Yesterday, US Representatives Jan Schakowski of Illinois as well as Verne Buchanan from Florida re-introduced America’s Forgotten Horses (SAFETY) Act of 2021. This bipartisan law would permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in United States, and to prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses for sale abroad.
“For centuries, horses have embodied the spirit of American freedom and pride,” said Congresswoman Schakowski. statement. “Having occupied such a special place in the history of our country, it is not high time for us to end the cruel practice of killing these majestic creatures for food. I am proud to present again SAFE law with Congressman Buchanan and propose legislation that will finally close the loophole to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption, both domestically and internationally. “
Although the slaughter of horses for human consumption is currently prohibited in the United States, the ban is temporary and subject to annual review by Congress. There is no federal law prohibiting the transport of horses across American borders for slaughter in Canada or Mexico.
According to USDA more than 100,000 American horses are exported annually to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. These horses are subsequently slaughtered and then transported abroad for consumption in Japan, Italy and other countries. More than 90% of these horses were healthy and in good condition.
IN SAFE law was approved ASPCA, Animal Welfare Institute, United States Humane Society, Humane Society Legislative Foundation and Return to Freedom Wildlife Conservation Organization.
Katie Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute, also said some of them are former racehorses who have been injected with drugs deemed unsafe for human consumption.
“Just nine years ago 160,000 American horses were taken abroad for slaughter. Due to the awareness of this inhuman and predatory industry, this number has dropped dramatically, with only 37249 sent for slaughter in 2020 “, said Sarah Amundson, president of the Legislative Foundation for the Humane Society, who further noted that horses should not be subjected to barbaric practices. “Representatives. Jan Schakowski and Verne Buchanan are committed to passing this important animal and consumer protection law that will end this terrible industry and protect American icons from those who profit from their deaths. “
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The message is breaking! The SAFE ACT, reintroduced in the United States to prohibit the cruel slaughter and export of live American horses for human consumption, first appeared in World Animal News.