Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky have introduced the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, a legislative proposal aimed at permanently banning horse slaughter for human consumption. The bill also seeks to stop the export of live horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. Companion legislation is being introduced in the Senate by Senators Lindsey Graham and Ben Ray Luján.

"The slaughter of horses for human consumption is barbaric and has no place in America," said Buchanan. Schakowsky added, "It is beyond time to end this brutal and dangerous practice. Horses are not food."

Senator Luján expressed his support: "I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption."

In 2017, Buchanan collaborated with Congressman Alcee Hastings on the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, which became law as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This act made it illegal to slaughter or trade cats and dogs for human consumption.

The SAFE Act aims to extend these protections by including horses, donkeys, and burros. Although horse slaughter is currently illegal in the U.S., this prohibition is temporary, requiring annual congressional review.

The SAFE Act has garnered support from over 100 bipartisan members of Congress along with various animal welfare organizations such as the Humane World Action Fund, ASPCA, Animal Welfare Institute, U.S. Harness Racing Alumni Association, Jockey Club, and Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation.

Sara Amundson from the Humane World Action Fund commented on the issue: "Horse slaughter for human consumption is an industry that shows a complete disregard for these loyal and noble animals."

Susan Millward from the Animal Welfare Institute noted: "This industry needs to be shut down once and for all."

Nancy Perry from ASPCA highlighted public opposition: "Despite overwhelming public opposition to horse slaughter... tens of thousands of American horses [are] shipped... each year."

Buchanan's advocacy includes efforts like resuming horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery through his Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act. He has been recognized twice by the Humane Society as "Legislator of the Year."

The lawmakers aim to incorporate the SAFE Act into this year's Farm Bill discussions in Congress.