Horse Slaughter Bill Advances in the US Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 25, 2007) – The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee of the US Senate today held a mark-up for S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA), voting 15 to 7 in favor of sending the bill to be considered before the full US Senate.

Dispelling misguided arguments from AHSPA opponents, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) argued, “We have this law in place in California… since 1998.  The people voted for it, and the state has seen no increase in neglect and no abandoned horses – and this is from the largest state in the Union.”

The three remaining foreign-owned slaughter plants in the United States – located in Illinois and Texas – have been shut down temporarily by federal courts and a state ruling to uphold a Texas law.  However, passage of the bill is critical to ensure horses are protected from slaughter forever, and that they are not exported elsewhere to be killed for the same purpose.

“Until Congress acts, horses are being hauled under horrible conditions across the border to Mexico and Canada, where they are brutally slaughtered,” said Chris Heyde, deputy legislative director of the Society for Animal Protective Legislation. “The AHSPA is their only hope.”

“92 percent of horses slaughtered are deemed to be healthy horses, and the cost of humanely euthanizing a horse is equivalent to one month’s care,” said Senator John Ensign (R-NV) when responding to the claim that slaughter is necessary to dispose of old, sick or unwanted horses. “The problem is irresponsible owners, people who take on too many animals.”

SAPL is now calling for the bill to move swiftly through the Senate and the House of Representatives to become law.  Two years ago, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to stop horse slaughter for a year, and last year, the House passed the bill.  Unfortunately, Congress went out of session before the Senate could vote on the measure.  The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act will ensure that the practice of horse slaughter for human consumption is stopped permanently.

“As a cosponsor of this important legislation, and a strong supporter of animal issues, I was pleased to see the bill pass the Committee and look forward to voting for it once it reaches the Senate floor,” said Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK).

“The horse slaughter bill passed a significant hurdle today when the Commerce Committee voted to bring the bill to the Senate floor,” Senator Landrieu (D-LA), sponsor of the AHSPA said.  “We must take every step toward abolishing this cruel and inhumane process.  Horses are a major part of American life.  I will continue to fight for them as I have throughout my career in the Senate.”
 

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