Dear Mr./Ms.

As a consumer, it's important to me that the companies or organizations I support through my purchases, subscriptions and membership dues are socially responsible.

Since your organization serves the equestrian community, you are no doubt aware of the ongoing - and growing - debate over horse slaughter. You probably also know that the slaughter of horses is repugnant to equestrians and non-equestrians alike for more than "animal rights" reasons.

Americans do not eat horses, just as we do not eat dogs and cats.

Here are a few facts:

• Horses are not raised in this country for food and fiber.
• Americans do not slaughter our unwanted dogs and cats. Americans do not slaughter dogs and cats to prevent abuse of these animals.
• the transportation of slaughter-bound equines on double deck trailers is inhumane and counter to industry best practices for equine shipping and management
• transport vehicles themselves are unsafe and a dangerous road hazard.
• State police officers in Pennsylvania have repeatedly put the vehicles of several slaughter buyers out of service for safety violations and for violation of Department of Transportation regulations.
• consumption of U.S.-produced horsemeat is a public health risk.
• European Union countries seeking to ban U.S. meat imports included horsemeat in their recommendations, citing unacceptable levels of drugs and hormones in that meat and poor inspection practices at the point of slaughter.

Would America exist today if it were not for "Brown Beauty", the valiant and noble mare who made history when she tirelessly carried Paul Revere on her back for his famous midnight ride?

My intent is not to alter man's fundamental relationship with the horse, but I do believe that relationship can be made more humane. As a consumer, I need to know that you share my opposition to horse slaughter.

Please respond and let me know that I can count on your organization to act in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

My address is shown below.