To be “Rid” of a Horse
By Meaghan Carmichael
An Animal Rights Poem from All-Creatures.org

Sale-Barn

Abandonment
Sounds
Smells
Sights
New Horses and Foals
Pain
FEAR AND ANTICIPATION

Trailer

Cramped
Stinky
Hot
Sticky
Uncomfortable
MANY FIGHTS BREAK OUT

Slaughter holding pens and corrals

Outside
Cold
Or
Hot
Fear
Smells
Sights
OF DEATH AND DESPAIR

Slaughter House

Crimson
Slippery
Frightening
Hopelessness
Death in front
FOAL IN KNOCKBOX DEFEATED

Knock-Box

Slippery
Blood
Fear
Pain
Avoiding
Death
DEATH FOR COLD HARD CASH

The Caring Way To Be “Rid” of a Horse

Horse Trailer

Loading
Ramp
New straw
Food
Water
WELL CARED FOR

New Home

Caring
Treats
Attention
Ridden every day
No cruelty
New hay
New straw
Water changed twice a day
EVERYONE LOVES THE NEW ADDITION TO THE BARN

OR

In Stall in Horse Stable

New hay
New straw
Fresh water
Pets from owner
Final goodbyes
Hypodermic needle
Heart Stopped
Eyes closed
HORSE WAS TRULY LOVED ENOUGH TO BE HUMANELY EUTHANIZED