Ferdinand Fee Created to Fight Horse Slaughter...

New York breeders endorse Ferdinand Fee to fight horse slaughter--from the Thoroughbred Times

Directors of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. voted unanimously on June 11 to establish a voluntary Ferdinand fee, proceeds of which would go to fight horse slaughter in the United States.

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders will contribute to the fund through a $10 fee, which members can choose to participate in by checking a box on their yearly application. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association in conjunction with the New York Racing Association initiated the Ferdinand Fee, which allows owners and horsemen the opportunity to contribute $2 per start to the fund for retired racehorses.

All monies collected will go to either Blue Horse Charities or to Thoroughbred Charities of America, both of which support horse rescue and Thoroughbred re-training programs.

"With over 1,000 members, [the New York Thoroughbred breeders] participation will make a positive impact on the lives of many retired horses," said Ferdinand Fee founder Bill Heller, a THOROUGHBRED TIMES contributor and author of After the Finish Line: The Race to End Horse Slaughter, published by BowTie Press.