No Senate Vote on Horse Slaughte

[diamondindykin]

It looks like horse slaughter will continue for awhile





No Senate Vote on Horse Slaughter
We Must Resume Our Fight Next Year

December 11, 2006


Dear Humanitarian:

Despite a Herculean effort by those who are vehemently opposed to horse
slaughter, the US Senate did not take action on the American Horse Slaughter
Prevention Act (AHSPA) before the end of this Congressional session. Not all is
lost, since more people have learned about this brutal trade, and the US House
of Representatives has affirmed its strong support through its vote in favor
of the legislation this summer. Please understand that there was much
business left unfinished by Congress – even funding for most of the US Government
was not taken up in the waning days of the session.

The Senate’s inaction must not impede the overwhelming momentum to end horse
slaughter. The American public, the humane community, and a majority of
horse industry organizations and veterinarians support this legislation. Members
of Congress, when presented an opportunity to vote, have demonstrated their
support. We must stay united and strong in our commitment to end horse
slaughter. If not, America’s horses will continue to suffer. We will not let that
happen!

Leaders from both parties have heard our call to end horse slaughter, and we
are optimistic that the AHSPA will be reintroduced and enacted swiftly when
the legislators reconvene in 2007. Following the New Year, we must return to
our fight to keep pressure on all Members of Congress. We will contact you
early next year to let you know what you can do.

Over the holiday season, if you are able, please take time to help local
rescue organizations in need. Thank you for all of the hard work you have done
on behalf of the horses – it has not been in vain. We will not stop until the
slaughter has ended!

Sincerely,
Cathy Liss
Legislative Director
_www.saplonline.org_
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=gqsex9bab.0.zjfprubab.7lzn5wn6.1341&ts=S0222&p=http://www.saplonline.org/)
_www.compassionindex.org_
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=gqsex9bab.0.xcstbybab.7lzn5wn6.1341&ts=S0222&p=http://www.compassionindex.org)

[schwung]

I can't believe how ridiculous the "process" is. So when do they reconvene? Do we even know?

[diamondindykin]

Next year sometime but I think that the process starts all over again

[schwung]

Are you serious? Like, back through the house, AGAIN? Why on earth would it start over if they just didn't have time to get to it this session???

[safehorses]

Unfortunately yes, we have to start all over again and get it thru the House and then the Senate. All the committee chairs will change when the Democrats get sworn in, but I'd have to look and see who's going to take Goodlatte's place. I can't say I have much hope this person is anti slaughter, but anyone is better than Goodlatte.

[elaine]

It sounds like many or most of the horses on the feedlots are sick and/or injured. Are these animals slaughtered for human and/or animal consumption? Not much surprises me anymore.
It really saddens me to know so many wonderfull animals are being thrown away to face such a horrible end.
With so many throw away horses, what becomes of them when the slaughter stops? Is there any education being done on not breeding just because of wanting a baby horse or wanting to make a few dollars. I know I stress to folks I know to get their dogs and cats fixed instead of the old thing of wanting at least one litter, for whatever reason. I know from experience that acccidental breedings are going to happen, but I don't think that accounts for the majority.
It sounds like TB's are being bred and reproducing like Greyhounds and the ones that don't pan out or have given their best years on the track are just disposed of in either the most lucrative or or convenient way, like commodaties instead of living, feeling beings.
It has to be very heartbreaking for all of you who go the the feedlots and auctions where you know the meat buyers are, to have to pick and choose who will live.

[averyacres]

How can they do this?

[schwung]

Well I got this in my mail today. A little late, it seems.

Subject: Response from Senator Murray
From: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, Dec 12, 2006 7:41 am
To: <[e-mail]>

Dear Ms. Taft:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about horse slaughter. I appreciate hearing from you.

Each year, more than 60,000 horses are slaughtered for human consumption in the U.S. or shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. The U.S. processes an estimated 10,000 pounds of horsemeat annually, which is then shipped overseas where it is considered a delicacy in many countries. Horses are targeted for slaughter regardless of gender, age, or breed. They can range from Amish working horses to accomplished show ponies. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter,” the majority of the horses sent to slaughter are in “good” condition.

Passed in October 2005, the fiscal year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill prohibited funding of inspections that would have allowed horses to be slaughtered and sold as food. I supported this amendment during the Senate debate on the Agriculture Appropriations bill, which passed by a large margin in both Houses of Congress, and I was pleased that it was retained during final negotiations on the legislation. However, in February 2006, the Department of Agriculture made an end run around this funding ban, making a rule that allows horses to be slaughtered for food. This was contrary to the clear intent of those of us in Congress who supported the Agriculture Appropriations bill’s ban on funding for horse slaughter.

As you may know, Representative John Sweeney (R-NY) and Senator John Ensign (R-NV) introduced the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 853 and S. 1915, respectively) to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The legislation would permanently outlaw this practice in the United States, as well as prohibit the sale and transport of horsemeat intended for human consumption. On September 7, 2006, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 853. I cosponsored S. 1915 in the Senate during the 109th Congress but unfortunately it did not come up before the full Senate for a vote.

Throughout my Senate tenure, I have consistently supported efforts to protect animals from cruel and inhumane treatment. I do, however, understand the unease expressed by many horse owners and breeders over the potential impact of the legislation. For some, slaughter is seen as a solution to disposal of their aged or ailing animals. For many people, horses provide wonderful companions and are an iconic symbol of our national culture and history. Should the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act come before the full Senate for a vote during the 110th Congress, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind.

Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any additional concerns.

Sincerely,


Patty Murray
United States Senator

P.S. I'd like to invite you to receive Patty Murray's Washington View, my weekly legislative update by e-mail. If you are interested in receiving my update, please sign up here: murray.senate.gov/updates.

[elaine]

Sure wish all of these postings on horse slaughter were on one place. Can't remember which one I read what on.
I feel anger at how all commercialey slaughtered creatures are treated. Two of my daughters worked at a chicken plant for two whole days when they were teenagers. They couldn't stand what was done. They were reprimanded harshley for trying to be careful not to injure the chickens when removing them from their cages. Many got broken wings and/or legs. Some got loose and young folks were allowed to just jump on them, bursting their bodies. Nothing was done about it. I'm sure you've all gotten chicken with blood around the bones. I sent off some letters, but didn't get much response. I'm not a vegatarian, but I believe that food animals can be treated in a much more humane way and killed in a more humane way also.
Horses are not food animals, especially those who have faithfully served whatever purpose we've given them.
It sounds like the sick and injured are sent to slaughter too. Are they and if so, does their meat get shipped off for human consumption? I've wondered about this. I don't like the thought of our cats and dogs eating tainted meat either. I've heard that vets are having to use more drug to put them down because euthanized animals are put into their feed.