ASPCA Commends U.S. Senate for Including Horse Slaughter Prohibition in FY2019 Spending Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today commends the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership for adding an important provision in the FY2019 Agriculture Appropriations bill to continue the long-standing policy of prohibiting horse slaughter in the U.S. The measure prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture from using taxpayer dollars to inspect horse slaughter facilities, and effectively bans the domestic slaughtering of American horses. 

“The Senate has long led the effort to keep our treasured horses safe from slaughter, and the ASPCA is grateful to the Senate Appropriations Committee for once again recognizing the need to renew this critical ban,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “It’s especially reassuring to see Senate appropriations leaders include this vital provision in their bill, as their view has been dispositive for horses in recent years. We urge Congress to listen to the majority of American voters who oppose the brutal practice of horse slaughter and ensure this language is in the final bill.”

The provision was approved as part of the larger package with support from the full Senate Committee. It was championed by Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The bill next goes to the Senate floor for consideration.

In March, Congress passed an omnibus spending package for FY2018 with several crucial protections for animals, including hard-fought provisions to continue the ban on domestic horse slaughter. This bill expires in September and must be renewed in order to ensure our nation does not allow this cruel industry to set up shop on American soil.  

While this funding limitation protects horses from slaughter for another year, no horse will be safe until this practice is banned permanently. Thankfully, a group of bipartisan lawmakers have introduced the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act to prohibit the sale of horsemeat for human consumption in the U.S. and the export of horses for that purpose abroad.

For more information about the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.