The practice of drugging horses to sell them is an age-old practice, and it’s one that is still widely used today. Many unscrupulous sellers will drug horses in order to make them appear more desirable, or to make them easier to handle and transport. Unfortunately, this practice puts the horses at risk for serious health problems, and even death in some cases. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of drugging horses and why it’s important to be aware of this issue.
What is horse drugging?
Horse drugging is the practice of giving horses certain drugs in an attempt to alter their behavior or make them more desirable for buyers. The most common drugs used are tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. These drugs can be administered in the form of injections, pills, or liquids. The drugs can be used to make horses appear more docile and easy to handle, or to make them appear more energetic and desirable to buyers.
Why do people drug horses?
People drug horses for a variety of reasons. Some sellers use drugs to make the horses appear more attractive to buyers, as the drugs can make them appear calmer and easier to handle. Others may use drugs to mask physical and behavioral problems, such as lameness or aggression. In some cases, drugging may even be used to make the horse appear younger than it actually is, which can increase the selling price.
The risks of drugging horses
Using drugs on horses carries a number of serious risks. The most obvious risk is that the horse could suffer an adverse reaction to the drugs, which can lead to serious health problems or even death in some cases. Additionally, drugging a horse can mask underlying health issues that may not be visible to the buyer, making it difficult to diagnose and treat the horse in the future.
Signs that a horse has been drugged
It can be difficult to tell if a horse has been drugged, as the signs are often subtle. However, there are a few common signs that can indicate a horse has been drugged. These include:
Physical Signs
- Lethargy: The horse may appear sluggish or tired, even after a few hours of rest.
- Incoordination: The horse may stumble or appear unsteady on its feet.
- Lack of focus: The horse may be easily distracted or unable to concentrate on a task.
Behavioral Signs
- Unusual aggression: The horse may become more aggressive or easily startled.
- Unusual calmness: The horse may appear overly calm or docile, even when faced with a challenging situation.
- Lack of interest: The horse may seem disinterested in its surroundings or activities.
Testing for drugs in horses
Veterinarians can perform a variety of tests to detect drugs in horses. Urine and blood tests are the most common, and they can detect the presence of certain drugs. Additionally, veterinarians can perform a physical exam and look for signs of drug use, such as unusual behavior or physical symptoms.
The legal implications of drugging horses
Drugging horses is illegal in most countries, and those found guilty of drugging horses can face serious penalties. In some cases, the seller may be fined or even jailed. Additionally, any horses found to have been drugged may be seized and placed in the care of a reputable rescue organization.
Preventing drugging of horses
The best way to prevent drugging of horses is to be aware of the signs and to always purchase horses from reputable sources. If you’re buying a horse, it’s important to have it examined by a veterinarian and to ask for a drug test. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the legal implications of drugging horses, and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
Conclusion
Drugging horses to sell them is an all too common practice, and one that carries serious risks. It’s important to be aware of the signs of drugging and to only purchase horses from reputable sources. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the legal implications of drugging horses and to always report any suspicious behavior. By being aware of this issue and taking the necessary precautions, we can help to protect horses and ensure that they are treated humanely.