Horse Slaughter Bill vote originally scheduled for September 10 delayed - there is still time to act!

By Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition

UPDATE: 9/10/08 - The vote has been unexpectedly delayed, so there is still time to contact both the House Judiciary Committee and your U.S. Representative. Please call today.
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The House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote tomorrow, Sept. 10, on the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008.

Under this bill it would be illegal to "possess..., ship..., transport..., purchase.., sell... deliver..., or receive" in interstate or foreign commerce any horse "with the intent that it is to be slaughtered for human consumption." It would also be illegal under this bill to trade in horse flesh or carcass for the purpose of human consumption.

Violators face fines and jail time up to three years. If, however, the violator has no prior convictions and is moving four or fewer horses or less than 2,000 lbs of horse flesh, the jail time is only a year. Click here for a copy of the bill.

This section would be added to federal laws specifying crimes involving animals in Title 18 Chapter 3 of the U.S. Code.

Horse slaughter has been stopped in the United States by court decisions and state legislative actions. Horses are, however, still being transported to foreign countries, primarily Mexico and Canada, for slaughter. Only a federal law can stop this tragedy.

For a summary of Congressional hearings held on this bill and how this bill differs from the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act [H.R. 503/S. 311], read the Animal Law Coalition's reports.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Call or write members of the Committee on the Judiciary and urge them to vote YES on H.R. 6598, to prevent cruelty to horses used for human consumption.

2. You can also call in to the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your U.S. Representative. You can write them and urge them to “Please co-sponsor and push for the passage of H.R. 6598 to prevent cruelty to horses used for human consumption.” Click here to find your U.S. Representative.

For more information:
• Best Friends Animal Society Equine Page
• H.R. 6598: Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008
• Animal Law Coalition: Horse Slaughter

**Best Friends Animal Society has not taken a position of support or opposition to this piece of legislation. For more information on how animal legislation is reported on the Best Friends Network, click here.

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes