Federal: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Reintroduced in Congress

When people think of eating meat, they typically think of various farm animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, and etc. Rarely do you hear of horses being eaten. However, 100,000 U.S. horses were slaughtered in 2006 and were sold to Japan and Europe for human consumption. According to Timothy Cordes, U.S. Department of Agriculture program leader, demand for horse consumption has been increasing because of the recent issues of mad cow disease and the fact that horse meat is healthier with less fat. Currently, U.S. law prohibits the slaughter of horses for consumption, but there is a loophole in the law. It allows horses to be shipped to Mexico and Canada in order to be slaughtered for consumption. These horses are not just farm raised horses that are being slaughtered. Wild horses and burros are being used for human consumption as well. Currently, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act is being debated. Before you support the Act, you may have a few questions.

What is being done to the horses?

Over 100,000 horses are being sent for slaughter to Mexico and Canada from the United States. During this process, they endure several inhumane forms of treatment, as follows:

• Cramped trailers where they often injure themselves in transit.


• Extreme variations in hot and cold temperatures during travel.


• No food, water, or rest usually for more than 24 hours.


• Several blows and prods to the body in order to move them from the trailers.

Bolt pistols are used to try to render them unconscious. However, it is usually ineffective and has to be done several times before the horses neck is finally slit.

You may view a live slaughter and the inhumane treatment the horses receive at: http://www.hsus.org/horses_equines/cavel_horse_slaughter_plant_closed.html

What is being done to end this inhumane treatment?

In 2006, the House of Representatives passed The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. However, it requires that the Senate pass it as well. Unfortunately, they had a recess before they had a chance to vote on it. So, the bill has to be reintroduced to both houses and passed by both before it can be submitted for approval. According to the ASPCA, "The bill would prohibit the transport, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption." It will end the loophole that currently exists in the legislation that allows the horses to be transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter. The ASPCA, along with other animal rights websites, have pre-filled out letters that can be sent to your congressman to help support the bill.

Why does the horse slaughter matter to me?

Although eating horse meat may not be viewed as negative by all people, the horses are still being mistreated. By supporting the bill, you will help end the inhumane treatment horses are receiving. If this bill is passed, it will be an example for other countries to follow and portray the importance of animal welfare in the United States. Its not just about the "eating" of horse meat, but how they are treated. There is no reason for the horses to go through the miserable conditions before their death, including having their throat slit before they are completely unconscious. At least by passing the bill, horses will no longer endure the abuse they receive. Other than ending the mistreatment, it is important to anyone who enjoys the wild outdoors and the traditions of the West. If this bill is not passed, it is likely that the wild horses living in the West could become endangered or extinct. Horses are a great part of American history and it would be shameful to lose them as part of our heritage.

Although horse meat is healthier for people, there is no reason for them to be mistreated. In order to end this abuse, the current legislation being debated must be passed. Horses are being brutally treated and its important for the U.S. to set an example for other countries through our animal welfare acts, as well as hang on to our traditions of the West. Please visit the ASPCA's website and send one of their pre-written forms to congress so that you may show your support in ending this cruelty.

Information used is from the following websites:

https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2061

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/aug03/030815e.asp

http://www.awionline.org/legislation/horse_slaughter/index.htm