Almost unbelievable! I'm torn between hoping it isn't true, which would make the photo and story even worse; and knowing that if it is accurate, those who promoted and voted for the new law are responsible for causing untold suffering to horses while doing severe economic harm to a (previously) thriving US horse industry.

Those of us living in wide open spaces with little real security or surveillance of our 'back' pastures had better brace ourselves for the certain to come dumping of unwanted horses. It already has been happening in some states, Kentucky and Tennessee that we've heard about.

I read that the SD Brand Board is considering stopping inspection requirements for horses LEAVING the brand area. I think that probably would be ok, but we sure do need inspections of horses comint INTO the inspection area to help control dumping of horses.

Virtually unnoticed in this issue is any consideration for people in the USA putting food some people enjoy and may even need as a source of protein on a 'forbidden' list. Such arrogance and 'nanny-ism' is downright dangerous to another of the freedoms to which human beings have a right: choosing what to eat, and choosing to conduct several businesses which, but for the US Congress, has been and would be legal.

mrj