American Wild Horse PSA - Sheryl Crow & Viggo Mortensen
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
Rhode Is. House Votes to Support Horse Slaughter Ban
The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for passage of the Equine Prevention of Cruelty Act, H.R. 503/S.B. 727, which would stop the slaughter of American horses for human consumption.
H.R. 6026 recognizes that:
Horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia and is in fact animal torture and cruelty; and
Horse slaughter has been detrimental to the communities where slaughtering facilities have been located, with significant negative impacts to these communities ranging from nuisance odors to chronic sewer and environmental violations; and
Horse slaughter has been found to increase and abet horse theft; and
Horse slaughter is not a means of controlling numbers of unwanted, abandoned or neglected horses, but, rather, is a for-profit operation driven by a demand for horsemeat in some foreign countries; and
American horses are not raised, fed and medicated within the FDA guidelines established for food animals, making them potentially unfit and unsafe for human consumption; and
In America, horses are an icon of our history, traditions, and culture, revered for their contributions to the building of this country, their companionship and special bond with people.
Polls show the overwhelming majority of Americans oppose horse slaughter. Horse slaughter for human consumption is illegal, in fact, in the U.S. because Congress defunded the ante-mortem inspections required by federal law for horses that would be used for food.
New York is considering a ban on this sleazy, sordid practice. Find more information about the New York bill here.
Also, pending bills in New Jersey, A. 551 and Wisconsin, S.B. 142 would ban horse slaughter for human consumption in those states.
Well, Congress could re-fund the inspections at some point. Also, pro-horse slaughterers have had several bills introduced in some state legislatures that call for the defeat of the federal bill, H.R. 503/S.B. 727.
In North Dakota and South Dakota they have actually asked for substantial taxpayer dollars to "study" the feasibility of building horse slaughter facilities there. The foreign investors that would own these slaughter houses expected American taxpayers to fund feasibility studies for their private slaughtering operations. South Dakota rejected the study, but sadly, North Dakota's legislature agreed to it.
In Montana the state legislature agreed to limit access to the courts and hamstring the ability of citizens and judges to challenge construction of a horse slaughter house by what were described as "Belgian" investors. Nice protection for foreign investors that make their profits from animal cruelty. Gov. Brian Schweitzer has issued an amendatory veto that would limit these changes to the judiciary. The matter is now back before the state legislature.
The upshot of these legislative resolutions and bills is to persuade the American people to call for the defeat of the federal bill, H.R. 503/S.B. 727 and the re-opening of the slaughter houses in the U.S. Horse slaughterers also hope to create a market in this country for horse meat. Currently, horse meat is not consumed in the U.S. But they want Americans to start eating their companions and friends.
The profit from this practice will, of course, remain with the foreign investors. There is no tax revenue or good jobs for the states so willing to accommodate these foreign investors. There is only environmental and health hazards, sewer problems, nuisance odors, substantial clean up costs, increased horse theft and the stigma of allowing a practice that profits off animal torture.
Support Rhode Island's bill, H.R. 6026. Urge the Rhode Island Senate to pass this resolution. Find an email and phone list for Rhode Island state senators here. If you live in Rhode Island, go here to find your state senator.
Also, go here to help pass a ban on horse slaughter for human consumption in New York.
Write or call New Jersey legislators found here and urge them to pass the ban in bill, A. 551. The bill is stuck in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Contact these committee members and urge them to pass A. 551. Albano, Nelson T. - Chair Amodeo, John F. Conaway, Herb
Wisconsin legislators can be found here. Here is an email directory for Assembly (House) and Senate members. Write or call these legislators and urg them to pass S.B. 142 would ban horse slaughter for human consumption in that state. The bill is now in the Agriculture and Higher Education Committee. Contact these committee members and urge them to pass S.B. 142.Tuesday, April 7, 2009
CHDC Calls for Audit of Horse Slaughter Operations After Plant Shut Down Over Food Safety Concerns
CHDC Calls for Audit of Horse Slaughter Operations After Plant Shut Down Over Food Safety Concerns
REGINA, April 7 /CNW/ - With the news that the Natural Meat Company
(formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan has been shut down by
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for food safety concerns, the
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) is calling for a complete audit of
Canada's remaining horse slaughter operations by the CFIA.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural
Valley Farms in April and May 2008 and aired to the public a month later. At
the time, government officials made repeated assurances regarding the plant's
operations.
Over six months later, the CFIA quietly ordered the plant closed citing
food safety concerns.
"Despite the attention given to this operation, this action shows that
there are major problems in Neudorf and quite possibly elsewhere," said
Sinikka Crosland, CHDC's Executive Director. "Only a full audit can begin to
deal with the real concerns that the public has with Canadian horse slaughter
operations."
"This is exactly the kind of problem that arose in the United States and
the reason, along with concerns associated with inhumane treatment, that saw
the US close every single one of its slaughter houses," added Ms. Crosland.
For further information: Sinikka Crosland, CHDC, (250) 768-4803 or go to
www.defendhorsescanada.org
REGINA, April 7 /CNW/ - With the news that the Natural Meat Company
(formerly Natural Valley Farms) in Neudorf, Saskatchewan has been shut down by
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for food safety concerns, the
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) is calling for a complete audit of
Canada's remaining horse slaughter operations by the CFIA.
Graphic evidence of animal welfare violations was documented at Natural
Valley Farms in April and May 2008 and aired to the public a month later. At
the time, government officials made repeated assurances regarding the plant's
operations.
Over six months later, the CFIA quietly ordered the plant closed citing
food safety concerns.
"Despite the attention given to this operation, this action shows that
there are major problems in Neudorf and quite possibly elsewhere," said
Sinikka Crosland, CHDC's Executive Director. "Only a full audit can begin to
deal with the real concerns that the public has with Canadian horse slaughter
operations."
"This is exactly the kind of problem that arose in the United States and
the reason, along with concerns associated with inhumane treatment, that saw
the US close every single one of its slaughter houses," added Ms. Crosland.
For further information: Sinikka Crosland, CHDC, (250) 768-4803 or go to
www.defendhorsescanada.org
Task Force Sought on Humane Treatment
Task Force Sought on Humane Treatment
Edited press release
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. is proposing a task force that includes the New York Racing Association, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for the purpose of broadening programs that assist Thoroughbred owners forced with selling their horses while developing a policy that punishes any owner, breeder or trainer that either directly or indirectly contributes to an outcome where a horse is knowingly sent to slaughter.
“Regardless of the difficult economic conditions that touch virtually every business sector, we need an affirmative strategy that allows us to find a safe nurturing environment for thoroughbreds whose owners either can no longer afford to stable them or neglect them,” said Jeffrey A. Cannizzo, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
The NYTB issued a resolution several years ago condemning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and Cannisso said it is now stepping up its efforts to rally support for various rescue groups as the recession has placed several horse owners in dire economic straits and they need to be provided with humane options.
“Modest contributions would greatly aid the horse rescue groups that operate throughout New York and the nation,” said Cannizzo. “The recession cannot be made the convenient foil for the expedient disposal of thoroughbred horses by any one. There are means to deal with this emergency and, collectively, our industry will rally to lobby for appropriate solutions.”
Diana Pikulski, executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, said, “No one can control the actions of people who are determined to do the “wrong” thing with their horses but you can come up with industry standards and rules, and ramifications for violation of those rules. And, the Thoroughbred industry needs to show the American public that it is taking affirmative steps to protect its horses by developing industry-wide funding mechanisms for humane retirement.”
Edited press release
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. is proposing a task force that includes the New York Racing Association, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for the purpose of broadening programs that assist Thoroughbred owners forced with selling their horses while developing a policy that punishes any owner, breeder or trainer that either directly or indirectly contributes to an outcome where a horse is knowingly sent to slaughter.
“Regardless of the difficult economic conditions that touch virtually every business sector, we need an affirmative strategy that allows us to find a safe nurturing environment for thoroughbreds whose owners either can no longer afford to stable them or neglect them,” said Jeffrey A. Cannizzo, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
The NYTB issued a resolution several years ago condemning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and Cannisso said it is now stepping up its efforts to rally support for various rescue groups as the recession has placed several horse owners in dire economic straits and they need to be provided with humane options.
“Modest contributions would greatly aid the horse rescue groups that operate throughout New York and the nation,” said Cannizzo. “The recession cannot be made the convenient foil for the expedient disposal of thoroughbred horses by any one. There are means to deal with this emergency and, collectively, our industry will rally to lobby for appropriate solutions.”
Diana Pikulski, executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, said, “No one can control the actions of people who are determined to do the “wrong” thing with their horses but you can come up with industry standards and rules, and ramifications for violation of those rules. And, the Thoroughbred industry needs to show the American public that it is taking affirmative steps to protect its horses by developing industry-wide funding mechanisms for humane retirement.”
Friday, April 3, 2009
Montana
Schweitzer vetoes, amends horse-slaughter bill
Schweitzer vetoes, amends horse-slaughter bill
By The Independent Record - 4/3/09
Gov. Brian Schweitzer sent House Bill 418, the horse-slaughter bill, back to the Legislature for amendment, exercising his amendatory veto power.
Rep. Ed Butcher, who sponsored the bill, says he will fight the veto, which would send the measure back to Schweitzer for an up-or-down veto or signing.
Schweitzer’s amendments specifically address the limitations imposed upon the citizens of Montana to bring a legal challenge to a license approving a horse-slaughter facility. His proposed amendments would strike that from HB418. There are other amendments, too.
“I begin by saying that my proposed amendments do not prevent the licensing and operation of a horse slaughter facility in Montana,” Schweitzer wrote in a letter to Speaker of the House Bob Bergren. “My amendments retain those aspects of HB 418 that clarify existing law to ensure that a horse slaughter facility, if licensed to operate in Montana, conforms to Montana’s current laws pertaining to all livestock slaughter facilities. My amendments are focused on eliminating what I believe is the unnecessary and potentially harmful special treatment that would be granted to one particular industry under this bill.
“Before addressing my specific amendments, I want you to know that, like you, I believe horse owners must be responsible for the health and care of their animals. Like you, I believe it is unacceptable that any horse would be left starving or to die due to neglect. I also believe owners should have access to a legal method to put their horses down as necessary and appropriate — due to age, infirmity, or other legitimate circumstances.
“While I understand the value in licensing horse slaughter facilities, it is equally important that any facility approved to operate in Montana comply with this state’s health and environmental laws. Therefore, a person applying to license a horse slaughter facility who wishes to do so in accordance with Montana law has nothing to fear from the amendments I propose.”
See also:
Horse-slaughter measure is OK except for one thing
Schweitzer vetoes, amends horse-slaughter bill
By The Independent Record - 4/3/09
Gov. Brian Schweitzer sent House Bill 418, the horse-slaughter bill, back to the Legislature for amendment, exercising his amendatory veto power.
Rep. Ed Butcher, who sponsored the bill, says he will fight the veto, which would send the measure back to Schweitzer for an up-or-down veto or signing.
Schweitzer’s amendments specifically address the limitations imposed upon the citizens of Montana to bring a legal challenge to a license approving a horse-slaughter facility. His proposed amendments would strike that from HB418. There are other amendments, too.
“I begin by saying that my proposed amendments do not prevent the licensing and operation of a horse slaughter facility in Montana,” Schweitzer wrote in a letter to Speaker of the House Bob Bergren. “My amendments retain those aspects of HB 418 that clarify existing law to ensure that a horse slaughter facility, if licensed to operate in Montana, conforms to Montana’s current laws pertaining to all livestock slaughter facilities. My amendments are focused on eliminating what I believe is the unnecessary and potentially harmful special treatment that would be granted to one particular industry under this bill.
“Before addressing my specific amendments, I want you to know that, like you, I believe horse owners must be responsible for the health and care of their animals. Like you, I believe it is unacceptable that any horse would be left starving or to die due to neglect. I also believe owners should have access to a legal method to put their horses down as necessary and appropriate — due to age, infirmity, or other legitimate circumstances.
“While I understand the value in licensing horse slaughter facilities, it is equally important that any facility approved to operate in Montana comply with this state’s health and environmental laws. Therefore, a person applying to license a horse slaughter facility who wishes to do so in accordance with Montana law has nothing to fear from the amendments I propose.”
See also:
Horse-slaughter measure is OK except for one thing
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Director Voyles addresses House panel on free-roaming horse and burro management
Mar 3, 2009
Advises that law must balance horse and burro concerns with wildlife and ecosystem considerations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles today told a congressional committee that a proposed bill that would change how free-roaming horses and burros are managed could result in adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat, as well as to the horses and burros the legislation seeks to further protect, and he offered several recommendations on ensuring a viable future for each.
Testifying on behalf of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Voyles told the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands that some aspects of the legislation, H.R. 1018, could alter the ecological balance of the habitat on which wildlife and horses and burros depend for their existence.
Acknowledging the challenges the subcommittee faces in considering both the human concerns for free-roaming horses and burros and concerns for healthy wildlife populations and rangelands in the western states, Voyles offered several recommendations:
1. Continue to limit free-roaming horse and burro herds to the areas where they were found upon enactment of the 1971 act.
2. Make law and policy drive refinement of methods (such as techniques modeled after wildlife population census studies) to accurately assess free-roaming horse and burro populations and accurately set “appropriate management levels” (AMLs) for horse and burros herds.
3. Federal agencies should continue to use AMLs as target numbers for managing free-roaming horse and burro herds.
4. Law and policy should facilitate research into innovative tools for herd management, including feasible and efficient removal and fertility control, as well as continued usage of practical tools such helicopters for inventory, roundup and removal efforts, where dictated by habitat conditions or management targets.
5. Congress must appropriate funds sufficient for the management of free-roaming horse and burro herds within AMLs and the land’s capacity to support them, as one component of diverse and thriving ecosystems.
“If we fail to manage the balance between free-roaming horses and burros and the capacity of the land to support them and the wildlife that depend on those lands, then the laws of nature will prevail and we will fail as stewards of all three: land, wildlife, and horses and burros,” said Voyles.
H.R. 1018 would amend the 1971 Wild Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act. Among other provisions, it would remove the limitations on areas where horses and burros can roam, require the creation of sanctuaries for these animals, bolster the Bureau of Land Management’s horse and burro adoption program, and change the circumstances and methods by which free-roaming horses and burros could be removed.
Voyles was one of several experts who provided testimony before the subcommittee on the proposed legislation.
Mar 3, 2009
Advises that law must balance horse and burro concerns with wildlife and ecosystem considerations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles today told a congressional committee that a proposed bill that would change how free-roaming horses and burros are managed could result in adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat, as well as to the horses and burros the legislation seeks to further protect, and he offered several recommendations on ensuring a viable future for each.
Testifying on behalf of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Voyles told the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands that some aspects of the legislation, H.R. 1018, could alter the ecological balance of the habitat on which wildlife and horses and burros depend for their existence.
Acknowledging the challenges the subcommittee faces in considering both the human concerns for free-roaming horses and burros and concerns for healthy wildlife populations and rangelands in the western states, Voyles offered several recommendations:
1. Continue to limit free-roaming horse and burro herds to the areas where they were found upon enactment of the 1971 act.
2. Make law and policy drive refinement of methods (such as techniques modeled after wildlife population census studies) to accurately assess free-roaming horse and burro populations and accurately set “appropriate management levels” (AMLs) for horse and burros herds.
3. Federal agencies should continue to use AMLs as target numbers for managing free-roaming horse and burro herds.
4. Law and policy should facilitate research into innovative tools for herd management, including feasible and efficient removal and fertility control, as well as continued usage of practical tools such helicopters for inventory, roundup and removal efforts, where dictated by habitat conditions or management targets.
5. Congress must appropriate funds sufficient for the management of free-roaming horse and burro herds within AMLs and the land’s capacity to support them, as one component of diverse and thriving ecosystems.
“If we fail to manage the balance between free-roaming horses and burros and the capacity of the land to support them and the wildlife that depend on those lands, then the laws of nature will prevail and we will fail as stewards of all three: land, wildlife, and horses and burros,” said Voyles.
H.R. 1018 would amend the 1971 Wild Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act. Among other provisions, it would remove the limitations on areas where horses and burros can roam, require the creation of sanctuaries for these animals, bolster the Bureau of Land Management’s horse and burro adoption program, and change the circumstances and methods by which free-roaming horses and burros could be removed.
Voyles was one of several experts who provided testimony before the subcommittee on the proposed legislation.
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