According to the National Horse Protection Coalition, a bill introduced Thursday in the Illinois State Legislature could signal the end of horse slaughter in the United States.
Illinois is the only state where the slaughter of horses for human consumption continues. A recent federal court decision has made it hard for two Texas plants to operate, and may lead to their permanent closure. The three facilities are the only horse slaughter plants operating in the country.
The Illinois bill is sponsored by state Rep. Bob Molaro (D-Chicago). It would prohibit the transportation of horses into the state for the sole purpose of slaughter for human consumption.
“Illinois has long been a leader in animal protection and anti-cruelty laws, and as such, it is high time we put an end to equine cruelty and join Texas and all other states in protecting horses from needless slaughter.” Molaro says.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture supported a similar bill when it was last introduced, and it is anticipated that they will support it again. A similar bill easily passed the Illinois Senate in May of 2004, but was narrowly defeated in the House due to an unrelated issue. Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) is leading the federal effort to end slaughter with a bill cosponsored by Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.) and Ed Whitfield (R-K.Y.). The legislation is pending in the U.S. Senate.
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Have they considered what the empact will be on the horse industry if the do this? What will happen to the thousands of horses that are slaughtered each year? Also, does this mean that the horses can still be slaughtered for animal consumption or does it have a clause that says for other purposes like the federal one does? Thank you for the article and for keeping horse people informed about what is going on in the horse industry.
Bravo! It is encouraging to hear good news from the equine front. The long, exhausting efforts to end US slaughter are finally being rewarded.
I was so glad to read this article about ending horse slaughter for human consumption. I believe it is a huge step forward, although there are still some concerns. Thank you for publishing this article and keeping us informed.
yes i agree that we should stop horse slaughtering. i am glad someone's trying to stop it. why anyone wants to hurt these animals is isanene. all these animals have done is be there for us and let us tell them what to do in a mannerly way. and i think horse slaughtering should come to an end.
i am very glad you are tring to stop this horrible thing!!!! My horse was saved from slaughter, i am very happy you did this so that my horse will be very happy!!!!!!!
OK .... that is fine but will someone think about what we do with horses that are sick with cancer or other illnesses..... where and what do we do with them after we put the animal down! It is against the law to bury a horse in your back yard! And not everyone can afford cremation ! Let's use our heads for once and think! There is a solution to this and if we were to put people the state or county pays to watch over all animals being brought in for the kill that they were transported the right way and held correctly then we would not have a problem ..... we could fine all who truck the horses in and the slaughter house if the horses are not treated well before being put down.
I live in Illionis and I am very happy to hear this!
That's great news, horse slaughter is a terrible thing;it's cruel and wrong!If Russia, and Holland want to eat horses they should eat their own;or better none!An owner who gives the horse that served them loyally for many years to the slaughter house they really have got some issues!
Your dont know how happy i am to here that. I am so happy i am crying. It is about time we are taking care of these beautiful animals they deserve it. I stand behind you 100%. God Bless you all
I think its about time the U.S. starts doing something for its horses. There are many horseslovers that think slaughtering horses should be made illegal.