Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Ban Horse Slaughter

SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER

WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), joined by Representatives Ed Whitfield (R-KY), Nick Rahall (D-WV), John Spratt (D-SC), and 58 additional cosponsors, today reintroduced the bipartisan American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which would ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the United States. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) reintroduced the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act today in the Senate.
The legislation is supported by over 500 national and state organizations, including the Humane Society, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, farmers, and businesses.

"From the farms of Illinois to the blue grass of Kentucky to the ranches of the West, horses are an essential, defining part of the American landscape,... said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. "For too long, our government has allowed foreign corporations to slaughter tens of thousands of horses each year so that they can be consumed overseas. The vast majority of Americans believe that horse slaughter should be outlawed. Joined by members of both parties and with the support of hundreds of animal welfare and agricultural organizations, I'm introducing legislation to ban this shameful practice....

There are three foreign-owned horse slaughtering facilities in the United States — which last year slaughtered an estimated 90,000 horses. Horses bound for slaughter must endure inhumane conditions on the way to and during slaughter.

In 2006, a horse slaughter ban introduced by Rep. Whitfield passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, but was not signed into law.

Schakowsky concluded: "Horses are some of the most majestic and loved domesticated animals on earth. They played an important role in the history of our country. Now they need to be protected from those who profit from their slaughter and exportation as food....