Banning horse exports for slaughter might take a ride on the Farm Bill or another big spending measure
In a distressing revelation for animal activists, the export of horses for slaughter continues to persist, prompting urgent calls for legislative intervention. According to Animal Wellness Action, Mexican slaughter plants received a staggering 17,997 horses from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in 2023—a dramatic surge that has ignited fresh concerns within the animal welfare community.
Ongoing Crisis and Disturbing Statistics:
The year 2023 witnessed a startling annual percentage increase in live horse exports, marking the most significant surge since 2012, as reported by the non-governmental organization Animal Wellness Action. Disturbingly, final figures for live exports to Canada have not yet been disclosed, intensifying the need for immediate action.
Historical Context:
The horse slaughter business in the United States effectively ceased in 2007. Since then, annual appropriations acts have consistently prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from allocating federal funds for the inspection of horses intended for human consumption. Consequently, there are presently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the U.S., ensuring that equine products remain unavailable for human consumption.
Urgent Plea for Legislative Action:
Animal Wellness Action is sounding the alarm, specifically pointing to the surge in horses exported to Mexico. The organization vehemently calls for a halt to the export of live horses and other equids to Mexico and Canada for slaughter for human consumption. Advocates are urging lawmakers to incorporate such provisions into prominent legislative measures, including the Farm Bill or other major spending bills.
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Unified Demand for Change:
Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, has issued a compelling plea to Congress. Pacelle emphasizes the inhumane nature of the trade, stressing that healthy American horses are being subjected to secretive and brutal treatment in Mexico. The animal welfare community, along with the Thoroughbred racing industry, is united in demanding an immediate end to what they characterize as an archaic, miserable, and sickening trade.
State-Level Initiatives and Legislative Developments:
In a positive turn of events, several states, including New York, California, Texas, and Illinois, have taken steps to forbid the slaughter of horses for human consumption. However, advocates argue that a more comprehensive federal approach is necessary to address the issue effectively.
SAFE Act Gains Support Amid Challenges:
The Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, designed to permanently prohibit the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and ban live exports, has garnered substantial support with 226 co-sponsors. Despite the promising support, the bill faces challenges in making significant progress.
Key Elements of the SAFE Act:
The SAFE Act, if enacted, would permanently ban the slaughter of equines for human consumption, extending this prohibition to horses and mules. It prohibits knowingly slaughtering an equine for human consumption or engaging in activities related to the shipment, transportation, possession, purchase, sale, or donation of equines for human consumption. Violators would face fines, and the bill’s jurisdiction applies to conduct within interstate or foreign commerce.
Testing Reveals Safety Concerns:
Testing conducted on slaughtered horses bound for Mexico uncovered drug residues in horse meat, rendering it unfit for human consumption. This further underscores the urgency for stringent regulations and a comprehensive ban on horse slaughter and exports.
Escalating Numbers from Texas to Mexico:
Of particular concern is the notable increase in the number of horses shipped to Mexico from Texas—from 13,081 in 2022 to 13,725 in 2023. This alarming rise highlights the escalating nature of the crisis and emphasizes the need for swift legislative action.
In conclusion, as the distressing trend of horse slaughter exports continues, advocates are intensifying their calls for comprehensive legislative measures to protect the welfare of American horses. The surge in exports to Mexico serves as a clarion call for immediate intervention through impactful legislation, urging Congress to prioritize the well-being of these iconic animals.
