But a Memory Horse Rescue began advertising dogger and dealer horses about 4 years ago. The organisation was started by a local (SE Queensland) horsewoman, Lynda Monks. Along with some friends, Lynda and But a Memory decided to do what they could for perfectly healthy horses that had been discarded and devalued when they were no longer useful or could no longer be cared for. We aim to change the lives of horses that are currently awaiting their fate at the doggers or dealer yards. These horses have become "But a Memory". We advertise them in the hope that they can be placed in a loving home before they meet their demise… that is the European meat market.

I (Kate Joseph) bought my first But a Memory dogger horse 18 months ago, which sparked an interest to do more for these ill fated horses. With a professional background as a vet nurse, Delta Society Canine Good Citizen Behavioral Trainer and most recently, Behaviour and Enrichment Trainer with RSPCA Qld, I am all too familiar with the sadness and hopelessness that can come from this kind of welfare work. I believe wholeheartedly that changing the way our equine friends are valued can only truly be achieved through education within the community. I have a particular interest in the evolution of training and behavioural methods, focusing on positive reinforcement training methods, regardless of species. While the majority of my behavioral education pertains to small animals (primarily dogs), I have spent a great deal of time applying my behavioral and welfare knowledge to ground work with rescue horses, both through But a Memory and the RSPCA Qld, with very positive results.

Currently, all purchases through But a Memory are done directly with the dogger or dealer. In the next 6 months we are aiming to become a registered organisation and charity, which will enable us to fund raise and assist these animals on a much larger scale as our profile grows within the community. Ultimately, we hope to be a part of the solution, by giving owners of unwanted horses the opportunity to take responsibility for the future of theanimals currently in their care. Ask where your horse is going; Ask if it’s a permanent home; Ask to visit the property; Ask for references and if not, then consider But a Memory Horse Rescue as a re homing option where these questions are asked where possible.

We have taken a cooperative approach when dealing with doggers and dealers that has allowed us to save many lives, and while many critics may feel this perpetuates the problem, with such limited resources (as our own back pockets!) we are focusing on the saving of lives, rather than placing blame. We believe that as long as dealership and dogging is legal in Qld, it is in the best interest of these animals for But a Memory Horse Rescue to be a part of the solution and focus our energies on placing horses in permanent and responsible homes, rather than placing blame.

You can visit the But a Memory website at http://www.freewebs.com/butamemory/ or for more information or questions email Kate at kate.butamemory@gmail.com