Call In to Stop Horse Slaughter

While legislative actions have already banned horse slaughter for human consumption in the United States, our horses -- which I consider one of our greatest national treasures -- are being shipped regularly to Mexico and Canada, where horse slaughter remains legal. But horse-lovers around the country will be joining together, tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19 for "National Call-in-Day for Our Horses." It's a new way to have our voices heard in support of abolishing horse slaughter. Confused and frightened horses are transported outside the country -- packed together like canned sardines with no food or water. After the horses are slaughtered, their meat, which is considered a delicacy, is exported to foreign countries. Customarily, anti-horse slaughter bills have been handled as agricultural legislation. With The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R.503/S B 311) stuck in a House agriculture subcommittee last session and the senate version scheduled for a vote, former Ohio Republican Senator, Larry Craig, threatened to put the bill on hold. In order to override a hold, two thirds of the senators are needed to co-sponsor or support the bill. Meanwhile H.R. 503/ S.B.727, the Conyers-s Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, has been re-introduced in the House by Democrat Michigan Representative John Conyers, and Indiana Independent Representative Dan Burton. Reassigning it to the Committee on the Judiciary, not Agriculture, HR 503 proposes to amend the criminal code. The bill can then proceed to a vote on the House floor. If passed, it would be illegal for anyone to "possess ship, transport, purchase, sell, deliver or receive [horses] with the intent that [the horse] is to be slaughtered for human consumption [in foreign or interstate commerce]." Take part in the "National Call-in Day for Our Horses". The Animal Law Coalition is asking folks to call Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi at (202) 225-0100 or her San Francisco office, (415) 556-4862, and ask her to get the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), scheduled now before the session ends. Then call Senate Majority Leader Senator, Harry Reid at (702)-388-5020 and Assistant Majority Leader Senator Dick Durbin, (202) 224-2152 to get a vote scheduled now for the senate version, S.B.727. How do you feel about slaughtering horses for human consumption? Leave a comment and share. Image Source: Flickr User baylorbear78