Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky lead a bipartisan group of 120 lawmakers in calling for a permanent ban on the use of taxpayer dollars for horse slaughter in the United States. The lawmakers advocate for language to be included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget to prevent horsemeat processing for human consumption.

"The slaughter of horses for human consumption is a barbaric practice that has no place in our country," stated Congressman Buchanan in support of the initiative. Congresswoman Schakowsky added, "Horses have a special place in our nation's history and in many Americans' hearts. They embody the spirit of America, and it is time to end the brutal and dangerous practice of slaughtering these creatures for human consumption."

The lawmakers highlighted a significant decrease in the number of American horses exported for slaughter for human consumption, emphasizing the unsuitability of horse meat for human consumption due to regulatory food safety requirements and the administration of prohibited drugs to horses during their lifetimes.

Various animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), expressed their support for the lawmakers' efforts to permanently ban horse slaughter operations in the United States using taxpayer funds. They emphasized the bipartisan consensus in protecting animals and the inherent cruelty of the horse slaughter industry.

In conclusion, the lawmakers urged the inclusion of specific language in the Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture appropriations bill to prevent taxpayer funds from being used for horse slaughter. They highlighted the public's desire to protect horses and emphasized the need for a permanent ban on this inhumane practice. Congressman Buchanan's longstanding advocacy for animal protection was underscored, including his introduction of legislation to ban horse slaughter for human consumption and his efforts to end animal cruelty.