ASPCA Praises Rep. Jim Moran for Leading Effort to Prevent Government Funded Horse Slaughter

WASHINGTON--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today praised Representative Jim Moran, D-Va., for spearheading a successful, bipartisan vote in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to prevent the use of tax dollars to inspect U.S. horse slaughter plants once again for Fiscal Year 2012. Since 2005, Congress has included this funding prohibition to ensure that foreign-owned horse slaughter plants do not open on U.S. soil to the tune of $5 million tax dollars annually.

"Americans shouldn't be forced to foot the bill for international gourmands who wish to slaughter our horses," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. "We thank Representative Moran for his brilliant leadership on this common sense amendment to protect our horses from the well documented cruelties inherent in the horse slaughter industry. We're also grateful to Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) who spoke eloquently about the importance of the amendment during debate, lending her strong support for the horses as she has for years."

"Industrial slaughter of horses should not be condoned by the United States Government," said Rep. Jim Moran. "We have to put an end once and for all to this practice. These animals are a proud symbol of the American West, treasured by all for their beauty and majesty. They deserve to be cared for, not killed for foreign consumption."

Horse slaughter is inhumane and the methods used to kill horses rarely result in quick, painless deaths, as they often endure repeated stuns or blows and sometimes remain conscious during their slaughter and dismemberment. "Millions of ASPCA members will sleep better tonight knowing that the horses have won this important victory against horse slaughter," added Perry.

The ASPCA has an extensive history of equine protection around the country and continues to assist domestic and wild horses through legislation, advocacy, targeted grants and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City. For information on the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit aspca.org.