>>>> I've heard too many tales of slaughterhouses looking the other way even with branded *mustangs*, so I have no illusions that either wold help in a stolen and sold to the killer buyer situation, but in terms of proving that I own a particular nondescript bay gelding, I feel a lot better.
It depends a lot on where in the cycle the stolen horse is noticed. Since there aren't slaughterhouses in all parts of the country, it can take a little time between the horse being stolen and the time he could be transported to slaughter. There are some active groups (netposse) now that advertise stolen horses, and the return rate is improving. If the horse is noticed after he leaves your local area but hasn't yet made it to one of the few slaughterhouses, then some form of ID could be very helpful in getting him back. And, of course, the end of the slaughterhouses in the USA may be imminent. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
