I feel compelled to let everyone know about a documentary I watched last night called Blinders. This movie is about activists trying to ban the horse-drawn carriage business in New York City. I knew I probably should have changed the channel once I read the description but I wanted to watch it. I thought I might learn something I didn’t know. What I learned actually changed the way I think about things.
The treatment of the horses in this industry is downright horrifying. Yes, I’ll admit, I was one who thought that a carriage ride through Central Park would be romantic. But there is absolutely nothing romantic about the way these horses are treated. Especially long after you’ve gotten off of the carriage and the horses are taken back to their “home” for the night. And “home” isn’t even a good word to describe it. Prison would be more accurate. They are put in buildings with no light and very small rooms. So small they can’t even stretch out to go to sleep.
I would like to urge each and every person that reads this blog to refrain from participating in a horse-drawn carriage ride from now on. You may never get the chance to see this movie but if you do I can promise you that you will have the same feelings as I do right now. It is sickening that we as human beings think that it is okay for a wonderfully majestic animal such as a horse should be made to suffer so that we can be entertained for 20 minutes.
Even worse is the way the horses are sadly discarded after they are no longer able to make a buck for their owner. They are sold at auction and most are sold to be slaughtered for feed. They are subjected to horrible conditions leading up to their death, which is a nail being shot into their heads. The movie shows footage of a horse who keeps standing up after being shot multiple times with the nail gun. It is not for the faint of heart. It was enough to make me sick to my stomach. I know it is a hard reality to face but I am glad I saw this movie. I want to spread the word about the cruelty these animals face each and every day.
Think twice about it please. And if you don’t believe me you can follow the link to the movie’s website. Look at a few pictures and/or watch the trailer. It is important to educate yourself on this issue and not turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent animals. We CAN do something about it. We SHOULD do something about it. Humans HAVE to be the voice for animals because they don’t have a voice to use.
http://www.blindersthemovie.com/
I don’t mean to get preachy but I think we have a responsibility as human beings to make sure all animals are being treated humanely. It is the least we can do when animals such as chickens, pigs and cows are sacrificing their lives to nourish our bodies. There is a better way and it doesn’t necessarily have to include becoming a vegetarian. But I don’t think you should ignore what is on your plate. You should care whether what you are putting in your body suffered cruelty so that you could eat a meal.
I have always wanted to become a vegetarian. I have said this for many years. Just because you eat meat doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wonder where your food came from in the first place. I’m sorry but I take serious issue with eating something that suffered cruelty just so my stomach could be full. I like the taste of a good steak just as much as the next person. But I’ve decided that I will try my best not to be a part of a cruel industry any longer.
Please spread the word about the movie. Tell everyone you know that riding in a horse-drawn carriage is anything but romantic. Seek the truth.
