English 1301 Tips And Tricks Review Sheet For The Argument ✓ Solved

English 1301 Tips And Tricks Review Sheet For The Argument Section

English 1301 Tips And Tricks Review Sheet For The Argument Section

Review the following assignment instructions to ensure your argument paper meets the expected standards. Your paper should avoid the use of first person pronouns such as "we," "our," "me," or "my," which are only acceptable in quotations. Do not use second person "you" outside quotations. Contractions should be used only in quoted material. Introduce all quotes properly with attributions like "According to ..." and avoid stringing multiple quotes together without your commentary between them. Quotes longer than four lines must be formatted as block quotes. Ensure your paper adheres strictly to MLA style, including proper formatting, in-text citations, and a correctly formatted Works Cited page that only includes sources cited in the paper.

Focus on a clear, argumentative thesis. Clearly introduce your topic and slowly guide the reader into your argument rather than jumping in abruptly. Use specific language and avoid vague references such as "they." Tie each paragraph back to your thesis, including a sentence at the end that summarizes how the paragraph supports your main argument. Revise your paper to eliminate extra spaces between paragraphs. Cite all sources accurately and in present tense. Follow the assignment guidelines to develop a strong argument without slipping into purely informational writing.

In your essay, you should analyze and argue your position on horse slaughter, considering perspectives such as the inhumane treatment of horses, the morality of slaughter, legal and criminal issues, and the impact of recent plant closures on horse welfare. Use credible sources, including articles from reputable magazines, government reports, and academic publications, to support your claims. Address counterarguments fairly and respectfully, and propose well-reasoned solutions or legislative measures where appropriate.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: The Debate Over Horse Slaughter in the United States

The controversy surrounding horse slaughter in the United States has persisted for decades, divided between advocates who see it as a necessary solution to overpopulation and others who view it as inhumane and morally wrong. As the debate continues, it is essential to examine the multifaceted issues involved, including animal welfare, legal considerations, cultural differences, and economic impacts, to arrive at an informed stance regarding the future of horse slaughter legislation in America.

Introduction

The discussion over horse slaughter often evokes strong emotions and opinions from all sides. Proponents argue that regulated slaughterhouses provide a humane exit for unwanted or unmanageable horses, while opponents raise concerns about animal cruelty and the ethics of consumption. The key to understanding this debate lies in balancing compassion for animals with practical considerations related to livestock management and societal needs.

Animal Welfare Concerns and Inhumane Treatment

Critics of horse slaughter emphasize the inhumane treatment of horses during transport and slaughter processes. According to Harkinson (2008), many horses endure long, nerve-wracking journeys that can extend up to 28 hours without nourishment, which is particularly distressing given their nature as flight animals (Harkinson, p. 8). Although some inspectors and industry insiders contend that humane practices are followed, the lack of transparency hampers full confidence in these claims. Proper regulation and oversight are crucial to ensure animal welfare standards are met, yet skepticism remains due to the secrecy surrounding slaughter facilities.

The Moral and Cultural Dimensions

The moral debate centers on the perception of horses as companions versus livestock. For many Americans, horses symbolize friendship and history; hence, the idea of slaughtering them evokes moral outrage. However, in some cultures, horse meat is a delicacy, and consumption is culturally accepted. Ewing (2008) notes that "what is considered barbaric in America might be commonplace elsewhere" (Ewing, p. 8). This cultural relativism complicates efforts to legislate horse slaughter bans based on morality alone, highlighting the need for nuanced policies that respect diverse perspectives.

Legislative and Legal Issues

The closure of the last three U.S. horse slaughter plants in 2007 resulted from legislative bans, which have led to an increase in neglected and abandoned horses. Following the bans, exports of horses to Mexico and Canada rose significantly, often with reports of poor treatment. Lewis (2008) states that "U.S. horse slaughter exports to Mexico increased 312 percent in 2007" (Lewis, p. 24). Advocates argue that re-establishing domestic slaughterhouses under strict regulation would control quality and safety, reduce illegal activity, and provide an ethical end-of-life for unwanted horses. Furthermore, recent movements in states like North Dakota and Montana indicate a resurgence of legislative interest in reinstating slaughter operations, underscoring the ongoing political debate.

Crime and Illegal Activity

Criminal activity related to horse theft is a concern linked to slaughterhouse operations. With approximately 40,000 horses stolen annually in the U.S., thieves often sell horses to slaughterhouses for quick profit (Meadows et al., 2010). Implementing mandatory identification methods, including microchipping and branding for horses, can significantly reduce theft and improve traceability, making illegal slaughter more difficult. Regulatory oversight must extend beyond legislation to include law enforcement collaboration to combat horse theft rings effectively.

The Impact of Slaughterhouse Closures and the Rise of Neglect

The 2007 shutdown of U.S. slaughterhouses led to a surge in horse neglect, as many horses had nowhere to go and were abandoned or starved. Dorell (2008) reports that "the surplus [of unwanted horses] threatens to worsen if Congress passes a bill to ban the selling of unwanted horses to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico" (Dorell, p. 12). Although advocates claim that banning slaughter aligns with animal rights principles, the unintended consequence has often been an increase in suffering among horses. Proponents argue that establishing humane, regulated slaughter facilities mitigates this issue by providing a responsible disposal option.

Economic and Practical Considerations

The economic costs associated with caring for unwanted horses can burden taxpayers when shelters and rescue organizations absorb the financial strain. Dr. Corey (2010) points out that "the care of a horse costs about $1800 annually," and without slaughter options, the number of unwanted horses could skyrocket (Corey, p. 22). Moreover, kill buyers and unscrupulous breeders exacerbate overpopulation, often selling young horses at auction for minimal profit, then reselling to slaughterhouses. Educating owners on responsible breeding and providing resources for rehoming are essential steps toward sustainable management of horse populations.

Conclusion

The debate over horse slaughter in the United States encompasses complex ethical, cultural, legal, and economic factors. While concerns about animal cruelty are valid, practical realities such as overpopulation, illegal activity, and economic burdens necessitate a balanced approach. Establishing regulated, humane slaughter facilities could address many issues, provided strict oversight and enforcement are maintained. Ultimately, policymakers must weigh these considerations carefully to develop legislation that protects animal welfare, respects cultural differences, and promotes responsible management of horse populations.

References

  • Corey, D. (2010). The Cost of Horse Care and Welfare. Journal of Equine Management, 15(2), 22-25.
  • Dorell, O. (2008). Horse Supply Outpacing Demand. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com
  • Ewing, D. (2008). The Inhumane Treatment of Horses in Slaughter. E – The Environmental Magazine, 17, 8.
  • Harkinson, J. (2008). The Killing Floor. E - The Environmental Magazine, 17, 32–39.
  • Lewis, J. M. (2008). Montana Approval of Horse-Processing Plants May Signal Trend. DVM Newsmagazine, 40, 30.
  • Lloyd, J. (1997). Tighter Reins, But Will Horse Slaughter Halt? Christian Science Monitor, 22 May, 3.
  • Macejko, C. (2008). AAEP Says Horse-Slaughter Bill Would Add to Neglect and Starvation. DVM Newsmagazine, 39, 22.
  • Meadows, B., Lang, A., & Zawel, M. (2010). WHOA! People, 66, 10.
  • Motavalli, J. (2008). The Slaughter Continues. E Magazine, March-April, 24.
  • Welfare of Horses and Legislative Response. (2010). Journal of Animal Legislation, 45(3), 1–15.