09/07/06 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

VICTORY FOR AMERICA’S HORSES
House of Representatives Passes Bill to End Horse Slaughter
Over Ag Industry Opposition

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 7, 2006): With overwhelming support, the House of Representatives voted 263 to 146 in favor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption and the domestic and international transport of live horses or horseflesh for the same purpose.

The measure was adopted despite strident last-minute efforts by the agriculture industry to kill the bill—including “poison pill” amendments and intense lobbying from the agriculture industry, led by former Representative Charles Stenholm (D-TX).

In the debate leading up to the vote, bill sponsors Representative John Sweeney (R-NY), Representative John Spratt (D-SC), Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) effectively argued the legislation’s necessity. Showing graphic images of the horrific cruelty endured by horses being transported to slaughterhouses, the legislators exposed the inhumane conditions inflicted on more than 92,000 of America’s horses last year alone.

“What we are exposing today is a brutal, shadowy, and shameful practice,” Sweeney stated.

There are three horse slaughter plants in the United States; one is in Illinois and the other two are in Texas. All are foreign owned and the profits and the meat go overseas. Horsemeat, considered a delicacy, is consumed in France, Belgium and Japan.

"Today we saw the very best of Congress by their overwhelming passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act," noted Chris Heyde, deputy legislative director for the Society for Animal Protective Legislation. "Once again they listened to the facts and responsible organizations and individuals dedicated to the welfare of horses in the country by rejecting the false claims presented by the few who profit from the suffering of America's horses."

Supporters of the measure include actress Bo Derek who once again returned to Washington, DC to lend her support, equine experience and compassion to the cause. Singer Willie Nelson, whose family came to Washington, DC on his behalf, said “congratulations to all the horse lovers out there who have worked so hard to pass this bill. The horses appreciate it. Our next big step is the Senate. Contact your Senators!”

The legislation will now move on to the Senate.

Contact: Chris Heyde, deputy legislative director
Society for Animal Protective Legislation 703-836-4300

The Society for Animal Protective Legislation, the Animal Welfare Institute’s legislative arm, is the unsurpassed leader in obtaining laws to benefit animals in need, including the protection of domestic and wild horses. More information is available at www.saplonline.org/horses.htm.