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Horse Slaughter

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title="HoofPAC ">HoofPAC Political Action Committee

HoofPAC is the political action committee that has been formed to end the slaughter of America's horses. Cathleen Doyle, founder of HoofPAC, led the successful Save The Horses campaign in 1998 that made the slaughter of California's horses a felony.


Did You Know?
"I do share your thoughts and feelings about horses, dogs, and cats with regard to slaughtering for meat purposes. "
Dr. Richard L.Porter
KV Vet Supply

Shop at Back in the Saddle by clicking on the image below & the EPN earns 10% commission on your purchase to help us Save America's Horses!

Page last revised on

:

1/2/2007

Equine Protection Network Horse Slaughter Awareness Campaign

What You Can Do to End Horse Slaughter

"To me, the horse is man's greatest, most useful, faithful, and powerful friend."

Will James III, author of Smoky the Cowhorse, winner of the Newberry Medal

 


"The supporters of the
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act
,

AHSPA must level the playing field by hiring the best professional federal lobbyist
that money can buy; Anything less results in the continued slaughter of
America's Horses against the Will of the American People"

Christine Berry, Equine Protection Network
February 08, 2006
in response to the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service
Fee for Service Program for Horsemeat in defiance of:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (H.R. 2744)

 


  • Elected Officials Contact Information at  Vote Smart


UPDATE

At the end of every media interview we are asked by the reporters what can people watching/reading this story do to help Save America's Horses. We have always struggled with this because we know that telling people to rescue horses at the auctions is not the answer, even though it satisfies people's need to respond to and or help the horses in need. We know that sending letters is going to result in a form letter from the legislator. We want people to believe they can help, that this issue is not hopeless. Unlike the animal welfare organizations and rescues, we have a problem with leading people on and misleading them . "Send Your Donation to Save America's Horses!" Yet that is what people are told at the end of almost every story.

Where does your donation go? Into the pocket of the dealers & Killer Buyers who continue to profit. Round & around we go.

As much as it sticks in our throats, if You want to Save America's Horses- Send a donation to Your Elected Officials Re-Election Campaign, Democratic Party, or the Republican Party and I guarantee you, your voice will start being heard. You will have a seat at the table.

The continued slaughter of America's horses can be laid directly at the feet of Animal Welfare Institute and all the other wealthy national animal welfare organizations, who upon seeing the success of Save The Horses' California's Prop 6 in 1998 that made the slaughter of a California horse a felony, decided that this issue was one that could be used to fund raise for their organizations. These organizations have failed miserably since 2000 to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Unlike the animal welfare organizations who spend their money on fundraising, and more fundraising and sending out gifts to their donors, AgriBusiness and the pro slaughter forces are spending their money on the politicians so that their voice is heard! They spend their money on ads that make people believe California Cows live in beautiful pastures! NOT! Who gets their way in Congress? It is AgribUsiness! It is time to get down to brass tacks. The animal welfare organizations take in more money than AgribUsiness and could wield a powerful voice in Congress if they used their funds to hire the best professional lobbyists available. If we are going to Save America's Horses it is time we played the game the way the winners play...

Christine Berry
EPN
October 2007

Legislation - Federal & State                    

When it comes to legislation we turn to the political action committee founded by Cathleen Doyle to end the slaughter of America's horses - HoofPAC.

In the long running battle to Save America's Horses, we are entrusting the safety and welfare of America's horses to Cathleen Doyle's capable leadership. Cathleen is the founder of the California Equine Council, Save The Horses, and now HoofPAC. No other animal or horse welfare organization even comes close to her track record for horses in this area, and all current campaigns by animal and horse welfare organizations are nothing more than efforts to duplicate her successful and winning style. In this race to Save America's Horses we cannot come up short of the finish line, as happened with the Commercial Transportation of Horses to Slaughter Act.

The infamous Commercial Transportation of Horses to Slaughter Act legalized every inhumane practice identified in the transport of horses to slaughter and put the very people identified as the abusers in charge of the horses! This is truly the fox guarding the hen house. The California Equine Council, CEC opposed the legislation from the start for several reasons. Doyle accurately predicted that passage would lead to horses being subjected to water deprivation studies, which they were at taxpayer expense. The final regulations are sadly nothing more than a paper tiger!

During the regulation process the EPN and the CEC vehemently opposed the proposed regulations, but sadly it was too late to avoid the train wreck that was set in motion years earlier by the Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS), introduction of the original bill in Congress. The original bill called for water every 12 hours-years later HSUS agreed to no water, no food, and no rest for 28 hours! The final regulations fly in the face of every accepted horse industry transport method for horses, yet at the time animal welfare organizations claimed it as a victory. (Now years later they refer to them as "weak")

We cannot entrust the future of our beloved horses into the hands of animal welfare organizations whose actions have demonstrated their willingness to regulate the very practice that we are attempting to end.

Our goal is to end the slaughter of America's horses, not regulate the slaughter!

Cathleen Doyle has the proven experience and the political expertise to Save America's Horses. Join us and put your support behind the winning team at HoofPAC!

HOOFPAC

Save The Horses - The passage of Proposition 6 in 1998 making it a felony to kill a California horse for human consumption-the only such law in the United States.

California Equine Council -Outlawed the tripping of horses & passed six precedent setting bills.

HoofPAC -political action committee whose only focus is to end the slaughter of America's horses


Mail your tax deductible donation to :
Equine Protection Network, Inc., P. O. Box 232, Friedensburg, PA, 17933
Donate to the EPN using the Just Give button
Donate to EPN using Network For Good

Action to Save America's Horses


Corporations

As a corporation you can send your written statement opposing horse slaughter to the Equine Protection Network and HoofPAC. This is not an endorsement of any specific legislation. This does not require a financial donation. For more information contact the Equine Protection Network or HoofPAC.

Organizations

As an organization you can send your written position statement opposing horse slaughter to the Equine Protection Network and HoofPAC. This is not an endorsement of any specific legislation and this is not lobbying. Non-profit organizations are allowed to make position statements. For more information contact the Equine Protection Network or HoofPAC.

Private Citizens
Every return address label, every check, every endorsement on a check, and every mailing address for my personal documents contains a statement regarding horse slaughter :
SaveAmericasHorses.com; Stop Horse Slaughter; End Horse Slaughter! ; Keep America's Horses in the Stable & Off the Table!"
It is free and every time a person asks I educate another person on horse slaughter...

As a private citizen we appreciate your written position statement opposing horse slaughter, but we need your assistance in obtaining support from organizations, corporations, businesses, etc., and we need you to vote with your consumer dollars.

We urge you to send a letter to your elected officials, but be prepared to receive a form letter in return that makes no commitment to Saving America's Horses. A common response is "I will keep your views in mind when this issue comes before the House or Committee" That is not a commitment to represent your position! Or if your representative does support legislation, are they willing to stand their ground and refuse to accept hostile amendments to the bill demanded by opponents whose goal is to regulate the slaughter and not ban it?

In Pennsylvania an excellent example is the Horse Transport Bill. The sponsor of the legislation accepted a hostile amendment that would have allowed horses that could only walk on three legs to be transported thousands of miles to slaughter. This barbaric amendment would have also nullified current PA law prohibiting the sale of sick, lame, and debilitated horses. The EPN immediately tagged the bill the Three Legged Horse Bill and OPPOSED! Several state and national animal welfare groups continued to support this now toxic and harmful legislation! Public outcry from all across the United States killed the bill and we came back the next year with the strongest law in the United States banning the transport of ANY horse in a double deck trailer.We banned the practice, we did not regulate the practice.

We urge you to become a supporter and bring with you more support from the associations and organizations of which you are a member.

Horse Owners

As horse owners we owe it our horses to become personally responsible for ensuring their well being. Click here for information on what you can do right now to prevent your horse from ending up on a foreign dinner table. You are the only person who stands between your horse and neglect, abuse, or slaughter. Make the Commitment to Your Horse, and Save America's Horses!


Letter Writing Campaigns - Private Citizens and Horse Owners


Write one letter to your state and national representatives informing them of the Slaughter of American Horses and your opposition to the slaughter of America's horses. Carbon copy the letter to your local news media, and any organization, association, and/or club (does not have to be horse oriented) that you are a member of. You can enclose the Ending Horse Slaughter letter to provide information on the horse slaughter issue. Be sure and add your personal thoughts on this issue as politicians routinely dismiss form letters and petitions.

The Consumer Anti Horse Slaughter Letter is a sample letter that you can send to manufacturers of horse products, horse organizations, associations, riding clubs and horse related businesses, etc requesting their position on horse slaughter and their written support of HoofPAC. You can modify this letter and use it send to mainstream businesses, corporations, organizations, associations, and clubs, etc.

For more information refer them to these web sites:
  • Request you are making:
    • News Media - Story on horse slaughter issue;

    • Horse Organizations -Position statement on horse slaughter on their letterhead stating that they are, "opposed to the slaughter of America's horses for human consumption" sent to HoofPAC;

    • Manufacturers/Suppliers Horse Products -Position statement on horse slaughter on their letterhead stating that they are, "opposed to the slaughter of America's horses for human consumption" sent to HoofPAC;

    • Corporations, Associations, Organizations, Businesses - Position statement on horse slaughter on their letterhead stating that they are "opposed to the slaughter of America's horses for human consumption" sent to HoofPAC;
  • Important points to state:
    • Your OPPOSITION to the slaughter of American horses.
    • State that the horse industry organizations that are pro slaughter do NOT represent you on the issue of horse slaughter, including any that you are a member of.
    • Your memberships in horse organizations.
    • Your involvement in the horse industry.
    • This is a cultural issue, not an animal rights issue!

    If you don't tell your elected officials that these pro slaughter organizations do not represent you on the issue of horse slaughter, these pro slaughter organizations, will tell legislators that THEY represent YOU on the issue of horse slaughter!

    Elected Officials Contact Information at  Vote Smart

    News Media/Letters to the Editor - News Directory locates newspapers online.

    Directory of  Horse Organizations, Horse Product Manufacturers   The Haynet


    Let Your Dollars Do the Talking for You!

    This issue is about money! Let's face facts, our U.S. Congress is bought and sold and does not represent the average American. That is why people attend $1000.00 a plate dinners. That is why there are lobbyists. If you want your voice heard in Congress, it is going to cost you. If you want to Save America's Horses, send money to your elected officials election campaign or a national party such as the Democrats or the Republicans instead of a horse rescue. What!! I guarantee you that if you send money to an elected official's campaign or party, your letters and calls will receive a very different response than the person who does not send money! Your donation of $500.00 to a rescue may save one life; your donation of $500.00 to a legislative campaign has the potential to save thousands of America's Horses.

    The EPN is facing facts, that does not mean the EPN likes the facts or agrees with the facts. The EPN does know how it works though in politics and the EPN's goal is to see America's Horses saved. If the animal welfare organizations lobbying to end horse slaughter refuse to hire the best lobbyists available, then it is time Americans took matters into their own hands and donate to the politicians who have the power to Save America's Horses. I guarantee you, your donation will get your voice heard in Congress more than your donation to a horse welfare organization. Money talks.

    Since Money talks, use it to make your voice heard. Organizations, businesses, companies and magazines depend on your financial support to operate and exist. The EPN is asking you to withdraw your financial support from any organization, business, company or magazine that is pro slaughter, or who is opposed to the ending of the slaughter of America's horses. This includes riding stables, summer camps, therapeutic riding stables. Many of the horses utilized at these facilities are disposed of through dealers and horse auctions resulting in a final and brutal end at a horse slaughterhouse.

    Horse owners can prevent the slaughter right now of thousands of horses by taking personal responsibility for their horses. Retirement, donation to a horse sanctuary, or humane euthanasia by a veterinarian are all options for a horse that can no longer be used in a riding program. These horses have given their lives to provide their owners with a livelihood, or taken you to glory on their backs, or provided joy to you, your children, or someone you love. Now in their time of need, it is our responsibility as horse owners to provide them with a peaceful retirement or a humane ending. No horse deserves to die a terrifying death in a slaughterhouse.

    Sadly many riding stable owners, horse dealers, and horse trainers are pro slaughter. How often I have heard trainers or dealers state -"He deserves to go to slaughter", or " He is worth more with his head cut off." Are these the people you want teaching your children?

    Until recently the American Horse Council, AHC, was pro slaughter. In 2003 the AHC changed their position to neutral, due in large part to the Thoroughbred racing industry's outspoken position against horse slaughter. The vast majority of state horse councils remain pro slaughter. There is no sitting on the fence with this issue. Inaction and neutrality allows the slaughter to continue.

    If their position is pro slaughter, take your business elsewhere! Vote with your dollars!

    Pro Slaughter Organizations:Even police horses have been sent to slaughter

    • The American Association of Equine Practitioners
    • The American Veterinary Medical Association
    • The American Quarter Horse Association
    • The American Paint Horse Association
    Now is the time to let your voice be heard! Many of these organizations have corporate sponsors and partners. For example, the AQHA is partnered with car rental agencies, credit card companies, various hotel chains, clothing, and horse product manufacturers. Inform these companies that you will no longer purchase their products due to their association with this pro horse slaughter organization. Remember, this is a cultural issue, not an animal rights issue.

    Role of Professional Lobbyists

    Let's face it, politicians cater to special interests. Special interests do not contribute thousands of dollars to a candidate or political party and not expect anything in return. If we are going to win this race to Save America's Horses, we need high powered and respected lobbyists representing our interests.

    This was clearly demonstrated in Texas in 2003 with TX HB 1324. This bill would have changed a 1949 Texas law making it illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption. Public opinion polls clearly demonstrated that Texans were opposed to HB 1324. Calls came in from all over the state, including from within the horse industry opposing the bill. Yet the bill sailed through the Texas House and was poised to fly through the Texas Senate.

    At least two professional lobbyists were hired to represent the anti slaughter position and the bill ground to a halt. We need our voice to be heard in Congress and for that we need lobbyists. Contact HoofPAC for more information on how you can make your voice heard in Congress. Click on the HoofPAC image:

    HOOFPAC

    Keep America's Horses in the Stable & Off the Dinner Table!

    Note:Once an animal welfare bill is sent to an Agriculture Committee there is an old saying, "Nothing gets out of Ag alive"

    What does this mean? Animal welfare bills either die in Agriculture Committees, never to see the light of day, or the bill is compromised with toxic amendments added by enemies of animal welfare legislation. The result is the proponents of the animal welfare bill has no choice but to, "kill the bill." Sadly often times animal welfare organizations will make the decision to accept the hostile amendments because,"something is better than nothing" or "we can come back and fix it later" The EPN does not believe either of these choices is acceptable. The EPN always will oppose a bill that has taken on a hostile amendment. The EPN refuses to regulate a practice when the goal is to eliminate the practice.


    Federal Legislation Status

    2008 - 110th Congress 2nd Session

    2007 - 110th Congress 1st Session

    S315

    The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

    Introduced by Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA]

    January 17, 2007

    Text of Bill

    To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

    38 Co-Sponsors

    Report of the

    COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

    PDF File Report S315

    HR 503

    The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

    Introduced on January 17, 2007

    Text of Legislation

    To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

    Cosponsors (198)

    2006 - 109th Congress 2nd Session

    UPDATE! June 8, 2005

    House of Representatives Moves
    to Save America's Horses!

    None of the Funds may be used to pay salaries or expenses of personnel to inspect horses under Section 3 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S. C. 603) or under the guidelines issued under section 903 the Federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 1996 (7 U.S. c. 1901 note: Public Law 104-127)

    Click on the Roll Call Vote to learn how Your Congressman Voted!

    Roll Call Vote on 6/8/05

    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (H.R. 2744)

    signed by President Bush on November 11, 2005 signed the into law (PL109-97

    The amendment to Save America's Horses from slaughter for one year is included in this measure.  The ban is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2006 and last for the remainder of the 2006 fiscal year.

    2005 - 109th Congress 1st Session

    S1915
    Virgie S. Arden The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

    Died at the end of session in 2006

    Introduced in the US Senate 10/25/2005

    by Senator John Ensign (NV)

    Introductory Remarks

    Introduced by Senate Co Sponsors:

    Byrd, DeMint, Inouye, Landrieu,
    Lieberman, Levin, Lott, Specter

    Link to Current S 1915 Cosponsors

    Introduced in the US Senate 10/25/2005
    by Senator John Ensign (NV)

    Link to Current S 1915 Cosponsors

    S 1915 Died without ever coming to a vote on the Senate Floor

     

    HR 503
    The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

    Introduced in U.S. House 2/01/05

    Congress Moves to Save Americas Horses!
    June 8, 2005
    Amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill

    House Version

    Bill Summary & Status including Full List of Co Sponsors:

    HR 503 Introduced in U.S. House 2/01/05

    HR 503 Passed House on 9/07/06:
    263 - 146

    Read the Congressional Record of the Debate on the House Floor to
    Save America's Horses!

    Printer Friendly Version- PDF Format

    Printer Friendly Version HTML Format

    HR 503 Died at end of 2006

    2004 - 108th Congress 2nd Session

    Died in Committee

    S.2352
    The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2004

    Introduced in the Senate on 4/27/2004 by

    Introductory remarks on measure | PDF File

    Co-Sponsors - 11

    2003 - 108th Congress 1st Session

    S.2352

    Introduced in 2004

     

    Died in Committee

    American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

    HR 857

    Introduced on February 13, 2003

    To prevent the slaughter of horses in and from the United States for human consumption by prohibiting the slaughter of horses for human consumption and by prohibiting the trade and transport of horseflesh and live horses intended for human consumption, and for other purposes.

    SWEENEY,SPRATT, SHAYS. FORD, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. VITTER, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. GALLEGLY, and Mr. GREENWOOD) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on International Relations and Ways and Means.

     

    2002 - 107th Congress 2nd Session

    No Related Senate Version

    H. R. 3781

    Rep Morella, Constance A. [MD-8]

    Introduced on February 14, 2002

    To prevent the slaughter of horses in and from the United States for human consumption by prohibiting the slaughter of horses for human consumption and by prohibiting the trade and transport of horseflesh and live horses intended for human consumption, and for other purposes.

    Text of Legislation

     Cosponsors (65)

    2001 - 107th Congress 1st Session

    No Related Senate Version

    Died in Committee

    Helping Out to Rescue and Save Equines Act

    H. R. 2622

    Introduced by Reynolds [NY-27] on July 25, 2001

    Prohibits the interstate transport of horses (other than downed animals) for the purpose of slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption. Sets forth related inspection, confiscation, and penalty provisions, including rescue facility grants.

    Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

    Status of Federal Legislation on America's Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros

     

    HR 297 Alert!
    America' Wild Horses

    Introduced in U.S. House 1/25/2005

    A LIVING SYMBOL OF AMERICA MUST NOT BE SLAUGHTERED -Introduction of HR 297 from the Congressional Record
     

     

    UPDATE! May 19, 2005

    House of Representatives
    Moves to Save America's Wild Horses!

    Amendment to the Interior Department Appropriations Bill

    Limitation on Use of Funds for Sale or Slaughter of Free Roaming Horses and Burros

    Click on the Roll Call Vote to learn how Your Congressman Voted!

    Roll Call Vote on 5/20/05

    S.576

    Title: A bill to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros.

    Sponsor: Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] (introduced 3/9/2005)      Cosponsors (6)

    Related Bills: H.R.297

    Latest Major Action: 3/9/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Caisson platoon-horses take our fallen heros to their final resting place.

     

     

    H.R.297

    Title: To restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros.

    Sponsor: Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3]     

    Bill Summary & Status including Full List of Co Sponsors:

    62 as of 6/9/05

    Latest Major Action: 2/7/2005 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health

    Related Bills: S.576

    Title: A bill to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros.

    Sponsor: Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] (introduced 3/9/2005)      Cosponsors (6)

    Related Bills: H.R.297

    Latest Major Action: 3/9/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

     

     

     

    Congressional Record - Read what Congress has to say on the slaughter of America's Horses

    Save America's Horses!

    Save America's Horse Slaughter Billboard campaign

     

    Save America's Horses- Make the Commitment to Your Horse!

    Please send your tax deductible donation to:

    Equine Protection Network, Inc., P. O. Box 232, Friedensburg, PA, 17933
    The EPN is a non-profit 501 c (3) non-profit organization
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