too.

Enjoy your day, kick up your heels...take care of little Fitch...you, Foggy, and the rest...and thank you for your gift of courage and inspiration.

Good morning FOBs, Family....

Please be careful, those of you who are in severe weather, stay warm, help thy neighbor and care for the animals outside...EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT.

Thank you to all for such hard work, but Barbaro has reminded us there is alot of unfinished tasks...but step by step we will cross the finish line...and Barbaro's Legacy Will Be Even Stronger.

Those of you who seemed drain emotionally, I pray for you and hope soon peace will be restored.

Remember the Fallen Angels, the ones who cannot speak for themselves, all animals, large or small, the rescues and our family.

Keep the candles glowing...may they see our glowing lights in the distance...and Vivi, I am going to light up everyday for you, too...may your owners find you...

Have a wonderful day...
###
Alex and Tim...a gracious thank you.

Rosie, have your baby...

Everyone, know YOU ARE ALL SO SPECIAL.

Thank goodness the Federal Court of Appeals upheld the decision on closing the Texas slaughterhouses. But our work is still not done; we still need to contact the House and Senate members to pass HR-503 and S-311. At last count I've made over 100 calls, faxes and e-mails and I'm not going to quit yet! The faces of the sweet horses sent to slaughter haunt me. The spirit of sweet Barbaro guides me.

Hatchery1

wendy

think a pool on when the rosie cam goes down would be better.. still down since 2a?

### Good morning, everyone!

With all of the sad news we've had lately, I thought everyone might enjoy reading about a 45 YEAR OLD rescued horse still going strong at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. I met him last year (at age 44!) and he is a handsome boy! Here's the link:

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&fps=1&mode=entry&entry=053EF558-BDB9-396E-98E50AFDFD429555

Good morning, Alex family. Good morning Barbaro, champion of my heart. Wishing a beautiful, safe and warm day to everyone.

Good Morning FOB’s
We got wonderful news yesterday about the Texas slaughter houses loosing their appeal. Hopefully their doors will close for good. But it's important to remember that our work is NOT done. Until this legislation passes, horses will not be safe from being transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.

Now is the time for a giant push forward to get our legislators on board. Yesterday's news should help make that easier!!!! Stike while the iron is hot and this is in the news!!!

The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Please call the following on WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & COMMERCE (HR503)

-Representative Anna G. Eshoo
Phone #: 202-225-8104
Fax #: 202-225-8890

-Representative Vito Fossella
Phone #: 202-225-3371
Fax #: 202-226-1272

-Representative Bart Gordon
Phone #: 202-225-4231
Fax #: 202-225-6887

-Representative Gene Green
Phone #: 202-225-1688
Fax #: 202-225-9903

-Representative Ralph M. Hall
Phone #: 202-225-6673
Fax #: 202-225-3332

And please don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.

Thanks and have a great day!!!
Shelley and Debra

Marie,

Rosie Cam is up. Some areas may have difficulties but we are up and running on West Coast area

Stephanie

Great article Alex. Morning Barbaro. We love you so. Thanks Alex

#####

LET US NOT FORGET TO HELP WITH THE EASTER EXTRAVANGZA FOR MISSOURI HORSE RESCUE....

What an uplifting story about Dee. What a beautiful horse! (If that's him in the picture). I hope he continues to fool them all. 45! What an amazing lifespan! Hope we can help more horses reach this mighty old age!

Does anyone know why the discussion board tells me my name is made up of other than letters and numbers, and won't allow me to register?

TIA

Morning (psychic) skritches to the BBH, and all of his frens...fully expecting to hear about AFN in Equine Heaven...

####
Robyn H, other CT residents, FsOB:

Chris Murphy (5th district) was just on our station...when we asked him about HR503 he said that he'd received a lot of calls in support of it, but that he was "waiting for it to be reintroduced this session..." Maybe he mis-spoke and meant "brought to the floor," but at all events any calls to his office to ask him to co-sponsor HR 503 should remind him that the bill was reintroduced, Janaury 17, 2007.

Phone: (202) 225-4476
Fax: (202) 225-5933
He was on AM1020 WHDD and CATV, Channel 6 this morning...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

### Fans of Barbaro
Well I am sure that all of you have read this but I am quoiting it anyway.

"This is the end of the line for the horse slaughter industry in Texas," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO for The HSUS. "The kill floors should be still and quiet in Texas if the owners of these foreign-owned plants obey the law."

"Only one slaughterhouse continues to operate in the United States, and it is time for Congress to step in and halt this grisly business once and for all," Pacelle added."

As we look back to that tragic day in January when we lost Barbaro we didn't understand why. Why did God take him so soon. Why after all of the hard work that Dr. Richardson and all of the love that the Jacksons, Edgar, Michael and the NB staff do, God STILL took Barbaro. I sit here this morning and after reading that article that dear Alex posted, would this have happened had Barbaro not crossed the rainbow bridge? Would all of this be happening? We really will never know the answer to this but my personal opinion is that winning the Tripple Crown is NOTHING like what has been accomplished because of the passing of Barba. The article that Alex posted says it all. Barbaro's purpose on Earth was NOT to win the Tripple Crown nor was it to be a wonderful sire. His purpose (in my opinion) was to do exactly what he is doing at this very moment from Heaven. Had it not been Barbaro that passed on that day and a horse that wasn't as loved and as famous, I wonder if any of these changes would be taking place.

This is really only the beginning. There is still a lot of work to do RE: the track conditions, ages of the horses when they race and so on. We all are taking those stepping stones to the top. It appears that the first one is almost finished and we will next work on a higher step.

It all makes sense now. When Barbaro died, I was soooooooo mad at God. I just couldn't understand why. Why would he do this. How could God be so cruel? Well as always, God knows the end as he does the beginning. He knows the future. He knows everything!!! He KNEW that taking Barbaro would accomplish way more than letting him stay here. He KNEW that it HAD TO BE Barbaro in order to get these results.

Well now that I look back over a month after Barbaros passing, I say to myself Wowowoowowowowow!!!!! There really was a good reason that God had in what had happened. Barbaro is such a hero. He is saving the life of thousands of horses. To me, that makes winning the Tripple Crown about as significant as walking accross the house. Barbaro has already WON way more than the Tripple Crown.

Barbaro has WON the race to saving ALL of the horses.

Years from now people will know that Barbaro is the horse of the century. He and only he was the one used by God to tackle this project and it worked. In time, we are going to see many many changes because we are all doing the things that we were lead to do by Barbaro.

I don't know about you guys but after reading that article that Alex posted today, I would like to light a candle again for Barbaro and his amazing accomplishments. Only this won't be an ordinary candle. I am going out today to get a special candle. I am going to get a great big one to be the symble of all of the horses that have passed on and that are part of this big plan that God has.

I can say now that from this experience, it is best to not question God's motives or reasons. He has them for a reason and the reasons are always positive ones when we look back. I am sorry for such a long post but I just felt that I needed to voice this on this site today.

### Cal.... Let's light a candle. I got the flame. :-)

Our Angel Barbaro is truly an Angel!!!!!!!

Blessings Nina J

###
Dawn in Omaha - Thank you for the link to that uplifting story about Dee, the 45 year old racehorse at Best Friends. You're right, it's nice to read something like that for a change. This has been a very depressing week for me. I can't get Fitch out of my mind.

Has anyone heard anything about Ernie? I'm praying real hard for him. As of late last night he seemed to be taking an upturn, which is good. I hope he's continuing to improve.

To anyone who is going to Delaware in April - I am looking forward to meeting all of you. It should be a fun, though somewhat bittersweet, get together. See you there.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

###
Good Morning All.

Welcome home Laurie H., it was so nice to know that you're feeling better, you have been soooooo
missed.

Have a safe and warm day everyone.

Alex, hope you're bundled up again today, but I hear better and warmer weather is supposed to be coming soon. Hang on tight.

Judy

### Hey FOB's

Rosie is still pregnant but go here this is really really cute.... A few hours old... :-)

http://www.marestare.com/sbarp.htm

Angel Barbaro you ARE the horse of the Century!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings to all Nina J

######
Nina...AMEN!!!!

Goodmorning ALL....

I'm still basking in the glow of our partial victory in Texas....IT FELT GOOD !!! HOWEVER...we are not done yet !!! The door on slaughter still remains open at least a crack ....until we pass the all important legislation in congress and the senate.

FsOB let's SLAM THAT DOOR SHUT and LOCK IT FOR GOOD!!
Let's hit those FAXES and PHONES with a vengeance.

Let them see the POWER of OUR LOVE !!!!!

******
Laurie H...welcome home!!! Your sage green chenille blanket awaits you...we have missed you terribly !! Promise never to do that again....

HUGS to ALL my favourite people....that's YOU FsOB!! Stay warm and SAFE....

"The former owners of Flicka the pony were arrested Monday on cruelty-to-animals charges, El Paso police said.
Emilio Rivera, 50, and his 25-year-old son, Emilio Rivera Jr., were later released on $5,000 bond each, jail records showed. They could not be reached for comment.

Last month, Flicka was found by rescuers lying down, starving and apparently dying at a property in the 12400 block of O'Malley Road in the northeastern edge of El Paso. Flicka, who is recovering, and two other horses were taken away."

This article appeared this morning the the El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas.

Peace and love to all

Good morning, Alex:

Hope this messy weather does not appear to be a problem for you today!

Linda Northeast Philly

Rosie ....LET's GET IT ON....what are we waiting for?????!!!!!!!! That baby will be Rosie-sized soon the way you're gobbling down the chow....LOL

NOW would be a GOOD TIME ROSIE !!!!

Hooray for FLICKA and prayers still for ERNIE, who needs to stay with us and become a poster boy along with FITCH and ABERCROMBIE. So many names now... BARBARO, thank you.

####
Michelle & Cal...
I am from Ohio too. I have not heard from Voinovich either. Have sent him at least 4 emails,my last one being yesterday morning. I did tell him if he was going to turn a deaf ear on "us" now, when he came looking for votes "we" would be turning a deaf ear to him. I don't know what is going on with him...has he made any statements or votes on "Anything" lately??? It's almost as if he isn't there.
But I don't give up easy!!! I will stay on him, just like I intend to stay on Cavel and HR503/S311.
I also want to see something done at our borders, until the bills pass. We have to stop the horses from going across the borders...some how...
Margi is working where she lives(near the border) to have the Authorities on the lookout for the double deck trailers filled with horses. If we could get more folks near the borders or with families near the borders to contact the Authorities and have them on the look out for these vehicles of death, we could save "some" from the SH.
Well have to go make those calls and faxes, I bet the phone co. loves me...LOL

Verna

Jen... Saw your post on the board about trying to shield poor Abercrombie from the sight of Fitch's burial. The thought of Abercrombie screaming at the sight of his 'brother' being buried is almost more than I can take. I cried myself to sleep last night at the thought of the horror that little Fitch had to endure. You and Tracy are my heroes. To be able to to carry on with your wonderful work in the face of all of this tragedy is uplifting, and to be there and experiencing Fitch's death and burial, Abercrombie's pain and sadness, and all that goes with it tells me you are both very strong women. Please give Abercrombie a hug for me (for all us), and I do hope a new, young friend can be found for him soon to help him through his grief. God Bless you and the work you do. I too will light a candle (candles) for Abercrombie as I do now daily for Barbaro and Fitch. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy in Mo.

***FOBs

ARE THERE ANY UPDATES ABOUT "ERNIE" since last night; he was "touch and go", having had fluids injected inside of him....and too weak to sustain any additional surgery according to the vet who was present with the rescue team.

Anyone know the latest about ERNIE from Mary L. in Ohio?

Ken Z:)

###Maribel

You are soooooooooooooooo right!!!! Just because one thing has been accomplished does not mean we are done. The Kentucky Derby is the FIRST of the three races for the Triple Crown. Well we aren't there yet.

### Judy... Isn't it amazing how when we look back, things all start to make sense? :-)

##### Alex PLEASE be careful on the track. Please stay warm and safe.... You are without a doubt one of a kind......

Angel Barbaro

Blessings to all FOB's Nina J

####
Shelley, I posted a comment on the ESPN article at their website. Good idea you had and it'd be great if others did the same. Here is a link to the article

***Jen

My daughter made me promise I would ask you to give Abercrombie a "big hug" this morning before Abercrombie has his breakfast.

I'm a little late making this request at 9:32am, but our thoughts go out to you and the entire Rescue Team who are caring for our little Abercrombie :)

Thank you, keep the faith,

Ken Z:)

#### Verna1

Same way that they are stopping people from coming here. MORE SECURITY!!!!! If they get caught, it is a felony. In my state, animal abuse is a very serious thing and people do jail sometimes prison time........

Blessings to Barba and all of the FOB's Nina J

###
Verna, I probably shouldn't say this, but I have always had a strange feeling about Voinovich. I get bad vibes when I hear him talk. Although I would like to hear him talk right about now about the slaughter issue. One way or another.

Just have to keep pressing him. Hopefully he will surface soon. Have a great day.

Alex,

Thank you for this website which enabled all the Fans of Barbaro to come together and do Barbaro's work.

May Barbaro's memory live forever.

Is there somewhere we can give a few dollars to Abercrombie and his "frens"? I would like to help Jen and everyone there.

P.S. I'm sorry I'm a little clueless on Rosie, but whose horse is she, and whose baby is she having? I keep reading that she is ready to give birth, but I missed some of the initial details...thanks!

Miss you, Barbaro, and God Bless you, Fitch!
My love to you in equine heaven!

Hi Guys - I need your help with my congressman, Mark Udall - he blows his horn about being pro animal rights but won't commit. Here is the response I received from him. Please write or call and convince him to get on the bandwagon.

Dear Kathleen:
Thank you for writing to me about H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). I appreciate your taking the time to get in touch.

While in the United States Congress I have worked hard to protect the welfare of animals. I have received 70 percent on the Humane Society scorecard for pro-animal votes on legislation related to animals.

Many Americans have discomfort about consumption of horse flesh, but emotional concerns cannot be the only guiding force in legislation regarding the way livestock is managed, and prohibiting slaughter of horses for human consumption would have unintended consequences this legislation fails to address.

In the 109th Congress hearings held by the House Agriculture Committee made it clear that the current horse sanctuaries do not have the capacity to care for the additional unwanted horses that would result from the bill's enactment. That was one reason the committee, on a bipartisan basis reported the legislation unfavorably. I voted for an amendment that would have delayed implementation of the bill until the Agriculture Department determined that adequate sanctuaries were ready. Unfortunately, that amendment was not adopted.

Similarly, state and local governments - including the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Commissioners of Adams County - are concerned that shutting off slaughterhouses will lead to an increased number of unwanted horses being abandoned and left to be dealt with by local authorities. Because of these problems I voted against the bill 109th Congress. However should this bill come before the House of Representatives in this Congress I will keep your views in mind.

Warm Regards,

Mark Udall

Good morning sweet Barbaro, everyone here. Prayers going out for Fitch and Ambercrombie. I can't even the horror. I hope these horrible people pay dearly.

Good Morning FOB’s
We got wonderful news yesterday about the Texas slaughter houses loosing their appeal. Hopefully their doors will close for good. But it's important to remember that our work is NOT done. Until this legislation passes, horses will not be safe from being transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.

Now is the time for a giant push forward to get our legislators on board. Yesterday's news should help make that easier!!!! Stike while the iron is hot and this is in the news!!!

The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Please call the following on WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & COMMERCE (HR503)

-Representative Anna G. Eshoo
Phone #: 202-225-8104
Fax #: 202-225-8890

-Representative Vito Fossella
Phone #: 202-225-3371
Fax #: 202-226-1272

-Representative Bart Gordon
Phone #: 202-225-4231
Fax #: 202-225-6887

-Representative Gene Green
Phone #: 202-225-1688
Fax #: 202-225-9903

-Representative Ralph M. Hall
Phone #: 202-225-6673
Fax #: 202-225-3332

And please don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.

Thanks and have a great day!!!
Shelley and Debra

Posted by: Debra, WI at March 7, 2007 1:34 PM

Good morning FOBs....
I will again make my calls today-the offices sounded busy yesterday when i called so that is good I suppose! Remember to make a point when you call that it is more urgent than ever due to the larger number of horses now being sent to Mexico since Texas SHs closed. The transport across the border for purposes of slaughter will remain legal until this bill becomes law. I will find the link to the ESPN article and post a comment as well. Have a good day and keep calling!
Marlene

Stephanie (and Shelley A),

Thank you for working so hard with Jason Shandler to get the story out there in the major media. ESPN is huge!! There are now 17 comments. I will add mine later today.

Carol
San Diego

Nina,

Great post...with all the sadness we have heard lately that was really uplifting.

Prayers for angel Barbaro and little Fitch.

Patti
IL

###
Nina, yes hindsight is perfect isn't it?

Have a good day.

Judy

Texas Ruling Against Horse Slaughter Confirmed by Federal Court of
Appeals

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) March 6, 2007 - In affirming the January 2007 panel
decision to uphold a Texas state law making it illegal to sell, possess
and transport horsemeat for sale for human consumption, the entire US
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has rejected the two Texas-based
slaughterhouses' petition to review its earlier decision.

"Given the careful analysis by the Court of Appeals in the written panel
opinion, and the rarity of rehearings en banc, we are not surprised that
this local Texas issue was not reheard by the federal Court of Appeals,"
said Tarrant County Deputy Chief Ann Diamond.

The Texas horse slaughter plants have no further options other than to
take their argument to the US Supreme Court. They have 90 days from
yesterday's ruling to file a petition for a writ of certiorari. "The
foreign-owned corporations behind this horrible industry are not likely
to prevail, and we expect that the two Texas plants will soon close -
leaving only one facility operating in Illinois. Yet as long as the
case is pending, the plants are able to remain open," said Chris Heyde,
deputy legislative director for the Society for Animal Protective
Legislation.

In court, the slaughterhouses have argued that a ban on the sale of
horsemeat does not protect horses from theft and abuse, while regulating
horse slaughter would achieve this goal. However, in January, the Fifth
Circuit panel ruled that the Texas law "survives the constitutional
challenges raised by the slaughterhouses" and flatly dismissed an
earlier district court finding that the alternative measures to protect
horses are adequate for their protection and preservation.

Only the passage of the AHSPA, recently reintroduced in both chambers of
Congress as H.R. 503 and S. 311 respectively, will guarantee that no
horses in this country are hauled across the country under terrible
conditions to be killed for human consumption, or transferred abroad for
the same purpose.

The Society for Animal Protective Legislation, the Animal Welfare
Institute's legislative arm, is the unsurpassed leader in obtaining laws
to benefit animals in need, including the protection of domestic and
wild horses. More information is available at
www.saplonline.org/horses.htm.

##30##

Contact:
Chris Heyde

REPOST:

Chris Murphy (5th district, CT) was just on our station...when we asked him about HR503 he said that he'd received a lot of calls in support of it, but that he was "waiting for it to be reintroduced this session..." Maybe he mis-spoke and meant "brought to the floor," but at all events any calls to his office to ask him to co-sponsor HR 503 should remind him that the bill was reintroduced, Janaury 17, 2007.

Phone: (202) 225-4476
Fax: (202) 225-5933
He was on AM1020 WHDD and CATV, Channel 6 this morning...

UPDATE:
His office says he is aware that HR503 was reintroduced, and that they're meeting to discuss it this afternoon. Any calls (see phone number above) to positively reinforce and show public support for the bill would be helpful.

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

### Hi FOBs:
If everyone could take a moment to send healing thoughts to little Erin Brennan, she goes in for her MRI in a few minutes--10:00am Eastern time. She's had a rough week recovering from food poisoning and they moved up her MRI to rule out any neurological source of her sickness.

### Does anyone know where the Iowa auction took place where the mini horses were rescued? Being an Iowa native, I want to alert everyone I can to monitor this location.

Fantastic article from Jason Shandler. I'll be adding my comments today.

Have a great day, everyone!
Cheers, Alex!

****************
Jenn in Wilkes Barre PA

Rosie is what this is ALL about....Rosie was one of the 1st rescues made by the Fans of Barbaro...She is at Miracle Horse Rescue in Nevada.Someone graciously donated funds so ALL FsOB can watch her foal be born...she is on live-cam at www.marestare.com ...

Thanks, Maribel...I will look and wait with everyone!!!

Angel Barbaro A Very Beautiful Rose In A Rainbow Garden With Hearts Around. Springtime.

Thinking Of You Alex With Blessings And Love.

FOALING MARE'S SECRET CODE

The mare's secret code of honor is as old as horses themselves and is ultimately the species best kept secret. No mare shall ever produce a foal before it's time.

(It's time being determined by the following factors):

1. No foal shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all involved. Your house must be a wreck, your family hungry and desperate for clean clothes, and your social life nonexistent.
2. Midwives must reach the babbling fool status before you foal out. Bloodshot eyes, tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean you're getting close.
3. For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you, foaling must be delayed by at least one day for each item.
4. Vet check, add a day, internal add three. If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. You'll be fine while I'm away for the weekend," Wait 12 to 16 hours and pop that baby out!
5. Owner stress must be at an all time high! If you are in the care of someone else, ten to fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're getting close. When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait three days and produce a foal.
6. You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are necessary! Little teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing your food around in the bucket and then walking away from it are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new things to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.
7. The honor of all horses is now in your hands. Use this time to avenge all of your stable mates. Think about your friend who had to wear that silly costume in front of those people. Hang onto that baby for another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three more days seems fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, those awful wormings can also be avenged at this time.
8. If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when to have this foal, listen to the weather forecast on the radio that has been so generously provided by those who wait. Severe storm warning is what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into action! The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a good chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching for a flashlight that works!
9. Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time someone comes into the stable to check you. Your stable mates will love you as the extra goodies fall their way too.
10. Remember, this code of honor was designed to remind man of how truly special horses are. Do your best to reward those who wait with a beautiful filly to carry on the mare code of honor for the next generation of those who wait!

Good Morning Earth Angels Blessings And Love.

**********
PRAYERS for Erin Brennan....

Lord please walk with little Erin today....may your angels watchover and protect her ...
We know that all things are possible Lord because...

WE BELIEVE !!!

Good morning, my Beloved Angel Boys.

I woke up this morning heartsick from dreaming about Abercrombie seeing his dear friend interred. Seeing the post this morning about Flicka's abusers being arrested helps. I don't know the Texas statutes on animal abuse but if these guys posted only a $5000 bond, it probably isn't a very serious offense down there.

No calls for me today. I have a job interview first thing in the morning. It's very promising but I have a lot of research to do to prepare. I have to knock their socks off. I have to get this job, I have to. So, horses, please accept my apologies for not being with you and not working for you today. I'll catch up. Tomorrow after the interview is "Horse Day", okay?

NANCY in MO--welcome. I can't recall if you've posted here before, I'm sorry. There are quite a few FOBs here in Missouri, but we seem to be clustered near KC or near STL. In any event, we're trying to get the Missouri FOBs together to work on some things. If you're interested, please post here to that effect and I'll follow up!

Alex Is An Angel On Earth. For All That You Do.

Rosie and Chunky- ROFLMAO!

PS...Ms Rosie - take your time dear...foal whenever...no body cares...fact is we are all planning a little get away - Kentucky, bluegrass. Sounds cool. Foals are allowed to go with their moms but Mares that can "foal at anytime" can't make the trip. Too bad...We'll buy you postcards. Just take your time sweetie. May I suggest a little reading to pass the time. War and Peace? Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV - for mental disorders? Not the whole book sweetie, just the section on disorders (like psychotic breaks) that are secondary to sleep deprivation. Do enjoy. We will see you in two weeks. You'll know it is us - we will have bluegrass in our teeth and we will smell just like heaven. Sorry you didn't have the baby in time to go.

Good morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven! Sorry I'm late this morning.

Everyone lets make those calls, send faxes and e-mails.

For Barbaro, Rosie, Apache, Fitch and the countless others.

Ro & Brady

Rosie and Chunky,

Thank you! That clears everything up! You are both very sly, aren't you?

Well, we all needed a good laugh, I'm sure. Thank you for that.

I can't wait to see your foals. Be safe !

Good morning Barbaro & Fitch.... much love to both of you.

Good morning, Alex... bundle up today!

Stay warm everyone.. spring is on it's way!

### Patti

Yes the little one as well as all of the other horses that have been abused and this and that happened for a reason. We don't want to believe that the reason could be a positive one but in time, it will be.

I am making a request. I feel that we should all light a special candle tonight sometime in honor of ALL of the horses that are on this train that God put them on. Each and every one of them have passed on for a reason. As it is becoming clear with Barbaro, it will also become clear with the little ones as well.

I emailed the Jacksons with what I wrote. I think that they will enjoy that...... :-)

Angel Barbaro

Blessings Nina J EVERYONE have a really good day................

###
Kathy, Maybe we should send that awful horse slaughter video to Mark Udall, and all the other leaders who can't or won't commit. Like to see their reaction when they view it.

Good Morning, Barbaro Nation ...

First of all, WELCOME HOME LAURIE H .... It was wonderful to see your posts from last night ... but take it very slow and very easy because we need you to be at 'full tilt' and completely healthy again. So, lots of R&R for you, dear friend, and many hugs too (((((((((((((((((Laurie H)))))))))))))))
#########################################

My heart still aches for Fitch and love and prayers for Abercrombie in his struggle, as well as for Ernie and all of B's brothers and sisters. Barbaro, you are missed and loved more than ever and we will never let you down in our quest to end horse slaughter and the transportation of horses to Canada and Mexico... we will never let you down in our quest for safer track surfaces for our horses to race on ... we will never let you down in our rescue efforts to save horses bound for slaughter, and we will never let you down in our quest to destroy the monster that took your life ... we are going to lick laminitis, Bobby ... it's happening and we will increase our efforts and dig a little deeper to provide the much-needed money for education/research.
############################

For lynz:

I read this from you last night ...

Can't sleep...what is happening with the horses rescued from CBER over the weekend. I just ran across some posts that alleged some pretty shady stuff. One being that the rescue sets the "bail" higher than it really is and keeps the difference. Another being the horses that have to go to quarantine have to pay board and that can be 350.00 per month - which is paid to the president of CBER. I might have been confused about this next point - I thought I read that once the horse has been bailed out and has to quarantine for 6 months (at donor expense) then the horse can be sold to a good home? What? Color me confused and a bit concerned - sure don't want any FsOB to get taken. Cant be right though eh? Can someone check it out? I have to work tomorrow or you won't see me ever again as the piles on my desk will tumble onto my head and surely kill me.
####################################

I find this comment very interesting because I, also, had some suspicions and doubts after I made my own donation to save Tropical Blossom. I hadn't read all of the posts that led up to that and just made my donation because I wanted to help save her. But, after that, when I went back and read more posts, I had a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that not all was on the 'up and up', and then I read the above comment from you. I tried looking for the posts that you referred to but couldn't find them ... if you know where they are, can you point me in the right direction as I'd very much like to read them also. Thanks so much, and thanks again, for your own posts bringing awareness to the laminitis fight.
###########################

I am surprised that neither Bill Nelson nor Mel Martinez, my two Florida Senators have not, as yet, re-upped to co-sponsor S311, but rest assured that I will do my part in getting them to sign on again. My state Rep., Robert Wexler, has already co-sponsored so I am happy about that.

Inasmuch as yesterday's ruling was a victory of sorts, I do cringe at the thought that these horses may be shipped to Canada or Mexico instead for even more barbaric slaughtering practices. So, the victory only got us halfway there ... we must make sure that horse slaughter AND the transportation of horses for slaughter/human consumption is completely outlawed, eradicated and illegal.

Pamela ... "You Done Real Good Yesterday firing up the troops" ... hang in there, girl.
##############################

Alex, as always, thank you for everything and more ... it will be my pleasure to shake your hand and say thanks in person next month in Delaware.
#############################

Ken Z ... your posts are wonderful ... thank you.
############################

Barbaro and Fitch ... play nice and go easy on each other ... remember who is The Boss and who is the Baby Brother ... love each other and have fun up there ... Equine Heaven will never be the same ... and thank God for that!!!

###
Susan E. I have my fingers, toes, knees crossed for you. Good Luck, you can do it!!

Judy

Susan E.

Best of luck, been there not too long ago... and got the job I wanted. Everything will be fine!

Ro & Brady

Good Luck, Susan!

###
Linnie-
It is on the message board under Horse Rescue in the thread TB baby on feedlot needs help.

Within the messages there is also a link that takes you somewhere else to read about the rescue. I couldn't sleep last night so I read. Hope the sinking feeling is wrong.

###

Barbaro...always in my heart...MY LOVE...AND GO FOBS...POSTING FOR KAREN IN TENNESSEE.

##########

Best of luck, Susan E.!

####
The only number on my Megamillions ticket that was a match was...."29". Thanks Barbaro, my sweet.

####

Sorry...for so many postings.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET HR249...WILD HORSES AND BURRO ACT...I THINK VOTING MARCH 7TH.

Also, do not forget our rescue horses in Missouri...for Easter...

And..let us protect all animals from abuse...and LET OUR HORSES RUN FREE...

Good morning FOBs

We are having warm weather here in Atlanta but for those of you in the snow, stay warm.

This might have been covered somewhere in a post that I missed. When the Federal Court of Appeals says "for human consumption", does that mean it would be OK to sell horsemeat for some other purpose such as pet food? Am just wondering if all avenues are stopped. Maybe I missed the discussion that was about this.

####Laurie H was so happy to hear you are back. Please rest and get better.

####Wendy Thanks so much for the link to your pictures, I really enjoyed them.

Have a good day Fans of Barbar-OHHHHHH!

###########

Well PIDDLE! I tried to win CA Mega Millions Lottery last night....biggest ever, I think, #340,000,000. So I could buy "land, lotsa land" and adopt MANY rescue horses to give them a good home....of course I'd need to hire "lotsa" people, because the only thing I know about horses is I love them alllllll since I met Barbaro!

I didn't win:( Didn't even get ONE number, but I did notice one of the numbers was 29:) so maybe a fellow FOB got it? Coooooool!

I hope everyone has a great day today, I barely skimmed the comments, any news this a.m. on Ernie?

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

Donna
Some horsemeat is used for zoo food. Technically, the slaughterhouses would still be able to slaughter horses for zoos even after the bills are passed. However, I did see a statement one time by one of the slaughterhouses indicating that the market for zoo meat is too small to economically justify keeping the slaughterhouses running for the long term. We have heard some rumors that the slaughterhouses are at present producing only zoo meat pending the appeals, but I am not really certain about this.

Hola Barbaro Nation,

Hi all please keep up the calls faxes and emails and if you have time in between post a comment at the end of Jason's article on ESPN. Let's outnumber the pro slaughter comments.

Good news folks: I am having a tough time getting through to our employees in DC. I have decided that it is because you all are on the phone.....then again maybe they blocked my numbers.

###

Rosie I am not watching and I think I might leave the country. So sweetie go ahead......camera? what camera???

LYNZ: gotcha........I had a feeling you were in the psych business. I don't know anyone who would read DSM IV unless they were made to: except Rosie ofcourse.

SUSAN good luck on that interview!

Cal - I'm ready to send him anything to get the message across - I don't care much for him in the first place as he is usually against most of what I am for ---- I hate his reasoning about an over abundance of unwanted horses!!!! I suggest we bombard him with information -

Can someone tell me the story of Ernie - I missed it.

####
Marilyn, CA
Did you happen to see posts re Chris Murphy above? Are you good for a quick phone call?
[Need zip codes?]

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

This from Jo Deible of Angel Horse Acres, a rescue in Amish Country in PA. On the discussion board we have been following the story of Mattie(a Barbaro look-a-like, foundered two front feet) and Jack, whom she rescued from a kill truck and is now nursing back to health. Great lady, need fencing. Donations from the board over there are approaching $700. Can we help her.

"Hi Everyone,

Belmont Baby had an idea and Ty gave some wonderful comments, so I thought I would ask if the FOB's could help us with The Angel Acres Fence Fund.

We can save another 2 horses on Monday from the kill pen if we are able to raise the money for new fencing & to put up a run-in...(we would temp house them at our quarantine facility till the run-in was delivered)

If we were to seperate another pasture we could increase our numbers by about 24 horses or so a year...give or take.

We need $5200 total; $3000 for fencing and $2200 for a run-in shelter. This includes posts, fence, hardware and gates and a run-in to give the horses shelter. My neighbor just said he would donate the stone!

We could do it (the fencing) in one weekend and would be happy to document it step by step and report upon completion.

We would dedicate the field in Barbaros honor via the FOB's all over the world.

If you are interested in helping us, please visit our website or you can send a donation to us at angelacreshorsehaven@yahoo.com

Or regular mail at our address below.

Thank you for any help you can give us...

Jo Deibel
President/Director
Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Inc.
www.saveahorsenow.com
www.saveahorsenow.org
PO Box 62
Glenville, PA 17329
Phone: 717-965-7901
Fax: 866-892-5069

Marydel in Colorado

Does anyone know how far the New Bolten Center is from Delaware Park? I want to go there when I am in town for the Barbaro celebration.

Thanks,

Joan Canan

Thanks lynz ... will check it out ...

SUSAN E .... BEST OF LUCK WITH THAT INTERVIEW TOMORROW ... JUST "BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, BELIEVE IN SUSAN!"

YOU GO GIRL!! GET THAT JOB!! AND DONATE EVEN MORE TO LAMINITIS!!! LOLOLOL

###

kathy, here is the thread on the Forum that talks about Ernie (he was saved by FOB's from slaughter)He is not out of the woods yet, and I am still awaiting update for him this morning . His mom and dad from Horse Feathers Rescue are also ill and battling the "bug" and also caring for him.There is some cute pictures of him and his "dad" together from last night there.

Ernie Thread

Gang
I'm cross posting this from the yahoo againstslaughter group. We've got our work cut out for us.

This is the message we have been waiting for and hoping we would never see!

Chucky Stenholm had sworn to fight to the death for Texas and he has just

made good on his word.

John Holland

A bill allowing the slaughter of horses for human consumption has been filed
by Rep. Sid Miller of Stephenville -(HB 2476). This is the slaughtering
plants' last ditch end-run around our victory in the Court of Appeals
yesterday.
I hope everyone -will join THLN to defeat this bill. We defeated it in
the last session but it was a huge battle and cost us a fortune. We are
going to need a lot of help from everyone.

Welcome Back Laurie H. Love.

####
ALERT...BARBARO'S CANDLES UNDER 2000

####Marilyn

Thanks a lot for the information.

###
Cathy Potter, I googled the word parasite and lo and behold, up popped a picture of Rep. Sid Miller & Chucky Stenholm. Evil doesn't go away very easily does it?

So much work to do.

#### Rosie & Chunky (aka: Barb in AZ?!?)

Waiting .... and waiting .... for you to "deliver the goods"! We have no doubt your babies are well worth the wait. Sigh .... !

PS: I had my head in the "feedbag" too most of the day yesterday as I attempted to come to terms with all of the unanswered questions surrounding the loss of Little Fitch...

Love and Blessings to ALL FOBs,

Susan

I just received the following update from Jessie. It is good to see the positive results that can come about by caring and taking the time to make a difference. Thank you Jessie, FOB's and all who care about animals.

http://www.ktsm.com/news/local/6335802.html- just click on play under the pictures for video.

This is the latest story on Flicka. I think Christina Montoya did an EXCELLENT job in investigating this case regarding Flicka and animal control.

I will say this. I know that changes are being made at animal control and the new interim director Robert Galvan wants to improve that department. In the mean time when animals are found in bad situations immediate action must be taken to protect them and sometimes extraordinary measures must be taken to save their lives!

Jessie

Your right. We knew this would happen. what scum.
I just knew yesterday that they had this in their back pocket ready to whip out when they had tried all their other stunts to no avail. The good news out of this...remeber always look for the good... is they know we are winning and this time around this nation is much more informed, now we have to let our supporters know its out there so they can tell the government "we the people of America" want no part of horse slaughter of any form going on in our country!!!!

I'm ready...are you... good!!! then lets get to it!!!!.

Verna

CATHY...do I hear the sound of money changing hands?...or is it the rustle of compromising photos being left under the guy's windshield wiper....

This just reinforces the need to get those calls. emails and faxes going EVERY DAY...in order to make sure the FEDERAL ANTI-SLAUGHTER LEGISLATION gets passed...WE CAN DO THIS!

###Mary L.
I just went the forum to see Ernie, oh, what a sweetheart. I pray he comes through this so he can live a long and healthy life in his new home.

Judy

Just got this from Michelle:

Panel Moves to Ban Sale of Horses for Food

By Manu Raju, CQ Staff

A House committee is expected to approve legislation Wednesday that would ban the commercial sale and slaughter of tens of thousands of wild horses.

The bill ( HR 249) before the House Natural Resources Committee was spurred by a provision in a 2005 spending bill that lifted a decades-old prohibition on the sale of horses that run wild on Western public lands.

"They're indigenous to those lands," said Edward Whitfield, R-Ky., who joined committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II, D-W.Va., in sponsoring the bill. "Just because a group of ranchers doesn't want them there doesn't mean they can just slaughter them."

Whitfield led a drive last year to pass House legislation barring the transport and sale of horses to be slaughtered for food. The bill - which passed the House, 263-146, on Sept. 7 but never came up in the Senate - stirred an emotional debate between those who called the animals' slaughter inhumane and critics who said the ban would infringe on the property rights of horse owners.

The Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 ( PL 92-195) required the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect wild mustangs and burros on public lands and allowed the agency to offer excess animals for adoption. The law barred the bureau from selling the animals, which often led to their slaughter.

Former Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., added a provision in the fiscal 2005 omnibus appropriations law ( PL 108-447) that allowed the bureau to sell at livestock auctions any animals more than 10 years old that had not been adopted after three attempts.

Burns, who chaired the Appropriations subcommittee that funds BLM, said the wild burros population was too large.

The markup will take place Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1324 of the Longworth House Office Building.

I LIKE THE WORD"APPROVE"
Verna

This just reinforces the need to get those calls. emails and faxes going EVERY DAY...in order to make sure the FEDERAL ANTI-SLAUGHTER LEGISLATION gets passed...WE CAN DO THIS!

Posted by: Pamela at March 7, 2007 4:38 PM

Pamela, you are correct:

REPOST

Now is the time for a giant push forward to get our legislators on board. Yesterday's news should help make that easier!!!! Stike while the iron is hot and this is in the news!!!

The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Please call the following on WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & COMMERCE (HR503)

-Representative Anna G. Eshoo
Phone #: 202-225-8104
Fax #: 202-225-8890

-Representative Vito Fossella
Phone #: 202-225-3371
Fax #: 202-226-1272

-Representative Bart Gordon
Phone #: 202-225-4231
Fax #: 202-225-6887

-Representative Gene Green
Phone #: 202-225-1688
Fax #: 202-225-9903

-Representative Ralph M. Hall
Phone #: 202-225-6673
Fax #: 202-225-3332

And please don’t forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.

Thanks and have a great day!!!
Shelley and Debra

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

OK...THE RACE IS ON
We just have to pass the Ban and end this nonsense once and for all. I a had a long discussion with a friend last night asking what can she do. Make the calls and faxes and email. And get as many people on board making those calls as well. THE SLAUGHTER MUST END!!!
We need VOICES and lots of them. These poor horses can't speak for themselves. If they had the choice do you think they'd chose to be brutally slaughtered? Nope I don't think so.
Let's make those calls.

OK...now my fingers are on fire....sorry for the speech.

Alex,
Thank you for taking the time be with us everyday
to share your thoughts and updates.

Bless You.

Spring is around the corner...

#####
Cathy P
It's a fine, fine speech.
Here's a repost from earlier this morning...would you be willing to call?
REPOST:

Chris Murphy (5th district, CT) was just on our station...when we asked him about HR503 he said that he'd received a lot of calls in support of it, but that he was "waiting for it to be reintroduced this session..." Maybe he mis-spoke and meant "brought to the floor," but at all events any calls to his office to ask him to co-sponsor HR 503 should remind him that the bill was reintroduced, January 17, 2007.

Phone: (202) 225-4476
Fax: (202) 225-5933
He was on AM1020 WHDD and CATV, Channel 6 this morning...

UPDATE:
His office says he is aware that HR503 was reintroduced, and that they're meeting to discuss it this afternoon. Any calls (see phone number above) to positively reinforce and show public support for the bill would be helpful.

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Posted by: Friar Tuck at March 7, 2007 2:59 PM

#####
FsOB:
Separately, the Veterinarians for Equine Welfare
petition is very effective. My vet just agreed to sign. ShelleyA's agreed to sign the other night. Given that many of us have furpeople, it's certainly another avenue to pursue...

http://www.horse-protection.org/pdf/vetsupport.pdf

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

FROM THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS....

Horse slaughterhouses' appeals case declined

State ban upheld; industry may turn to Austin, Supreme Court

12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, March 7, 2007
By JEFF MOSIER / The Dallas Morning News
jmosier@dallasnews.com

Two local horse slaughterhouses that sell meat for overseas dinner tables suffered another setback in court this week and will probably look next to Austin and Washington, D.C., for help.

The full U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals declined Monday to hear arguments from the owners of the Beltex plant in Fort Worth and Dallas Crown plant in Kaufman. That effectively upheld a January ruling by a three-judge panel of that court saying that a state law banning horse slaughter for human consumption was still in effect.

Charles Stenholm, an industry lobbyist and former congressman from West Texas, said he expected that this case would be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, although that court hears only a small percentage of cases brought to it. He said the industry might have just as much luck getting legislation introduced in Austin to repeal the state ban and working to pass a federal law permitting such slaughterhouses in all states.

"It's making it very, very tough on the businesses," he said about the court ruling. "The focus now is going to be more political."

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, said this is the last gasp of a dying industry in the U.S.

"They've hit the end of the road for this," he said. "I just can't see the Supreme Court taking this case, and this slams shut the legal issues and hopefully it slams shut the doors of the slaughterhouses."

Mr. Pacelle said he doubts the industry will have success either in the Texas Legislature or Congress. Legislators in Austin have until Friday to file bills for the current session.

North Texas is home to two of the three U.S. plants that slaughter horses for human consumption. The other is in Illinois.

Most of the meat is shipped to France, Belgium and Japan, where horsemeat is a delicacy.

Mr. Stenholm said that Dallas Crown and Beltex stopped slaughtering horses for human consumption after the previous ruling by the federal panel in January. Beltex still processes wild and exotic game but no horses. Dallas Crown continues to sell horsemeat to zoos as "carnivore diet products."

Weekly reports filed with Kaufman County show that business has plummeted at Dallas Crown. Before the panel's ruling, the facility was slaughtering 300 to 400 horses weekly. Since then, that number has ranged from 28 to 151.

The industry is also facing other major barriers. Dallas Crown is being challenged by the city of Kaufman, which claims that the plant violates the municipal zoning ordinance. The mayor of Kaufman has crusaded for years to shut down the plant.

Mark Calabria, an attorney for Dallas Crown, said that case is scheduled for trial in July.

Also, Mr. Stenholm said that a bill has been introduced in the Illinois Legislature to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. However, he said that an attempt a couple of years ago to pass a similar law failed.

There is an investigation of alleged environmental violations at that Illinois plant too, Mr. Stenholm said.

State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, said he isn't introducing a bill in Austin to protect the horse slaughterhouse industry, but he said that he and a majority of the state house would vote for it.

"There is a market for those horses," he said, adding that they are slaughtered humanely.

"It's not nearly as humane in Mexico as it is in Fort Worth," Mr. Geren said.

There are similar slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada.

Mr. Pacelle dismissed the defense of the horse slaughterhouse industry. He said that pending federal legislation he supports would ban the slaughter and also ban the export of horses for slaughter for human consumption.

He also said that the horses suffered during their long truck rides to North Texas or Illinois, and according U.S. Department of Agriculture records, only 8 percent of the horses slaughtered at these plants are old or sick.

"It's not just animal cruelty," Mr. Pacelle said. "Because of the special place of the horse in American culture and all that horses have done to build and expand this country, it seems like the height of ungratefulness."

Mr. Stenholm said that horses will continue to be slaughtered whether or not this ban is upheld.

"Someone has to start asking about what happens to the 100,000 horses unwanted by anyone," he said. "That's certainly a question no one wants to ask."

Staff writer Jim Getz contributed to this report.

New bills? new schmills!......been there, done that. It did not work last time it will not work this time. We are better and more informed than the last time around and unlike politicians we do not have to be reelected. Fitch' story alone is worth 10,000 calls.

We will win.

ALEX

I will keep asking for you to please add the links to the top of the page.

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Mrs. Jackson asked that we continue the fight on behalf of BARBARO? She was gracious enough to call you everyday when BARBARO was at NBC and allow you visits with him. She didn't have to call, she had much more important things to do, but she was dedicated to BARBARO and to those who loved him, US!

Sorry but a short sentence is not helping, please repay Mrs. Jackson and BARBARO back by at least adding the links. I have nothing to gain by you adding the links, as a matter of fact, you will get more hits by adding them.

Sorry for the long post...hope this March 7,2007,

article clears up things....

#### Rosie I am convinced that you are going to foal whe the cam is down. You just don't want to be on National TV right? I don't blame you girl......

Blessings to all and our Special One and ONLY BARBARO!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR CALLS, it doesn't stop yet. We need the TRANSPORTATION BILLS BANNED.

110th Congress Leadership - CONTACT INFORMATION

####
Alex...as they say, Hold on to your horses...spring is around the corner...

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - Co-Sponsors

SENATORS - Co-Sponsors

Friar Tuck
You bet I'll make that call!!!

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE - HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE - HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE AND TRANSPORTATION - SENATE / COMMITTEE HOMEPAGE


COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE SCIENCE AND TRANSPORTATION - SENATE MEMBERS

THIS ARTICLE GIVES ANOTHER INTERESTING TAKE...

A federal appellate court declined to rehear a January ruling against two North Texas horse-processing plants, prompting the slaughterhouses to begin preparations for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Fort Worth-based Beltex and Kaufman-based Dallas Crown scaled back their operations earlier this year after a three-judge panel of the appellate court ruled that the plants must adhere to a 1949 Texas law barring the sale of horse meat for human consumption, a statute that until recently was largely unenforced. By refusing to review the case, the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the panel's decision to stand.

"This is the end of the line for the horse-slaughter industry in Texas," said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States, which had filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case. "The kill floors should be still and quiet in Texas if the owners of these foreign-owned plants obey the law."

But the plants have 90 days from Monday's ruling to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Brent Gattis, a Washington lobbyist for the horse-slaughtering industry, said that the plants' lawyer, David Broiles of Fort Worth, is working on the appeal. Broiles did not return a call seeking a comment on the case.

In the meantime, Gattis said, it will be business-as-usual at Dallas Crown, which now only slaughters horses for zoos and pet foods, and at Beltex, which is processing only game, such as bison, wild boar and ostriches.

"Nothing really changes at this point," said Gattis, who also represents the only other horse slaughterhouse in the country, Cavel International of DeKalb, Ill. The Texas plants already "took the option to stop [processing horse meat] for human consumption," he said.

Overseas markets, where horse meat is considered a delicacy, had accounted for most of the plants' horse-meat production.

Ann Diamond, a deputy chief in the civil division of the Tarrant County district attorney's office, said the Texas plants can still operate within the bounds of the state law.

"My understanding is that they have not been slaughtering for human consumption, so as long as they're not doing that, it's not an issue. They're certainly permitted to slaughter for nonhuman consumption," she said.

The appellate ruling should have no effect on operations at the Illinois plant, Gattis said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heather Landy, 817-390-7725 hlandy@star-telegram.com

####
Equine Heaven...you are HEAVENLY...
Barbaro is leaping with joy with the news about the slaughter houses...and Seattle Slew...let you all read...

###
Alex, I share your "enough is enough of this weather". I too grumbled this morning about I'm tired of winter coats, I'm tired of being cold, I'm tired of snow, etc. So it was a laugh to hear you and fellow riders are feeling the same way only I'm sure you feel it more. Have a good day Alex in spite of it all, Spring is coming,

Judy

My question regarding the last THREE paragraphs of the article....

HOW DO THE PLANTS DOCUMENT THAT THEY ARE SLAUGHTERING HORSES FOR NON-HUMAN CONSUMPTION...
AND ARE THEY EVEN REQUIRED TO DO SO????

REMEMBER...PET FOODS IN THE US DO NOT ALLOW HORSE MEAT PRODUCTS!

Happy 12th Birthday, REAL QUIET!!!

#####

Hay FOB Friends.
I am typing this from work. I cannot E-mail from here, but I am allowed to take a quick peek ant the net.

I have been experienceg MAJOR puter problems, that my son is working to fix, so I have not been able to access my e-mails. Please pass this info on to Shelley A, and my group for me. I hope to be "back" by next week.

Also, I AM planning to go to the BARBARO birthday thingy.

Would someone please let Maribel know, for me, that the room HAS been reserved.

Thank you all.

Love, Otherlyn

NPR's Barbaro's Baby Brothers Names submitted to Gretchen Jackson

New Update!!!! www.equine-heaven.com

Sorry it's late-Fitch was getting fitted for a tux-to help Felix at The Triple Halo events!!

I try to call everyone and with almost every person I come in contact with I tell them about the Nation of Barbaro and our cause. Most dont know it was even happening to the horses at the slaughter house, etc. I was wondering if maybe bumper stickers with Nation of Barbaro on it would bring inquiries about us and what we do. Just a thought. In my area of weatr texas some grown boys set fire to a puppy. They got 10 years in prison. Personally I think they should have set fire to them. Sometimes I get violent about animal abuse. I felt so bad about little Fitch. However, we have Rosie who will have a little Barbaro miracle.

##
Pammie, You are right: I believe that that is just one of the many smokescreens they use to keep business going. Who is there to check where the "products" are really shipped to?

Just one of those tactics to hopefully appease us. I don't care WHO consumes their "product". What is next: HS for consumption for aliens from outer space?

Equine-Heaven, Wonderful yet again!

Ro & Brady

Thought you would like to see this from the Federal Appeals Court ruling...

The court noted that the horse on the Texas trail is a cinematic icon, but "not once in memory did the cowboy eat his horse".

I'm feeling empowered! I just rescinded my membership to the AQHA because of their stance on horse slaughter. I also plan on writing their Board to make my opinion of their stance known. They don't seem to be a very responsible organization for their horses, just out to make a lot of money.

Good for you WENDY!!!!

ALERT!!!!!!!!!!
To all FOBs;
I just talked with Senator Amy Klobuchar’s (Mn) aide who is assigned to S. 311. I asked where the senator stood on this bill and he said she, and he, are against the bill at this time because of what they are hearing. I asked point blank, “What are you hearing?” He said the pro-slaughter side is providing information and lots of calls and VIRTUALLY NOTHING FROM OUR SIDE. WE NEED TO STEP UP, AND NOW!
We need all FOBs to get on the two offices, Minneapolis and Washington, and voice our support. We are losing this vote!!!!
The aide I talked with is very open. He said we need to show what we have. OKAY, LET’S DO IT! Calls, faxes and e-mails!
Michelle has already sent the booklet. I have sent him info on horse rescues, NERC, etc. I requested a meeting and he said he would be glad to meet over coffee with his staff. I said I want to meet face to face with my senator. He said he would accommodate. This meeting will take place the second or third week of April in Minnesota. We have one month to get this done. We can turn this around because this man is open minded. He just needs to hear from us. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANTI-SLAUGHTER PEOPLE!
Everyone, call, fax and e-mail the two offices. Get at least one other person to do the same. And stay on this for the next few weeks.

Minneapolis:
612-727-5220
612-727-5223 (fax)
Mr. David Frederickson
Dave_Frederickson@klobuchar.senate.gov
He’s our main conduit!

Washington:
202-224-3244
202-228-2186 (fax)
Ms. Hilary Bolea

If you get voice mail, leave a message stating your support of S. 311!

FOBs have done a remarkable job of stepping up and helping horses in need with donations of money, medicine, blankets, etc. Let’s use that same spirit to get senators like Amy Klobuchar on our side. Let’s use The Barbaro Effect!

Thanks,
Daryl

Friar Tuck
I am sick today and probably won't be posting much, but I wanted to let you know that I just now called Congressman Murphy's office to say that I had "heard" the congressman say that H.R. 503 has not yet been introduced. The aide I spoke with was very courteous and said Congressman Murhpy had confused H.R. 503 with another bill. She confirmed what you had heard --they are aware now that 503 has been reintroduced. When I asked whether the Congressman plans to co-sponsor, the aide said yes, he does, and he will be filing the paperwork soon. I explained that the strategy is to front-load the co-sponsorships, so if he can get to it very soon, that would be great. She said her understanding is that he will be filing right away.

Daryl,

I'm on it. I'll add Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office to my fax list for today!! We can turn it around - FOB's are scaring the other side which is why they are stepping up with their calls etc.

Carol
San Diego

Hey Guys....I am not a blue-linker, but thought
that I would respond to the many, many requests
for my video link...I was hoping it would be in the updates because, as many of you point out, it is a good film for convincing friends and neighbors to call their reps...here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocbh6RAkZdo

RE: VETERINARIANS FOR EQUINE WELFARE PETITION...I have just printed 3 dozen of these petitions and am in the process of composing a cover letter introducing myself and the Fans of Barbaro, and giving a brief history of our involvement. I am asking them to return the signed position to ME rather than faxing it in...saying that those of us working on this portion of the campaign against slaughter need to keep a tally before submitting the petitions (ok, so it's a little white lie, but it would be helpful to see who does/does not sign). I will also include Daryl's booklet in this mailing...I'm handling New Haven County in CT (I'm think I'm the only FOB in this county)...WHAT ABOUT IT, NUTMEGGERS? ANYBODY WILLING TO TAKE ON THE VETS IN THE OTHER COUNTIES IN THE STATE?
And, of course, those of you in other states are invited to do this...it doesn't take much time, and just some paper, envelopes and stamps!
SADDLE UP!
Nancy

Hi all,

Any updates or play by play on our dear Rosie today?? I am trapped without Rosie vision here at work :(

Thanks :)

SAY HAY, CONGRESSMAN MURPHY!!! I liked him during the campaign, although I couldn't vote for him since I'm in Rosa DeLauro's district...and Rosa has been on board since the beginning!!!

AMAZING THAT 2,000 NAMES WERE SUBMITTED for Barbaro's baby brother...my hands-down favorite is the last one: "letmrsjacksondoit"!!!!

###
latest update on Ernie the sick colt at Horse Feathers Rescue:

Ernie is hanging in there, more blood work and IV fluids, might be able to eat a very small amount of senior feed if blood work comes back clean and he has no further refluxing.

Not out of the woods by all means but this gutsy colt is sure putting up a good fight!!

Ernie Thread

I have never posted here before but have been reading the posts here for a while. I was just wondering if anyone had been in touch with any of the radio talk show hosts concerning the anit-slaughter bill. Maybe someone like Sean Hannity. I know he reaches a lot of people everyday and he might be of help.

God bless Ernie and help him thorugh this tough fight. You can do it!! You have lots of people behind you sending you happy, healing thoughts and prayers. Pull from the strength that Barbaro has, he will inspire you.

####
Marilyn, CA
Hope you feel better soon...thank you so much for calling from your sickbed. Truly appreciate it, and delighted that you persuaded them to use the magic words "co-sponsor!!"
####
Cathy P
Did they say the same thing to you?
*fingers crossed*

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

DIALING AS I TYPE DARYL....They did ask for my zipcode...made NO comment to the fact it is not a MN zipcode....Thanks for the info....grrrr

DIAL THOSE NUMBERS PEOPLE!

Daryl,
Just shot out an e-mail for ya'. Asked that the Senator co-sponser S 311 and told her I was for it.
We will get this done.

Verna

####
Carol in San Diego:
Thank you! This is what it takes.
Daryl

Susan E...Yes, I've been posting here and on the message boards since the UPenn site went away. I am in the STL area, and would definitely be interested in becoming a part of the efforts in this area!

The sun is shining so brightly today! It must be Barbaro shining his eluminating light for everyone to see! Bless you Barbaro!
What wonderful news about the forever closing of the 2 slaughterplants in TX! A day to celebrate! We couldn't have done all that we accomplished if not for Barbaro, remember Believe in Barbaro, Believe in Miracles! We love you Barbaro! And my prayers are also with Brother Derek to have a safe surgery on his ankle from the bone chip.
mary mi

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ZIP CODES

55401 thru 55455

(55440 is listed as a PO Box)

##Wendy- I made several calls to the Aqha also. I am not renewing my membership and have told the people that answer the phone there how I feel. Do you know that on the Aqha racing site, that there is a section on what to do with one of your horses once its done racing? ON there they actually say that sendingl the horses to slaughter is one of your options as an owner. I guess they have to do something since they promote overbreeding so they can make more money in registration fees, etc. Jen

Hi FOBs:
If you need Minnesota zip codes, here's a few!
St. Paul: 55106 55105
Oakdale: 55128
Forest Lake: 55025
Daryl

Gang
Really swamped at work today. Made my calls and a few extras. Please....try and get more people calling. I don't like that the pro side is outdoing us.

JEN....R U KIDDING ME...SO GLAD YOU DUMPED THE
AQHA!

...Continued from 5/5/07:
He was ONE with the wind.

His feet flew over the grass, barely touching the blades where his swift foot-falls briefly kissed the surface.

He had been a champion racer, an undefeated winner, with a heart that loved to win. But, this time, he wasn't running to win. This time he ran for pure joy, with no end to it. There was no finish line. There was no end to the horizon.

Then he saw something that made his heart leap...a flash of eye here, a wisp of mane there. He and the wind were not alone in this flat-out-joy-run. To the left, right and all around were others like him. The moment he thought about their presence, he slowed to an easy gallop. They slowed their pace to match his, and soon, they stopped.

Standing in the brilliant light, and settled breeze again, he could see and smell them. They nickered and snorted their hellos. Some pranced about, others rolled in the soft grass. Many came close to touch noses with the newly arrived Young Prince.

...to be continued

TO ALL FOB...

If you need a feel good story(I think we all do)
Go to the DB and look under "general" folder and go to " Look, dogs attack gator" It's not as bad as it sounds or I would never have posted it. Has a pix that is why I didn't post here.
Hope you enjoy the story... will give your brain a break when your ready.
Okay, back to the phones!!!

Love to all,
Verna

FRIAR TUCK

Contacted Representative Chris Murphy's office and spoke with the lady, things sound positive. She said, the Representative is looking at the different Bills and considering Co-sponsoring.

If we can keep up the calls, perhaps it call help make up his mind.

DARYL

Also contacted Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office and sounds like we are getting the calls and also sounded positive.

FOBs

We need to call these two because we stand a good chance of getting them. One th