STATEMENT ARCHIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2011
WASHINGTON DC (June 22, 2011) — The U.S. Government Accountability Office released its report today on the impact of the cessation of domestic horse slaughter.
It is a 68-page report with a number of arguable points. However, the important sections to note are Conclusions and Matters for Congressional Consideration.
Matters for Congressional Consideration state:
- “In light of the unintended consequences on horse welfare from the cessation of domestic horse slaughter, Congress may wish to reconsider the annual restrictions first instituted in fiscal year 2006 on USDA’s use of appropriated funds to inspect horses in transit to, and at, domestic slaughtering facilities. Specifically, to allow USDA to better ensure horse welfare and identify potential violations of the Commercial Transportation of Equines to Slaughter regulation, Congress may wish to consider allowing USDA to again use appropriated funds to inspect U.S. horses being transported to slaughter. Also, Congress may wish to consider allowing USDA to again use appropriated funds to inspect horses at domestic slaughtering facilities, as authorized by the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Alternatively, Congress may wish to consider instituting an explicit ban on the domestic slaughter of horses and export of U.S. horses intended for slaughter in foreign countries.”
From a humane standpoint, an outright ban of the slaughter of America’s horses is clearly the right and only effective alternative.
From a practical standpoint, giving the USDA even more funding for horse slaughter related inspections will not achieve the desired effect, and therefore neither a sound or reasonable alternative.
When the U.S. is looking for ways to cut spending, not increase it, we see no benefit to horse welfare, the horse industry, or the nation’s economy in re-establishing USDA horse slaughter related inspections with or without the proposed enhanced funding.
An “explicit ban on the domestic slaughter of horses and export of U.S. horses intended for slaughter in foreign countries” is the only humane and viable option of the two presented in the GAO report.
VIEW THE REPORT
Report, PDF, 68 pp.
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Vivian Grant Farrell
Phone: (502) 341 9195
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