Victory for the Domestic Horse!
**Major update and Victory**
Wednesday, June 8, 2005 by _02 | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Please read comment 27 for the latest news!!!!
I can't thank those of you that helped in making this victory possible enough. I am so happy I could scream! Thank you soooo much, and God Bless. 
Here is the letter about it.
Horse Slaughter Amendment Passes U.S. House!
Dear Cynthia,
We've done it again! Thanks to your action, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly -- 269-158 -- to halt the taxpayer support for the slaughter of nearly 90,000 horses per year. The Sweeney-Spratt amendment effectively eliminates the practice of slaughtering horses -- thoroughbreds, show horses, family ponies, and wild horses -- for human consumption overseas.
The successful amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill, championed by U.S. Representatives John Sweeney (R-NY), John Spratt (D-SC), Nick Jo Rahall (D-WV), and Ed Whitfield (R-KY), will defund USDA inspections at the three U.S. horse slaughterhouses as well as border inspections of slaughter-bound horses. All three slaughterhouses are foreign-owned companies.
"Since our nation was founded, we as a country have shared a special relationship with the horse," said Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY). "It is unconscionable that for decades, we have been using federal taxpayer dollars to support a practice that the American public is overwhelmingly opposed to. I'm pleased to see that my colleagues agree that this horrid inhumane treatment must end."
"If you've grown up with and ridden horses as I have, you develop an affinity for these special creatures," added Rep. John Spratt (D-SC). "They're as close to human as you can get in the animal domain."
On May 19, the U.S. House voted to support a similar amendment, by a vote of 249-159, to ban the slaughter of wild mustangs. Today's vote protects domestic horses as well, as there is no justification in slaughtering horses for human consumption abroad. U.S. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) has pledged to introduce a bill in the Senate to outlaw the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Protecting America's horses -- domesticated and wild -- has clearly struck a chord with animal advocates nationwide. Congressional offices told us they were flooded with phone calls and emails asking them to support the Sweeney-Spratt amendment, and I can assure you that your participation has once again carried the day for horses. You can click here to find out how your Representative voted. If your Representative voted "Aye," please thank him or her for protecting our horses, and if your Representative voted "No," please let him or her know how disappointed you are. Here is your U.S. Representative's contact information: Bob Etheridge, (202) 225-4531.
With two victories in the U.S. House, our efforts for horses will now turn to the U.S. Senate, and we hope you will be there with us to end horse slaughter once and for all. If you would like to help us do even more to protect horses and pass other animal protection laws, please make a donation. Thank you so much for helping us win another critical legislative battle -- and for helping horses to run free and live in peace.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
Here is the letter about it.
Horse Slaughter Amendment Passes U.S. House!
Dear Cynthia,
We've done it again! Thanks to your action, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly -- 269-158 -- to halt the taxpayer support for the slaughter of nearly 90,000 horses per year. The Sweeney-Spratt amendment effectively eliminates the practice of slaughtering horses -- thoroughbreds, show horses, family ponies, and wild horses -- for human consumption overseas.
The successful amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill, championed by U.S. Representatives John Sweeney (R-NY), John Spratt (D-SC), Nick Jo Rahall (D-WV), and Ed Whitfield (R-KY), will defund USDA inspections at the three U.S. horse slaughterhouses as well as border inspections of slaughter-bound horses. All three slaughterhouses are foreign-owned companies.
"Since our nation was founded, we as a country have shared a special relationship with the horse," said Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY). "It is unconscionable that for decades, we have been using federal taxpayer dollars to support a practice that the American public is overwhelmingly opposed to. I'm pleased to see that my colleagues agree that this horrid inhumane treatment must end."
"If you've grown up with and ridden horses as I have, you develop an affinity for these special creatures," added Rep. John Spratt (D-SC). "They're as close to human as you can get in the animal domain."
On May 19, the U.S. House voted to support a similar amendment, by a vote of 249-159, to ban the slaughter of wild mustangs. Today's vote protects domestic horses as well, as there is no justification in slaughtering horses for human consumption abroad. U.S. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) has pledged to introduce a bill in the Senate to outlaw the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Protecting America's horses -- domesticated and wild -- has clearly struck a chord with animal advocates nationwide. Congressional offices told us they were flooded with phone calls and emails asking them to support the Sweeney-Spratt amendment, and I can assure you that your participation has once again carried the day for horses. You can click here to find out how your Representative voted. If your Representative voted "Aye," please thank him or her for protecting our horses, and if your Representative voted "No," please let him or her know how disappointed you are. Here is your U.S. Representative's contact information: Bob Etheridge, (202) 225-4531.
With two victories in the U.S. House, our efforts for horses will now turn to the U.S. Senate, and we hope you will be there with us to end horse slaughter once and for all. If you would like to help us do even more to protect horses and pass other animal protection laws, please make a donation. Thank you so much for helping us win another critical legislative battle -- and for helping horses to run free and live in peace.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
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_02
Reply #22 Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:46 PM
Reply #22 Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:46 PM
Thanks for the link, Carolelee. I'm glad to see someone is doing something about this problem. I will look into this further. Have a great evening my friend. 
carolelee
Reply #23 Thursday, June 9, 2005 8:17 PM
Reply #23 Thursday, June 9, 2005 8:17 PM
You bet Cindi......they are good people at the Mitchell Center.....they know what goes on in the "meat pens" and at the slaughter facility. It is my belief, that we don't need to eat horse(we have other options)some may agree....some don't. Can't change how people think, they are entitled to their opinion....right, wrong or indifferent, they have to live with their choices. It doesn't matter how it got to their dinner plate, just so-long as they can eat it, I guess. Have a good evening Cindi 
As for the rest of the horse-haters..... 
As for the rest of the horse-haters..... 
WOM
Reply #24 Thursday, June 9, 2005 8:45 PM
Reply #24 Thursday, June 9, 2005 8:45 PM
I love cows, pigs, chickens, things that live in the water and those fling things that make my dinner table. Never went to a slaughter house but I know how my grandparents killed chickens and rabbits(home grown). Never ate dog (that I know of) horse or cat, but I know people that do. Not sure if there is a humane way to slaughter animals for mass production (that would be cost effective). Wonder how you kill a fish, gut it while its flopping around or wait till it sufficates. Oh well, different strokes for different folks. For those that believe the bible, it is said, the Lord put everything here for our consumption.
_02
Reply #25 Thursday, June 9, 2005 9:48 PM
He also left us in charge of their well being.
Reply #25 Thursday, June 9, 2005 9:48 PM
| For those that believe the bible, it is said, the Lord put everything here for our consumption. |
He also left us in charge of their well being.
carolelee
Reply #26 Friday, June 10, 2005 8:32 AM
The Bible says you may eat animals with a split hoof and chews it's cud and fish in the sea. Not everything is for consumption
Reply #26 Friday, June 10, 2005 8:32 AM
| For those that believe the bible, it is said, the Lord put everything here for our consumption. |
The Bible says you may eat animals with a split hoof and chews it's cud and fish in the sea. Not everything is for consumption
_02
Reply #27 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:20 PM
Reply #27 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:20 PM
Well it is now official. The vote to end the slaughter of horses for foreign consumption has passed both Houses now!!!!!!!! I just want to thank everybody who sent the letter to their Senator. I BIG thank you!!! It means the world to me! The following is the letter I recieved from the Humane Society today.
We did it! The U.S. Senate passed an amendment today by a stunning 68-29 vote that prohibits the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses for food exports.
The amendment, introduced by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), mirrors an amendment that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June, which was led by Reps. John Sweeney (R-NY), John Spratt (D-SC), Nick Rahall (D-WV), and Ed Whitfield (R-KY). Together, these measures will effectively stop America's horses from being killed in three slaughterhouses in the U.S. that slaughter horses -- two in Texas and one in Illinois. The amendment also stops horses from being shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada or Mexico so that their meat can be exported to foreign countries.
This tremendous victory would not have been possible without your support and action. We received outstanding support for our major lobbying campaign to end horse slaughter and were able to mobilize our grassroots network. Every single Senate office heard from us, and because of your calls and emails they took notice. Click here to find our how your U.S. Senators voted.
"The time has come to put an end to the practice of slaughtering horses in America," said Sen. Ensign. "Horses have an important role in the history of our country, particularly the West, and they deserve our protection. As a senator and a veterinarian I am committed to doing what I can for these magnificent animals. Many of the horses sent to slaughter are perfectly healthy, and turning them over to slaughterhouses is inhumane and unnecessary."
"The market for horsemeat is not an American market," said Sen. Byrd. "Many Americans would be shocked to learn that our animals suffer such a fate, all in order to satisfy the tastes of those living in Europe and Asia."
In another welcome move, the Senate also approved two additional animal welfare amendments introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI). One amendment would ensure that "downed livestock" -- animals too sick or injured to walk -- are not allowed into the human food supply. The second amendment would prohibit tax dollars from being used for research facilities that purchase animals from "Class B dealers" who traffic in family pets for research.
We are so grateful that you stood with us and helped achieve this incredible victory for animals, even as so many of our resources -- and so much of our attention -- has been turned towards helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United State
We did it! The U.S. Senate passed an amendment today by a stunning 68-29 vote that prohibits the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses for food exports.
The amendment, introduced by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), mirrors an amendment that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June, which was led by Reps. John Sweeney (R-NY), John Spratt (D-SC), Nick Rahall (D-WV), and Ed Whitfield (R-KY). Together, these measures will effectively stop America's horses from being killed in three slaughterhouses in the U.S. that slaughter horses -- two in Texas and one in Illinois. The amendment also stops horses from being shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada or Mexico so that their meat can be exported to foreign countries.
This tremendous victory would not have been possible without your support and action. We received outstanding support for our major lobbying campaign to end horse slaughter and were able to mobilize our grassroots network. Every single Senate office heard from us, and because of your calls and emails they took notice. Click here to find our how your U.S. Senators voted.
"The time has come to put an end to the practice of slaughtering horses in America," said Sen. Ensign. "Horses have an important role in the history of our country, particularly the West, and they deserve our protection. As a senator and a veterinarian I am committed to doing what I can for these magnificent animals. Many of the horses sent to slaughter are perfectly healthy, and turning them over to slaughterhouses is inhumane and unnecessary."
"The market for horsemeat is not an American market," said Sen. Byrd. "Many Americans would be shocked to learn that our animals suffer such a fate, all in order to satisfy the tastes of those living in Europe and Asia."
In another welcome move, the Senate also approved two additional animal welfare amendments introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI). One amendment would ensure that "downed livestock" -- animals too sick or injured to walk -- are not allowed into the human food supply. The second amendment would prohibit tax dollars from being used for research facilities that purchase animals from "Class B dealers" who traffic in family pets for research.
We are so grateful that you stood with us and helped achieve this incredible victory for animals, even as so many of our resources -- and so much of our attention -- has been turned towards helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United State
_TAPPER_
Reply #28 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:33 PM
I don't think that ends it. I notice it says "federal dollars". I would take this to mean that a private person or company would still be able to do this.
Also it only specifies "foreign consumption". I don't know of anywhere in the USA that serves horse but it seems to me that there are still a couple doors pen on this issue.
Reply #28 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:33 PM
| We did it! The U.S. Senate passed an amendment today by a stunning 68-29 vote that prohibits the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses for food exports. |
I don't think that ends it. I notice it says "federal dollars". I would take this to mean that a private person or company would still be able to do this.
Also it only specifies "foreign consumption". I don't know of anywhere in the USA that serves horse but it seems to me that there are still a couple doors pen on this issue.
_02
Reply #29 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:41 PM
Reply #29 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:41 PM
As far as we know, there is no one else but Federally backed slaughter houses doing this. No one in America serves horsemeat to the public. You can bet if there was, the HSUS would know about it. This is a tremendous victory. If there is an open door, it will be shut soon enough.
Lantec
Reply #30 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:57 PM
Reply #30 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7:57 PM
Congratulations on the legislation Cindi, I see you were busy while I talked to Troy. I got several dirty looks from my wife because she wanted to use the phone about an hour ago. It was great talking to you both.
_02
Reply #31 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 8:55 PM
Reply #31 Tuesday, September 20, 2005 8:55 PM
Thanks alot Michael. I am so thrilled. Not to mention the two added bonus's passed. It is a great victory. And it was great talking to you too. Have a wonderful evening!! 
Cyberworld
Reply #33 Saturday, September 24, 2005 5:34 AM
Reply #33 Saturday, September 24, 2005 5:34 AM
And a dedication to the horses,my first ever wall updated: Link
_02
Reply #35 Saturday, September 24, 2005 10:31 AM
Reply #35 Saturday, September 24, 2005 10:31 AM
Thank you too, Harry. You are as much a part of the victory as I am. It is a wonderful victory for all of us Horse lovers!!!
Thank you, Sleeping Dragon. I appreciate it!
Thank you, Sleeping Dragon. I appreciate it!
carolelee
Reply #36 Saturday, September 24, 2005 12:14 PM
Reply #36 Saturday, September 24, 2005 12:14 PM
What fantastic news Cindi!! Now we must work on Canada!!!
Fairyy~
Reply #38 Saturday, September 24, 2005 1:31 PM
Reply #38 Saturday, September 24, 2005 1:31 PM
Just catching up on all the forums ..im happy to see all your hard work pays off Cindi.
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Reply #21 Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:09 PM
I understand that not everyone eats animals, nor did I say that everyone did. I also did not group everyone together as you have claimed. My comments were simply: if you eat one type of animal can you say that it is wrong to eating another. If you are arguing against eat animals, than the debate is very different and much more complex.
I did check the link and am quite educated on the subject. What they do at The Mitchell Center good. They are working hard at a cause they believe in and I commend them. I agree that abuse of animals is wrong, never in my comments have I stated otherwise. Slaughtering animals for food consumption can exist without abuse to the animal. The fact that abuse may exist is a larger societal problem than the slaughtering of animals. I disagree with the notion that slaughtering animals for food consumption is wrong.
Thanks for your objectiveness Paxx.