House Passes Horse Slaughter Ban

Law Prohibits Killing Of Horses For Human Consumption

(CBS/AP) 
"We have serious concerns that the welfare of these horses would be negatively impacted by a ban on slaughter," Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said in a letter released Thursday.

Defenders of horse slaughter said it offers a cheap and humane way to end a horse's life when the animal no longer is useful. They say many owners cannot afford to care for an unproductive horse.

"These unwanted horses are often sick, unfit or problem animals," said Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn. "Many of them are already living in pain or discomfort, and tens of thousands more could be neglected, starved or abandoned if their owners no longer have processing available as an end-of-life option."

Meanwhile, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer questioned the priorities of the so-called "do-nothing" Congress as it considered the horse slaughter bill, reports CBS News Capitol Hill reporter Allison Davis.

"We have still not passed legislation that moves our nation towards energy independence. Yet we focus on horses," Hoyer said. "I'm concerned about horses but I am much, much more concerned about the American people."

American horse meat is sold mostly for people to eat in Europe and Asia; some goes to U.S. zoos.

If the slaughter ended in the U.S., plants in Canada and Mexico probably would take over some of the business, supporters say. Unlike other countries, U.S. law requires that horses and other livestock be unable to feel pain before they are killed.

The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, GOP Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, said that from some horses, "these facilities provide a humane alternative to additional suffering or possible dangerous situations."

Horse slaughter is a tiny business in the United States when compared with the beef, poultry and pork processing industries. Horses are slaughtered at three foreign-owned plants — two in Texas and one in Illinois. In all, about 88,000 horses, mules and other equines were slaughtered last year, according to the Agriculture Department.

Opponents of horse slaughter include oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens, country singer Willie Nelson and actress Bo Derek, who watched Thursday's debate from the House gallery. Supporters include former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek, who is now a rancher.

Opponents also include the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Humane Society of the United States. Proponents include the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the biggest horse doctors' group.

The bill's future is uncertain. The Senate has not acted on a similar bill, and Congress intends to finish its current session by the end of the month.

[juliet9386]

Before you pass judgement on this piece of legislation, it is important to know that this was a grass roots effort AGAINST big business by us, people who love and care for horses.

Are you aware that these slaughterhouses pay about $5.00 in Federal Income Tax a year because they are owned outside the US. Are you aware that the entire process for these animals is the most inhumane possible? And that their throats are slit while they are still alive.

Do you own a dog? Would you sell your dog by the pounnd once he has lost his usefulness? Other countries eat dogs - but we do not, nor do we eat horsemeat.

We have been trying for years to get this passed, your response is horrific.

[cowgirltn]

I cant help but make a comment about all of this.......I breed and raise horses, nobody loves and cares for them as much as I do. But you have to be realistic here. Horses do get lame, fondered, sick, old, etc. and every now and then you do get a horse that you cant do anything with usually from a human that has mistreated it. This type of horse can be extremely dangerous. Is this horse worth your life? I have had several friends who have been seriously injured and even killed by "crazy" horses. The best thing to do for all is to have the horse put down. A sick or injured horse can not be doctored all the time sometimes they are beyond that and need to be put down. Do you realize how expensive it is to euthanize a horse and have it buried? No its not like owning a dog. A horse is completely different from a dog. Since this ban I have seen horses barely standing and starving where they can no longer eat, they are in so much pain they groan constantly, they can barely walk or move from joint diseases or lameness. This is pitiful! But you tell me slaughtering them and putting them out of their misery is inhuman??? I agree the transportation can use some guidelines but to completely shut this system down is not the answer. The horses are paying the consquenses for the afterfact of our legislaters decisions.

[getcentered]

In the scale of important things the House could be working on, I put this "horse bill" at the bottom. On the other hand, WOW, it is pretty amazing to see consensus in the GOP dominated agenda of the house. I do have some questions though, like:
How many ear-marks were attached to the bill?
What corporate connections influenced the passing of such "well thought out" and "compassionate" piece of legislation?
Is there now some "horse slaughterhouse tax break" now available that will get every corporation to want horses?
Are cows next?
MAN!! There is so much disconnect between the house and the rest of us, that we get the "horse bill" when we need help with OUR bills. The horses will live, but how about the thousands of American soldiers and civilians of other countries that we've killed in the last few years. WHERE IS THIER BILL! In the endless spin cycle we've been thrown into in the last 6 years this story fits right in where the GOP might need to look a little better in the eyes of mothers and truly compassionate voters everywhere. Hmmmmm..........exploitive but clever.