FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Contact: Chris Heyde
February 1, 2005                                                                                           (703) 836-4300

 

Congress Moves to Protect America’s Horses

 

Throughout the history of this country, horses have played a valuable role.  However, there is a dark side to this relationship few people know about – the slaughter of horses for human consumption.  Last year over 65,000 American horses were killed in the US to satisfy the demand for this “delicacy” in France, Italy, Belgium and Japan.  The number butchered is expected to go higher following a “rider” slipped though Congress last year that will send thousands of our wild horses to their death.  Two bills have been introduced in response to overwhelming public demand to protect America’s horses from slaughter.

 

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), introduced today, will ban horse slaughter within the United States and prohibit the export of live horses for the same purpose.  The bill, which last year received the support of a majority of legislators in the US House of Representatives, has been reintroduced by Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), Congressman John Spratt (D-SC) and Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY). 

 

"A new year brings new opportunities," said Congressman John E. Sweeney (R-NY).  "I am confident we will build on the tremendous support we had last year and finally end the brutal and despicable practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption."

 

The second bill (H.R. 297), introduced by Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), ranking member of the House Resources Committee and Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY), will restore the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act to its original language which prevented wild horses from being sold for slaughter.

 

"Wild horses running free across our Western public lands are reminiscent of the frontier era and this nation's spirit.  To allow these animals to be slaughtered without exhausting all other care options is akin to condoning the death of a portion of our history.  This legislation will ensure that horses sold to willing buyers are not destined for the slaughter house," said Congressman Rahall.

 

“Both bills reflect the urgency for swift passage, given the dramatic increase in horses slaughtered last year coupled with the almost certain influx of once federally protected wild horses this year,” notes Chris Heyde, Policy Analyst for the Society for Animal Protective Legislation.

 

The Society for Animal Protective Legislation urges concerned constituents to contact their legislators and request they cosponsor these essential bills.  To learn more about the legislation and find your legislators please visit http://www.saplonline.org/horses.htm 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please contact your Representative and urge her/him to cosponsor this important legislation.  To find your member click here.