A bipartisan bill sponsored last week by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) would amend federal law to prohibit the slaughter of equines for human consumption.
The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, H.R. 3475, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), also would prevent live horses from being exported to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada to be sold overseas.
“The slaughter of horses for human consumption is a barbaric practice that has no place in America,” Buchanan said. “As co-chairman of the Animal Protection Caucus, I look forward to continuing to lead the effort with Congresswoman Schakowsky to protect these majestic creatures.”
While slaughtering horses for human consumption is currently illegal in the United States, the ban is temporary and subject to annual congressional review and no federal law exists to prohibit the transport of horses across America’s borders for slaughter in Canada or Mexico, according to information provided by Rep. Buchanan’s staff.
The congressman previously worked to get the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act signed into law as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, which made it illegal to slaughter, transport, possess, purchase, sell or donate cats and dogs for human consumption.
If enacted, H.R. 3475 would build upon that law by adding horses, donkeys, and burros to the prohibition, the information says.
“It is time to end the brutal and dangerous practice of slaughtering these creatures for human consumption,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “I have championed this issue for many years, and I am so proud to partner with Congressman Vern Buchanan to reintroduce the SAFE Act once again.”
The lawmakers hope to include H.R. 3475 as part of the 2023 Farm Bill when it is considered by Congress later this year.
The SAFE Act is supported by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the ASPCA, Return to Freedom, and the Animal Welfare Institute.
Companion legislation is being introduced by U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).