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In January, my boyfriend and I went back to his old neighborhood in France (he spent a year teaching at a university in Nice despite not knowing French, but I digress). As we passed the local butcher shop, the word "Cheval" was posted in huge letters on the plate-glass window.Because I didn't speak any French, my mind starting racing. Cheval, cheval, that sounds like ... chivalry. Oh no, I thought, are they butchering knights?!
No, worse: they were butchering horses.
It turns out that horse is popular in much of the world. Much of Europe and western Asia eats horse, it's big in Japan, and on our continent, the Quebecois pick up the Anglophones' slack.
While Americans don't consume horsemeat, Americans do produce horsemeat ... for the Japanese and Europeans to consume.
Is this simply a case of "different strokes for different folks?" Or is American involvement in the horsemeat industry an ethical crisis, as some people believe?
One thing is for sure: I ate neither cheval nor chivalry.
For more information on the subject, check out our other post about the issue's legislation.
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5-25-2006 @3:28PM Ed Tulowiecki said... We ete Gators, snakes wild boarnd alot of "ugly" animals and they raise rats to eat. Is it because they are not as "cute" as horses? What's the difference!
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5-25-2006 @3:28PM james garrett said... Has anyone read the bible CLOVEN HOOF ////////////
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5-25-2006 @3:29PM Lukasz said... The best salami is made out of horse meat. I love it .
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5-25-2006 @3:29PM Marguerite Watson said... If any of you were around during WW II --- you would be at least 70 yrs old --- when there was a shortage of meat --- I understand we were eating alot of horse meat and did not know it.
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5-25-2006 @3:29PM Marguerite Watson said... If any of you were around during WW II --- you would be at least 70 yrs old --- when there was a shortage of meat --- I understand we were eating alot of horse meat and did not know it.
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5-25-2006 @3:31PM Larry Hyatt said... Whether anyone knows it or not you can still get horse meat in some meat markets in the USA and up to sometime in the fifties it was common practice to add horse meat as a filler for Hamburger and it was sold as steaks etc. As a person that works as a meat inspector for the USDA I know for a fact it is not against the law in the U.S. to sell or is it bad to consume horse meat. It does taste good from my prefference.
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5-25-2006 @3:31PM MARCELLA said... never in my life, would i eat a horse! just the thought alone is enough to make me want to vomit. ewww
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5-25-2006 @3:31PM Larry Grote said... I will raise a horse in my house because it is more humane then slit its throat to butcher ! I'm confused !!! Domesticated animals were put on earth for our consumption. Read the old testiment
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5-25-2006 @3:33PM Jacquelyn said... I just wanted to point out that all CREATURES of the SEA, LAND and SKY were giving to us to eat. This also includes Horses. I personally would not eat a horse but that is my choice. If there are people who enjoy eating them let them. It is our GOD giving right to eat whatever animal we want. Just like some of the other people are saying why is it OK to eat a cow or a pig but not a horse. Why, b/c horses have become domesticated just like cats, dogs, fish, etc..
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5-25-2006 @3:34PM jenniferstewart said... yes it is taboo too eat any animal but you have too be culturally trained too eat it i think if we ate only veggies the world would be happier but it is only taboo in america too eat a horse while it is fine too eat cows chickens geese and turkies if what we eat is fine then americans have no right too bash other countries
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5-25-2006 @3:35PM Nate said... Horses are one of the dumbest animals on the planet since they can keep eating until they're stomache explodes. Besides that Horse meat is relatively cheap compared to cow or pig. Cow = ~$2.00/lb Pork = ~$1.80/lb and Horse = ~$0.88/lb. I don't know about you but I would much rather pay less for more meat.
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5-25-2006 @3:36PM Bob said... I agree with most of these posts and oppose the inhuman treatment of ANY animal and the right to eat ANY animal slaughtered compassionately.
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5-25-2006 @3:36PM Sam said... I am a carnivour, that means that I eat meat. I will try any food at least once and make my decision whether I like it or not. You have no right to take this personal freedom away from me. I have tried horse meat and deer meat. I did not like either. Rattlesnake, elk meat, and possom stew are all things that I have enjoyed. I, like most of you, grew up on the standard beef, pork, and poultry for the meat part of meals. It's what we're used to. If we lived in a society where dogs weren't pets but part of the meal, as Americans, we would defend our right to eat them. Shouldn't we defend the right of all people to eat what they want.
In closing - Animal = food. If you like the taste than eat it, otherwise eat something else. I would suggest llama, looks cute but tastes real good.
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5-25-2006 @3:39PM Ronnie said... I think there is a special place for all of God's creatures.....Right next to the mashed potoatoes!!!!
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5-25-2006 @3:39PM Edju said... We eat all the "ugly animals such as Gator, snake,controlled grown rats and turtles for soup. Is it because they are not as "cute" as horses?
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5-25-2006 @3:41PM wilson said... ...it's now been proven that vegetarians are 40% less likely to get cancer and 50% less likely to get heart disease than those that eat red meat (yes, I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years)..... so in 20 years from now when you're all undergoing chemo and/or taking heart medication...I'll be the one laughing..isn't karma a bitch?
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5-25-2006 @3:43PM Hiam F. Rendly said... I have to say that I have eaten a variety of meats, some of which I cared for and some I didn't. Some of those animals I killed and others I didn't. Killing for food is obviously a trait that we learned from watching other animals (Humans are animals for those of who who missed that memo.) And yes the world has developed now to a point that it's not vital to kill to survive, however we are omnivores by design as well as choice. So my thinking is that if it tastes good to you then eat it. I'd eat my own dog if I found out that boxers were tasty breed. Food is food people and if we weren't the top of the food chain you'd realize that if it's breathing it's edible. (Oh and things do taste better when they are treated properly before slaughter)
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5-25-2006 @3:43PM Claire said... Well, what is the big fuss about eaten horse meat?? We eat cute bambies, rabits, cows and pigs....so what difference does it make...in Belgium they raise horses to be slaughter, in fact the meat is more expensive that beef. I ate it before and would do again....so what makes you think it is not acceptable to eat horse meat....you eat beef don' you???
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5-25-2006 @3:44PM Andy said... Are you also upset over the inhumane treatment of snails by the french?
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5-25-2006 @3:44PM Mike said... I have never eaten horse meat but don't see a problem with it. Check out your teeth. You know, those pointy things in your mouth are designed for eating meat.
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