The slaughterman precariously balances a rifle against the small grey pony’s head.

Seconds later a shot rings out, the pony flails on the ground and is then winched onto a production line.

This is the reality of the slaughter and butchering of thousands of unwanted riding ponies and racehorses at a British abattoir.

The picture here is one of several taken by undercover investigators for Animal Aid.

They hope the images will prompt an official inquiry - or at least touch the consciences of owners who simply abandon pets when their children have grown out of them.

The remains of this pony, like much of the meat that passes through Potter’s abattoir in Taunton, Somerset, each year will be sent to France as there is no taste for horse meat in Britain.

Animal Aid says its dossier raises serious questions about the running of the abattoir. Officials suggest the way the slaughterman is holding the rifle means it could slip if the pony tossed her head.

The bullet would then inflict pain, rather than killing outright.

Animal Aid director Andrew Tyler said: “This seems a typical example of the abandonment of a pet whose useful days are over. It occurs when a child loses interest in riding or wants a bigger pony or horse.”

The group says one horse was apparently injured elsewhere and then kept alive long enough to reach the abattoir - prolonging its suffering.


Full Article:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=482765&in_page_id=1770

Stop Stillmans Horse Slaughter:  http://www.StillmansHorseSlaughter.tk
Horse Racing:  http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/horse