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Community Corner

Stop the Transport, Stop the Slaughter

In March 2013 I received an email from Senator Blumenthal (CT). What follows is an excerpt from that email:

"Thank you for your message regarding the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. I appreciate hearing from you. One of my personal priorities is to treat animals humanely...

I am strongly devoted to safeguarding animals against inhumane treatment and neglect.

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"This bill has not yet been introduced in the 113th Congress (Senate). However, I look forward to working in support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act in the upcoming session, and will certainly keep your important thoughts in mind when advocating for legislation concerning this issue."

While I was pleased to hear from the Senator, and further pleased to learn that he will work in support of the American Horse Slaughter Act (H.R. 1094/S.541), I remain concerned about whether or not the bill will ever reach the Senate. To date, 118 U.S. Representatives have co-sponsored, with 21 Senators proclaiming their support. HR 1094 needs a simple majority of 218 to move to the Senate. In other words, 100 more Representatives need to co-sponsor the bill.

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HR 1094/S.541 will prohibit the interstate transport of horses to slaughter. As recently as 7/23/2013 horses are being transported to Canada and Mexico to be slaughtered. The following is information on only one incidence:

The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday July 23, 2013 8:43 AM

“Several times a week, trucks pulling long trailers filled with horses leave Ohio destined for Canada. The animals, sometimes 30 or more in trailers typically used to transport cattle, are taken north of the border for slaughter and processing into meat for human consumption.”

Again, HR 1094/S.541, the Safe Act, will prohibit interstate transport of horses for slaughter. Slaughter will, to all intents and purposes, stop. It is only through the education of the public at large that people will come to demand co-sponsorship from their U.S. Representatives. I would urge you to access information about the horrific practice of horse slaughter and the reality behind horse auctions, to join with those who strongly oppose the practice and to contact your U.S. House and Senate members.

To quote Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "You are forever responsible for that which you have tamed."

 

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