41 The Butcher

In the chapter titled “The Butcher” from “Black Beauty,” the narrator, a horse, provides insights into the lives of horses in London, highlighting issues that could be mitigated with common sense and compassion. Despite being accustomed to hard work, the narrator reflects on how poor treatment affects horses, contrasting his past experiences under different owners. The text vividly describes the mistreatment of a little gray pony reminiscent of Merrylegs, a pony from the narrator’s past, emphasizing the cruel realities many horses face due to harsh handling and overwork.

The narrative also delves into the particularly strenuous conditions faced by butchers’ horses, illustrated through an incident observed by the narrator. A butcher’s horse arrives exhausted and overheated, leading to a confrontation between a butcher and his son, the driver. The butcher criticizes his son for the horse’s poor condition, warning him of the potential consequences of such negligence, including legal repercussions. The son defends himself, arguing he’s merely following orders to meet the unreasonable and last-minute demands of customers. This exchange sheds light on the systemic pressures contributing to the mistreatment of horses, where the demands of business and customers inadvertently encourage harmful practices.

Furthermore, the chapter reflects on the varied relationships between young handlers and their horses. Contrary to the narrative of abuse, some boys are depicted as genuinely caring for their animals, likening these relationships to that between a pet and its owner. The narrator recounts observing a coster-boy and his pony, emphasizing the mutual affection and cooperation between them. This positive portrayal serves as a counterpoint to earlier descriptions of mistreatment, suggesting that with kindness and understanding, the wellbeing of working animals can be significantly improved.

Overall, “The Butcher” juxtaposes the harsh realities faced by many working horses against instances of compassion and mutual respect between animals and humans. It calls attention to the impact of human actions and societal demands on animals, advocating for a more thoughtful and caring approach to animal welfare.