The SAFE Act could ban horse slaughter in the United States, along with the export of American horses for slaughter. What are the next steps?
The SAFE Act promises to end horse slaughter in the United States, but it must first be included in the Senate Farm Bill and passed. Organizations like Animal Equality and the ASPCA are urging lawmakers to include the bill, which would protect more than 20,000 horses in the United States from being exported and slaughtered.
What exactly does the SAFE Act for Horses mean?
The Protecting America’s Forgotten Horse Act (SAFE Act) would federally prohibit the killing of horses in the United States, as well as the export of American horses abroad for slaughter.
“Horse slaughter is a cruel and inhumane practice that must end immediately. That is why I join my colleagues in introducing this bill, which will permanently end the practice of horse slaughter in the United States and will stop the shipment of thousands of American horses for slaughter across our borders.” —Senator Corey Booker
Are you ready to take action for horses?
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Is horse meat legal?
The last time horse slaughter occurred in the United States was in 2007. The practice ended when Congress cut off funding for USDA inspectors to monitor horse slaughterhouses. Only USDA-approved meat could be sold to the public—meaning the sale of horse meat was essentially illegal.
The United States has shifted its focus to shipping horses outside its borders. More than 20,000 horses are sent to Mexico and Canada each year. Old, injured racehorses and their former companions are auctioned off and then shipped hundreds of miles in overloaded trucks. They suffer injuries, weight loss, fatigue, dehydration, and shipping fever—a respiratory illness associated with long-distance transportation.
An undercover investigation by Animal Equality uncovered US horses awaiting slaughter in Zacatecas, Mexico. There, the horses were found with yellow USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) stickers. Their origins were confirmed by a veterinarian.
Animal Equality has also investigated the massacre of American horses in Mexico. These animals are often killed while still conscious.
Horse meat is exported to countries where horse meat is still legal, such as Canada, Brazil, China, Italy, France and Russia.
Will the SAFE Horse Act Pass?
The SAFE Act was introduced in 2023 by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Lindsey Graham (R-C.). The bill has yet to pass the House and Senate — the two chambers that make up Congress. The bill must pass both chambers before it becomes law.
Organizations like Animal Equality and the ASPCA are encouraging lawmakers to include the SAFE Act in the upcoming Farm Bill.
What is the Farm Bill?
The Farm Bill is a piece of legislation that Congress amends every five years. It gives Congress the opportunity to improve the food system and animal welfare.
The House and Senate have a chance to present their versions of the Farm Bill before voting. In the House, Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson has introduced a version that could be dangerous to animals and people.
What does the Farm Bill do?
The Farm Bill is renewed every five years and addresses U.S. agricultural and nutrition programs. It can ensure a consistent food supply, fair prices, and conservation of natural resources. It can also protect or harm farmed animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens.
The House version of the farm bill has been drafted. It includes dangerous language. putting the lives of millions of animals at risk.
However, there is still time to include animal protection language in the Senate version of the Farm Bill. Many Senators have expressed support for the SAFE Act and its inclusion in the Senate Farm Bill, but senators in states such as New York, Kentucky, Georgia, Minnesota, Vermont, Mississippi and Alabama have not.
When will the 2023 farm bill be voted on?
Last November, Congress extended the current Farm Bill until September 2024. The bill must be voted on before the extension expires or it will roll over to next year. Horses need to act now!
[T]The United States is taking horses out of our borders so that their slaughter is no longer visible because the majority of Americans oppose the killing of horses for human consumption. Our people agree that this suffering is wrong; it is time for the United States Government to ban it once and for all. —Sharon Núñez, President and Co-Founder of Animal Equality.
How You Can Support the SAFE Act for Horses
To support the SAFE Act, sign up to become an Animal Defender—our team of volunteers makes it easy to take action online. You’ll receive communications from Animal Equality about how you can support the SAFE Act.
And, if you are in New York, Kentucky, Georgia, Minnesota, Vermont, Mississippi or Alabamayour support is appreciated more urgent than ever! Sign up and be the first to know when to contact your Senator and ask them to support the SAFE Act.
Like horses, farmed animals like cows, chickens, and pigs are intelligent, sentient beings. They also deserve to be protected from cruelty. The best way to end their suffering is to choose plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs.
Get started with this free cookbook from Love Veg and discover how amazing compassion can be!
HORSE Protection
Considered by many as companions, horses are sensitive and intelligent animals that deserve protection.
Protect these beautiful animals by choosing plant-based foods.
