Sour is every horseman’s dream.  She is intelligent, kind, and flashy.  Unfortunately, this young mare is facing an untimely demise.  She is enrolled in a terminal bone chip study at Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine.  Researchers have refused requests to remove the horse from the study, despite the fact that they have removed others before her, and have now ceased contact.  They have stated they would not partake in anything they deem inhumane, but do you think keeping a young horse in a windowless stall for the majority of the day is humane?  

Horses are intelligent creatures.  Studies have shown they display empathy and can read human facial expressions.  There is a reason equine therapy is such a popular mental health option.  The intelligence, docility, and beauty of Sour makes her worth much more than cadaver parts sitting in a morgue.  It makes this situation more than harming an animal, but a blatant disregard of a sentient creature’s life. 

The three R’s of research are “replacement, reduction, and refinement” so, why have at least 30 horses been killed for this research in the last year?  Many scientists agree that non-animal models and advancements are the future of research, and it eliminates inflicting pain and suffering on animals.  The American Anti-Vivisection Society expresses concern for the lack of enrichment worldwide for biomedical research animals, this case is no exception.  The National Institute of Health states that over 17 million animals are killed for research annually in the U.S.  Sour deserves more than to become another number.

Luck alone is what separates your equine partner from terminal research horses.  The very people you employ to save your horse, are killing horses for science in the next barn over, right under your nose.  We incite the community of Ithaca, NY, and horse lovers alike to stand against this blatant disregard for life and animal wellness.  There is no excuse for so many lives to be ended in the face of modern technology.  Please take a vote to prevent Sour from facing the same fate as so many horses before her.

By signing this petition, you are giving a voice to animals that can’t say “no”.  Let Cornell know how you feel about killing droves of horses for research.  Sour’s life is soon to be taken and we need your help. We hope with public knowledge of these activities, comes change and a better future for Sour and all the other horses soon to face the same fate; which is lifeless, in a cold morgue, dissected for parts.