Horse slaughter
From AlexBrownRacing
Current state: All three US slaughter houses are closed. It is important to pass Federal legislation in order to stop horses being exported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter (export numbers).
Notable horses slaughtered: Exceller and Ferdinand.
Point - Counter Point
Myth: A ban could result in "unregulated shipment of horses to slaughter" and horses being shipped longer distances to slaughter.
Fact: Untrue. The passage of The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act will prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption, as well as the trade and transport of horseflesh and live horses intended for human consumption. This legislation will terminate any legal option for sending American horses to slaughter within the United States at one of the three, foreign-owned plants or to any foreign slaughterhouse.
Myth: There has been an increase in the number of abandoned and unwanted horses in the United States, and a slaughter ban will lead to an increase in horse abuse and starvation or neglect cases.
Fact: There is no evidence to support these claims. According to the USDA, at least 5,000 horses have been imported into one of the three foreign-owned slaughter plants in the United States for slaughter since August 2004. If there were "too many" horses in the United States, then there would be no reason to import horses for slaughter. Furthermore, a ban on horse slaughter will not lead to an increase in horse abuse and neglect. In California, where horse slaughter was banned in 1998, there has been no corresponding rise in cruelty and neglect cases. In fact, horse theft has dropped by 34% since enactment of the ban. Allowing one's horse to starve is not an option—state anti-cruelty laws prohibit such neglect.
Myth: Transport guidelines protect horses shipped to slaughter from harm.
Fact: The 2002 guidelines allow horses to be shipped for more than 24 hours without food, water or rest, with broken limbs, with eyes missing, even heavily pregnant. Industry pushed to delay the prohibition on use of double-decker trucks until December 7, 2006. The regulations only cover the final journey to the slaughterhouse. If horses are loaded and unloaded at various places as part of their route to slaughter, only the final leg of the trip is covered. Enforcement of these guidelines will only occur once the truck reaches the slaughter plant, so these guidelines will have little preventative effect. These guidelines are wholly inadequate and allow extreme suffering in transport to continue.
Myth: There is no need for a ban because slaughter is humane euthanasia.
Fact: Horse slaughter is a far cry from humane euthanasia. "Euthanasia" means a gentle, painless death provided in order to prevent suffering. Horse slaughter is a death fraught with terror, pain, and suffering. Horses are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time in crowded double-decker cattle trucks without food, water, or rest. Pregnant mares, foals, injured horses, and even blind horses must endure the journey. Once they arrive, their suffering intensifies—undercover footage obtained by The Humane Society of the United States demonstrates that fully conscious horses are shackled and hoisted by the rear leg and have their throats slit. Because horses are skittish by nature, it is particularly difficult to align them correctly and ensure the captive bolt stun gun renders them unconscious. Unwanted horses should be humanely euthanized by a licensed veterinarian when no other option exists, rather than placed on a truck, cruelly transported, and then butchered. Most horse owners already use humane euthanasia for their older or ill horses.
Myth: If horses can no longer be slaughtered, their welfare is at risk due to the lack of adequate equine rescue facilities and uniform standards for them.
Fact: Standards of care have already been developed and embraced by the hundreds of equine rescue and retirement facilities that exist throughout the country that routinely rescue horses from slaughter. All must comply with state and local animal welfare statutes. In an effort to end the slaughter of racehorses, the New York Racing Association has partnered with other groups to launch the "Ferdinand Fee" to raise funds for the care of retired racehorses, and to honor Ferdinand, a former Kentucky Derby winner who went to slaughter. The organizations leading the charge in favor of a slaughter ban are the very organizations that are actively working to provide sanctuaries and solutions for any horses that would otherwise go to slaughter.
Myth: If a slaughter ban is passed, the federal government will face the financial burden of care for horses no longer going to slaughter.
Fact: This assertion rests on the false premise that all horses currently going to slaughter would become the financial responsibility of the federal government. Horse owners, not the government, will remain responsible for the care of their horses. Owners who no longer wish to keep their horses and who cannot sell or place their horses in a new home will have the option of humane euthanasia. The average cost for veterinarian-administered euthanasia and carcass disposal—approximately $225, the cost of one month's care—is simply a part of responsible horse ownership.
Myth: Ending horse slaughter will cause environmental harm.
Fact: Hundreds of thousands of horses are safely disposed of annually by means other than slaughter, and the infrastructure can absorb an increase in numbers. Conversely, the operation of the horse slaughterhouses has a very real negative environmental impact, with two out of the three in violation of current environmental law related to the disposal of blood and other waste materials. Mayor Paula Bacon of Kaufman, Texas—the home of one of the three horse slaughter plants in the United States—desperately states "Dallas-Crown is operating in violation of a multitude of local laws pertaining to waste management, air quality and other environmental concerns... Residents are also fed up with the situation. Long-established neighbors living adjacent to the plant cannot open their windows or run air conditioners without enduring the most horrific stench."
Myth: A prohibition on horse slaughter creates a negative precedent for beef, pork, and poultry producers by legitimizing efforts to end consumption of food derived from any animal.
Fact: Americans don't eat horses, and unlike other livestock, we don't breed them for human consumption. Additionally, horses are different from cattle (and other animals specifically bred, sold, and transported for human consumption) due to their instinctive flight response in stressful conditions, making it difficult to accurately stun them prior to slaughter. Undercover footage has demonstrated that many horses are dismembered while fully conscious, underscoring the need to ban this utterly inhumane process. The American public overwhelming supports a ban on horse slaughter—horses have a special place in our heritage and they are beloved companions to millions today.
Myth: Consuming horsemeat does not put the public's health at risk.
Fact: Horsemeat is potentially dangerous to humans when eaten because horses are not raised for this purpose. Recent lab work revealed that horsemeat from one of the Texas plants contains several substances that are not intended for human consumption. Our horses are regularly treated with worming medications, drugs, and other injections unintended for human consumption.
Myth: There has been no formal public discussion on this issue.
Fact: For years, legislation that would prohibit horse slaughter has been under consideration in the Senate. The U.S. House of Representatives witnessed thoughtful and substantial public floor debate on this identical amendment which led to its passage by a landslide bipartisan vote. Further, there has been extensive media coverage on this issue by newspapers and television networks nationwide including CNN, The L.A. Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and many others. Action on this issue is past due.
Myth: Zoos will be prevented from feeding their big cats an adequate diet.
Fact: Zoos will be able to continue to feed horse meat to their big cats, as the bill will only stop the domestic slaughter of horses for human consumption. However, there is a growing trend to feed a beef-based diet to captive big cats. Several USDA-licensed facilities that keep big cats like lions and tigers have switched to such diets because it is a healthier alternative for these species. Horses are treated with many drugs that are prohibited for use in animals raised for food.
Re: Myth of Overpopulation Many good points from TWR disuccion board
Current state of bills at the Federal level
On the federal level, the U.S. Senate's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee voted 15-7 last month in favor of sending the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act to be considered before the full Senate. In 2006, the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 263-146, but was not acted upon by the Senate before it adjourned for the year
House (HR503) House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Referral
House Agriculture Referral, Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
Senate (S311)
Out of committee, but needs to be put on the calendar for a senate vote. There is currently a hold on S311
What needs to happen to pass legislation at the federal level?
In order to become law, the Amercian Horse Slaughter Act has to pass a full vote in both the House(HR503) and the Senate(S311). The first step is to get a bill out of committee and put on the calendar for a full vote. S311 has been passed in the committee and has been released to be put on the Senate calendar. It is up to the Senate leadership to place the bill on the calendar. However, S311 now has a "hold" on it and it is unlikely that it will be put on the calendar without a majority (60) of co-sponsors.
HR503 is stuck in committee and is not eligible for a full vote on the floor of the House until it is debated and released from committee.
If the Senate passes S311, that can be sent to the House in place of HR503 since they are identical in language. Then either bill could be voted on in the House.
Once a bill passes both the House and the Senate, it then goes to the President for his signature and becomes law.
Current status of Slaughter Houses
There were three slaughter houses in the US. As of September 21, 2007 the final remaining slaughter house lost their appeal to remain open. We are now waiting to hear the date that the plant will be ordered to cease operations.
TEXAS TWO TEXAS PLANTS REMAIN CLOSED
The two slaughterhouses in Texas stopped slaughtering horses for human consumption earlier this year after a 1991 Texas law (based on a 1949 state law) banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption was upheld by a panel of judges at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 5, 2007, the Circuit Court of Appeals denied the slaughterhouses' request for the entire appeals court to rehear the appeal. On May 21, 2007, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition for certiorari filed by the slaughterhouses. A third slaughterhouse (from Mexico) also sued as a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit along with the Texas slaughterhouses, which is why the official name of the case is "Empacadora de Carnes de Fresnillo, et al., v. Tim Curry". Tim Curry is the Texas Criminal District Attorney sued by the slaughterhouses.
ILLINOIS!
September 21, 2007
Cavel Appeal Denied. Temporary injunction revoked. Cavel is the last slaughterhouse in United States to close!! While this news is significant, Cavel still has two options remaining to challenge the ruling. It can request an en banc review, where if granted, all judges on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals would reconsider the decision rendered by the three-judge panel, or it can appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United States. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court refused to hear a similar request by the two Texas horse slaughterhouses operating in violation of Texas law. Those plants have effectively ceased operations as a result.
Following is the link for the Court's Decision
http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/tmp/6P0OM8QQ.pdf
July 18th, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Chicago, Ill. (July 18, 2007) – In a crushing blow to horses and the people of Illinois, the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit granted a motion by Cavel International, allowing it to resume horse slaughter operations. Cavel was previously shut down in June, when the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied the same request.
Immediately following the passage in May of a new Illinois law that makes it a crime to slaughter horses for human consumption, Cavel filed suit in federal court to challenge the mandate's enforceability. On July 5, the US District Court ruled that the law was constitutional and thus, enforceable.
However, Cavel has appealed that decision to the US Court of Appeals, and while the appeal is pending, the slaughterhouse will be able to slaughter horses for human consumption. The US Court of Appeals granted Cavel’s request without a hearing, just two days after the slaughterhouse filed its motion.
“We would have liked an opportunity to oppose Cavel’s request before the Court handed down its decision, and we are certainly disappointed with this ruling,” said Tracy Silverman, an attorney with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI).
The US Court of Appeals is expected to issue opinions related to its decision, as well as an expedited briefing schedule, shortly. Represented by the nationally renowned law firm Patton Boggs, AWI will continue to be actively involved in this case until its resolution.
The Animal Welfare Institute, founded in 1951, is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. AWI's legislative division, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL), is leading the national campaign to end horse slaughter and advocating passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. For more information, please visit www.awionline.org and www.saplonline.org.
CONTACT: Tracy Silverman, Esq. (703) 836-4300 Chris Heyde, SAPL (703) 836-4300
July, 5, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Illinois Law Banning Horse Slaughter Upheld in Federal Court
Rockford, Ill. (July 5, 2007) – US District Court Judge Frederick Kapala rendered a decision today against Cavel International, the last remaining horse slaughter plant in the US. Judge Kapala was not persuaded by the plant’s attempt to declare a recently enacted Illinois law making it a crime to slaughter horses for human consumption unconstitutional.
On May 25, 2007, Cavel had filed suit in federal court challenging the enforceability of Illinois’ law banning horse slaughter. In early June, Judge Kapala granted Cavel a temporary restraining order, preventing the state from prosecuting the slaughterhouse under the law. He subsequently extended that protection for 10 business days but then denied any further injunctive relief to Cavel on June 25, 2007. Judge Kapala did not believe he had jurisdiction to make any further determinations on the merits of this case due to an appeal pending in the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. However, on July 3rd, the 7th Circuit ordered Judge Kapala to proceed on Cavel’s request for further injunctive relief and with a final decision on the merits of the case.
Judge Kapala analyzed Cavel’s arguments that the Illinois state law is preempted by the Federal Meat Inspection Act, a violation of the Commerce Clause, and a violation of the state’s police power. In rendering his decision against Cavel he found that the slaughterhouse “failed to demonstrate any constitutional infirmity” in the state law.
“We are very pleased to have a federal court ruling that upholds the constitutionality of Illinois’ state law banning horse slaughter,” said Tracy Silverman, an attorney with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI). “This decision is one more important victory on the road to banning horse slaughter in America once and for all.”
Attorneys for Cavel International may appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals. However, today’s ruling means that the doors remain shut on the slaughter plant, sparing the lives of thousands of America’s horses.
AWI is being represented in this matter by the nationally renowned law firm of Patton Boggs.
The Animal Welfare Institute, founded in 1951, is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. AWI's legislative division, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL), is leading the national campaign to end horse slaughter and advocating passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. For more information, please visit www.awionline.org and www.saplonline.org.
June 28, 2007
Order keeping last US horse slaughter plant open to expire
CHICAGO: A federal judge refused a request to stay open from the last U.S. slaughterhouse that kills horses for human consumption.
Belgian-owned Cavel International Inc.'s site was set to close at midnight Friday, when a temporary court order allowing it to stay open was to expire, according to Cavel attorney Phil Calabrese.
The plant has operated for about 20 years and slaughters about 1,000 horses a week, according to plant officials. Except for a portion sold to U.S. zoos, the meat is shipped to diners overseas.
"Obviously we're disappointed with the ruling," said Calabrese, adding that the company could file an appeal as soon as Friday.
Critics say the slaughterhouse process is inhumane. Supporters say that without horse slaughterhouses, older or otherwise marginalized horses would be neglected or abandoned because some owners will not pay to have them euthanized.
In late May, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a law banning the import, export, possession and slaughter of horses intended for human consumption.
The company immediately challenged the state law in federal court. U.S. District Court Judge Frederick J. Kapala granted a temporary order in early June that prevented officials from enforcing the ban.
Kapala extended the order once, but on Thursday refused to allow Cavel to stay open longer.
The judge has not ruled on Cavel's original challenge, and said he will not do so until a related matter — whether the Humane Society of the United States can be a party in the case — winds its way through the appeals system.
Tracy Silverman, an attorney for the Animal Welfare Institute, an animal-rights group granted "friend of the court" status in the case, said she was pleased with Kapala's decision.
Jun 14, 2007
Ill. Slaughterhouse Can Stay Open Longer
CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge on Thursday extended an order allowing the nation's last operating horse slaughterhouse to remain in business while it challenges a state law that would force it to close.
Cavel International Inc.'s site in DeKalb slaughters horses for human consumption by overseas diners, except for a portion sold to U.S. zoos. In late May, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a law banning the import, export, possession and slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Soon after, U.S. District Court Judge Frederick Kapala granted a temporary restraining order preventing state and DeKalb County officials from enforcing the ban while he considered a Cavel lawsuit claiming the Illinois law is unconstitutional.
That order was due to expire at midnight Thursday. But after a hearing, Kapala extended the order allowing the plant to stay open for 10 more business days, according to the judge's chambers and attorneys for several animal-rights groups granted "friend of the court status" in the case.
Cavel lawyers say the law violates the interstate and foreign commerce clauses of the U.S. Constitution. They argue its closure would deprive about 55 people of jobs.
Groups that have lobbied for bans on horse slaughterhouses say the process is inhumane. They also argue the nation has no tradition of raising horses to be killed for meat and shouldn't be doing so to satisfy foreign consumers.
Two other U.S. plants, both in Texas, closed this year. A federal appeals court upheld a Texas law banning horse slaughter for the sale of meat for food, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up the case.
June 1st, 2007 Cavel Granted TRO: See Press Release From SAPL below
U.S. District Court Judge Allows Horse Slaughter Plant to Temporarily Slaughter Horses While Lawsuit is Underway
Rockford, Ill. ( June 1, 2007) - The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) denounces a decision made today by the Honorable Frederick J. Kapala of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to allow a horse slaughter plant to temporarily evade prosecution under a newly enacted Illinois law banning the slaughter of horses in the state for human consumption. The measure, which was strongly supported by AWI’s legislative arm, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL), passed overwhelmingly in both chambers of the Illinois legislature and was signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich on May 24th. The next day, Cavel International, Inc., the only horse slaughter plant in Illinois, filed suit seeking to invalidate the state law. Additionally, the plant requested injunctive relief, which was the subject of today’s hearing.
“By temporarily enjoining enforcement of Illinois law, today’s ruling will allow Cavel International to resume its slaughter of America’s horses, a practice that continues to be abhorred not only by people of Illinois but by citizens all across America,” noted Tracy Silverman, an attorney with AWI.
Cavel International sets forth a variety of arguments in its lawsuit to invalidate Illinois’ new law. Some of these same arguments were recently rejected by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in a separate challenge of a Texas law banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption.
In the coming days, the nationally renowned law firm of Patton Boggs will be filing documents with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of AWI and SAPL in opposition to Cavel International’s attempt to use the court system to legalize horse slaughter in Illinois.
“Cavel is merely choosing to drag its feet on the issue instead of accepting the will of Illinois citizens to rid their state of this despicable industry,” said SAPL Deputy Legislative Director Chris Heyde. “But whether they like it or not, horse slaughter will soon come to an end, it is only a matter of how many poor horses will die in the meantime."
CONTACT:
Tracy Silverman or Chris Heyde 703-836-4300
May 24, 2007 Horse Slaughter to End in Illinois Gov. Blagojevich signs legislation banning the slaughter of horses in Illinois for human consumption
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that bans the slaughter of horses in Illinois for human consumption. House Bill 1711, sponsored by State Rep. Robert S. Molaro (D-Chicago) and State Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago), bans importing or exporting horsemeat if any horsemeat will be used for human consumption.
On Friday, May 26th, 2007, the Owner of Cavel International (Dekalb horse slaughterhouse) a Belgium-based company, filed suit in federal court seeking to nullify a state law that closed down the plant. Cavel's suit argues the law is an unconstitutional exercise of the state's police power because it does not protect any legitimate health or safety interest. The suit seeks a temporary restraining order that would allow the plant to continue operating while the suit is being litigated.
Upcoming Anti Slaughter Events: March 4 and 5
2/27 74 people signed up to attend.
An Invitation from Paula Bacon
Please RSVP Julie Caramante: jcaramante@gmail.com
March 4 and 5: Two days of lobbying along with an evening reception on March 4, 7 - 9 pm:
This event will bring together all horse advocates and organizations supporting the end of Horse Slaughter. It will include a panel discussion that includes guest speakers who are leaders against slaughter. Food and beverages will be served, media and congressmen, representatives and staff will be invited. This event will be held:
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON WASHINGTON DC DOWNTOWN 1201 K STREET, NW
More details and resources for the two days of events can be found at: http://www.kaufmanzoning.net/horsemeat/
Details and Resources include:
1. Reception Invitation: This can be used to invite others to the reception for March 4.
3. Initial Press Release Final Pre Event Press Release
4. 110th Congress Phone and Fax Directory-Color Coded to Reflect Members Position and Status on the AHSPA: Use this resource to make your appointments for lobbying. You will also be able to attend appointments made by others participating in the lobby days of March 4 and 5. If your senators and congressmen are already co sponsors, scheduling a brief appointment to thank them for their support is appropriate.
5. Appointment Form: Please report each appointment scheduled to Julie Caramante as the appointment is made (i.e. do not wait until all appointments are made before contacting Julie). We want to keep an eye on all the appointments the group makes so we can make sure to schedule appointments with key people we need to convert.
6. Beanie, a slaughter-bound horse: Packet Flyer and YouTube video from thursday February 28.
7. Rough Guide to DC - Information About March Lobbying Days
8. logo
9. Hotel Information for Lobby Days: Finding accomodation for everybody's tastes and needs is not possible for sure, but we hope that we can encourage as many to stay together as possible.
10. Looking for a ride or place to stay.
Relevant Discussion Threads:
An Invitation from Paula Bacon
MARCH DC EVENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION
ATTENTION ALL FOBS TO DC PRONTO!
Largest Rescue in History-Funds for D.C. (fundraising thread to get people to DC)
Americans Against Horse Slaughter Lobby
Urgent Sign Petition For DC Trip
DC EVENT SHIRTS for ANTI SLAUGHTER Now!
Celeb support for March 4 and 5
Coverage:
Horse Lovers Ask Congress To Stop Horse Slaughter WJZ Reports on AAHS Lobbying in Washington D.C. (several videos to click on)!!! 3/4/08
Anti-Slaughter Advocates Will March on Washington Next Month
Anti-slaughter groups to meet in Washington (Horse Talk: NZ)
Horse anti-slaughter group to lobby (Daily Racing Form)
Brown pushes for end of horse slaughter (Wilmington News Journal)
Current Strategy
The current strategy is to get more co-sponsors in both the House (HR503) and the Senate (S311).
The sponsors of both of these bills have indicated that they will not move forward until there is enough support to assure success.
The public is being asked to contact their Congressmen and Senators and ask them to co-sponsor their respective bills.
Please see Daily Strategy below to keep updated on a day to day basis.
Strategy will change as this campaign progresses into the next stage.
TODAY'S STRATEGY WITH TALKING POINTS
Ask Senate Leadership to bring S 311 (or any other legislation containing language to ban horse slaughter and the export of horses to slaughter) to the Floor for a vote despite the objections of a small handful of Senators who oppose the legislation.
Point out Senator Craig's recent public objection to the bill and that despite his "hold" on the bill, S 311 is supported by an overwhelming number of both Senate and House Members as well as the vast majority of American citizens, and as such it is only right that the legislation be afforded due process.
Point out the fact that while Congress has let another year go by without passing this bill, over 100,000 horses have once again paid for Congressional inaction with their lives. And that with each and every passing day, thousands more will continue to suffer and die unnecessarily due to their inaction!
Point out the fact that as an American voter, you are deeply disappointed that once again the Senate has failed to take action on a bill that has been previously passed by the House. Remind them that during the 109th Congress, despite the fact that Speaker Hastert was personally opposed to this legislation, the Speaker understood that the only fair and right thing to do was to allow the bill to be voted on, and that you expect nothing less from our current House and Senate Leaders.
Tell them to stand up and take action on behalf of the people that put them into office. Tell them that this is a bill that is worth fighting for, and that you fully expect them to put their gloves on and FIGHT!
Strategy for Friday May 9
Back by popular demand.....FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY. This is the day that you can go back over your lists and make that extra call to those that you feel are getting close.
Since we are targeting Reps, we specifically need help gathering the names of those Reps who you feel are close to cosponsoring HR503. Once we have this information, we can target this list and possibly see a quicker conversion for support. Please email all info on this directly to us through the DB on ABR.
Right now we have a tremendous amount of momentum. We must keep that going and not let up. For the present time, we will be targeting Representatives. The number of co-sponsors that we need is 218. We currently have 201. This is very achievable based on feedback we’ve been getting.
Please mention Americans Against Horse Slaughter and remind them that we are a non funded, grassroots group of people from across the country brought together for the sole purpose of passing this legislation. It is important that they know we have NO OTHER agenda.
Remember, "WE ARE BARBARO'S VOICE"...let it be heard!!
Thanks again for all that you do and have a great weekend and a Happy Mother’s Day
Shelley and Debra
Americans Against Horse Slaughter
Here are Toll Free Numbers for the Capitol Building. Ask the operator for extension #.
800 828 0498
800 459 1887
800 614 2803
ADDITIONAL ACTION TO TAKE:
JOIN A STATE CALLING GROUP - THEY WORK!!
We have many calling groups organized at the state level; they have proven very helpful in gaining cosponsors, as constituent calls are the most effective.
Below is a list of the existing state groups, and the email addresses of the group leaders. If you live in any of these states, please email the state leader and join your calling group. It will only take a few minutes a day and can accomplish so much!!
If your state is not listed, please volunteer to be the state leader so we can get your state up and running. Just email Steph at sbreaux1@verizon.net; she can get you set up and walk you through the whole process. We need Leaders in the following states:
Tennessee, Wisconsin
LIST OF STATE GROUPS:
ALABAMA: civilwargal@bellsouth.net and/or jack7641@bellsouth.net
ALASKA: sentz@hawaii.rr.com
ARIZONA: barb_az53@yahoo.com
ARKANSAS: tstockam@aol.com
CALIFORNIA: sbreaux1@verizon.net and/or pmendiola@mac.com
COLORADO: gwenhoss@hotmail.com
CONNECTICUT: mllebutterfly@sbcglobal.net
FLORIDA: sirbear@bellsouth.net
GEORGIA: mysticalhorses@yahoo.com
ILLINOIS: w.szara@comcast.net
INDIANA: cynsear@aol.com
IOWA: acirvine@aol.com
KANSAS: ks4horses@yahoo.com
KENTUCKY: kntckyblgrass8@aol.com
LOUISIANA: bobbys4everfriend@att.net
MAINE: Maine4horses@gmail.com
MARYLAND: dph734@yahoo.com
MICHIGAN: elk555@aol.com
MINNESOTA: brieandwe@yahoo.com
NEBRASKA: cmccollister@neb.rr.com
NEVADA: kellijay13@yahoo.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE: jmdillon@fhhlc.com
NEW JERSEY: gingersnap@nj.rr.com
NEW YORK: cristinapbrown@hotmail.com
NORTH CAROLINA: antislaughterlobby@earthlink.net
OHIO: elk555@aol.com
OKLAHOMA: 4thehorses@cox.net
PENNSYLVANIA: glacier-lake@comcast.net
SOUTH CAROLINA: scwoman70@yahoo.com
TEXAS: burkspam@yahoo.com
VIRGINIA: mlk@acmeemail.com
WASHINGTON: bobbys4everfriend@att.net
HOW TO MAKE CALLS TO LEGISLATORS!
If you are new to the site or just new to antislaughter here is some information that will help you get started with our goal of stopping horse slaughter in the United States and the transport across our borders for that purpose.
FOB'S we need help so ANY call you make WILL help whether it is 1 or 10 please at least make that 1 call for the horses sake.
If you need help please ask we all started some where. No question is stupid LOL believe me I should know:) I thank you but most importantly the horses thank you!
First let me tell you that I was scared you know what when I started making calls!!! The reason being is I had never made a single phone call to a legislator's office in my life! I had no clue about the process of how bills became law and frankly didn't have any desire to learn. But then came the horses... Everything changed at that point and I knew I had to get involved on this one no doubt about it. After talking with many of my family and friends I started to realize that all of the people I was calling were actually paid to help me! Wow what a different perspective I soon had once I realized they were providing a service to me. Most everyone you will hear on the other end of the line when you call is hired specifically to take calls and make record of your call. As time went on it got easier and easier talking to these folks, knowing they were actually there to help me:) Yes every so often you get the person that forgot to eat their Wheaties but for the most part they are pretty nice.
So at first I would simply call and say " my name is _______ and I am calling to ask Senator _____ or Rep _____ to cosponsor and vote yes for S 311 (Senator) or HR 503 (Representative) the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act". They would say thank you for calling and I will pass your information on to the Senator or Rep and that was it!!! Mission accomplished!
Now you have the basics and I hope it will help! I now consider myself a conversation piece because I offer a whole lot more to the person on the other end of the phone. One thing for certain is you don't have to be scared of talking to these people they are there to take your calls.
If anyone needs help with what to say or what to write just send me an email mortgagematte@earthlink.net and I will be happy to offer any information that I have available. Please. when you send your email tell me your user name on ABR so I can identify you through the site, then I will be more than happy to send you any information you need to get the ball rolling!
Also for those of you that may be worried that I am letting too much out of the bag and the proslaughter groups will steal our information, please know that it is available to anyone that has access to the internet and Google! You may also want to visit www.hsus.org or www.sapl.org for the same type information!!!
House and Senate Phone numbers, fax and E-mail
House: Committee on Energy and Commerce
House: Committee on Agriculture
Cosponsors of HR503 109th Congress
Cosponsors of S1915 109th Congress
Special Actions to Take
MESSAGE FROM JOHN HOLLAND....PLEASE JOIN THIS EFFORT!!
Hi Folks,
It is a new year and us old timers have all had about enough of the status quo. We have decided that we need to take our growing strength and go onto the offensive. This is an invitation to join us!
By now you all know the tactics of our adversaries. They set up phony "welfare" organizations and use the offices of organizations like the AVMA and the AQHA to project an agenda that has no motivation but greed.
Since their position has no morally acceptable justification, they simply create one.
Most recently they are getting third rate reporters to pump out completely fabricated stories like the ones about horses being abandoned around the country. Having produced this documentary "proof", they trolled the darkest recesses of the bowels of congress to find someone who would have no problem with propagating their poison. The most recent denizen to emerge to their beckoning calls was Senator Larry Craig, a man who's career set new and impossibly low standards for hypocrisy and dishonesty. Then they shoved into his well greased palm a wad of these phony stories and sent him out to stain the Senate floor with his "consent objection" based on stories so rank that no self respecting dead fish would be found wrapped in them.
Playing defense in this game has no upside for us, it is merely damage control. We must be ready to counter this detritus, but that alone is not enough. We need to make these organizations pay for their hypocrisy and deceit. To do this, we must take the battle to them on ground they think safe. We will be doing this in several ways, and the alert below is the first. Please read it and help us put a kink in the shorts of the AQHA by exposing their true nature where they least want it seen. We will do the same with the AVMA. When we are done, no veterinarian will want the AVMA decal to deface his or her door.
None of this will change our ongoing work on Congress. That has become a well oiled machine. It is simply a matter of making these organizations realize they will find us pulling back the covers in everything they do.
The AQHA is very excited about their upcoming program. Let's crash their party and pour some truth into their punch bowl.
I hope you will join us and Happy New Year!
John Holland
What needs to happen if we end Horse slaughter
Support horse rescue; sponsored euthanasia programs ? etc.
One of the reasons that the Anti Slaughter legislation is having trouble being passed is because our opponents insist that we do not have the facilities to care for these horses. A better understanding of these animals needs and a willingness to act on their behalf has changed that.
There are now many more organizations that are willing to undertake this action but they need your help to thrive. Many, like the R.A.C.E.Fund and The Equihab Foundation, have put aside money for humane euthanasia when necessary.
Please visit the links below and learn more about these organizations and the wonderful work they do. Only with the help of people like you can we avoid the sad fate that awaits thousands of our horses every year. We owe it to these beautiful creatures that have brought so much joy into the lives of so many.
Links to Horse slaughter resources and horse rescue
Resources / Articles
Toronto Star, Derby Day May 3 2007 Battle to save horses from slaughterhouse: Once racing days are done, even major stakes winners can be killed
North Heidelberg woman rescues champions Reading Eagle 4/25/08 About Little Cliff and AC4H
SLAUGHTER vs. RESCUE The Courier-Journal (Lexington, KY) 4/28/08 Excerpt: "There are enough people who want to adopt a thoroughbred racehorse that's sound for riding to place every single sound horse that comes off the racetrack. There is a place for every horse, but the people who want to get rid of the horse have to be responsible."
Rescued Cappucino Kid to Old Friends Bloodhorse 4/4/08
Help for her horses Kearney Hub, Nebraska 3/15/08. About rescue org. EPONA. Excerpt: "I know three things: They’re beautiful, I love them and they’re dying." (Lin of EPONA)
Investigation at Natural Valley Farms Horse Slaughter Plant Report from Animals' Angels Canada 8/6/08
Horse Lovers Ask Congress To Stop Horse Slaughter WJZ Reports on AAHS Lobbying in Washington D.C. (several videos to click on)!!! 3/4/08
BI Woman Saves Horse Headed for Slaughter Kitsap Sun 8/16/07 About PASSION, and here she is in a news VIDEO Kings 5 8/23/07
Willie Nelson Writes to Prevent Horse Slaughter 10/24/07
Thoroughbred Times on horse slaughter Letter by Anne Russek published in TB Times 2/16/08. Excerpt: Thoroughbred racing cannot defend the slaughter of its equine athletes to an American public that is captivated by the spirit and beauty of our racehorses
Humane deaths for horses 'too costly' - Many are sent for gruesome slaughter in Mexico instead Arizona Daily Star 2/17/08
My Voice: Horse slaughterhouse will fail to curb neglect
Racehorses for dinner (Australia)
[1] Message from Equine Advocates
Martha Stewart Wed 1/16 Video of anti slaughter message with Equine Advocates
Horses Spared in U.S. FaceDeath Across the Border; New York Times, January 11 2008
VEW: Horse Slaughter - Its Ethical Impact and Subsequent Response of the Veterinary Profession
Horse meat for dinner? It's enough to make one gag (2004 article by racehorse trainer Nick Zito)
Inside Edition! Video aired 11/25/07
Detailed mexico border report from Animals Angels 12/01/07
Spare the horses Gentle Giant Rescue in the Baltimore Sun 11/24/07
Group Tries To Rescue Horses From Slaughterhouse Pure Thoughts Thanksgiving effort on the news (video) 11/19/07
Demystifying the "Unwanted Horse" Using Economics 101
Horses Earmarked for Slaughter Rescued by Woman Video with Angel Acres (Jo Deibel)
Effort to rescue horses strains sanctuaries (About Habitat for Horses, TX) Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau 10/21/07
Veterinarians for Equine Welfare
Lawmaker to AG: Is it legal to transport horse meat? Dallas Morning News 10/27/07
The Export of America's Horses HSUS slaughter transport video. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED!
The Scent of Death... VIDEO of horse slaughter in Mexico, from SA Express-News. CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES - VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED!
Texas state helping get horses to slaughter in Mexico Herald Tribune 10/3/07
Horse slaughter evokes outrage San Antonio Express-News 10/2/07 Follow up-story by same reporter, L Sandberg.
Horse Trafficking for Slaughter Must Stop President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, reaction to SA Express-News story. Pleading to pro-slaughter side to NOT stand in the way of ban.
Bob Richter: Stomach-turning report may help change horse-export law SA Express-News "reactions on the front page article" - article 9/30/07
Horse slaughters taking place on the border San Antonio Express-News 9/30/07 (the first part of this article is the same as the one below, form the Houston Chronicle - but the SA one is MUCH longer and detailed...) by L Sandberg
U.S. ban on horse slaughter means a more gruesome death elsewhere Houston Chronicle article 9/30/07
Slaughtering horses on the border My San Antonio.com article 9/28/07
Challenge To America's Horse Breeders.Time To Get A REALITY CHECK! Article in EquestNetwork.com 9/26/07
Court upholds Illinois horse slaughter ban Thoroughbred Times Sep 21, 2007
Illinois Ruling Stops Horse Slaughter in U.S. Blood-Horse Sep 21, 2007
Animals Angels Investigating and reporting conditions of slaughter bound horses (and other animals) From Animals Angels about FOB: "We are aware that Fans Of Barbaro is a very active anti-slaughter force, and that is terrific. Barbaro is no longer here, but his legacy is carried forth through the work you all do. I am certain that he was here, in the end, to help all horses sent to slaughter, through his fans and everyone they reach."
SUPPORTERS OF THE AMERICAN HORSE SLAUGHTER PREVENTION ACT Animal Welfare Institute
FLYERS YOU CAN FAX, EMAIL, MAIL, AND HAND OUT Link to EquestNetwork.com's Equest Life Online Magazine. The Anti Horse Slaughter Department contains the link to a page where you can find many Flyers for faxing, emailing, mailing, and handing out.
September 4 Will Canadians stomach a horsemeat industry? About Natural Valley Farms in Canada
July 26 [2] WOOD END FARMS - Betting on thoroughbreds' future
July 26 Slaughter of horses needs to end.
July 16 Activist Says Horse Protection Bill Is Good Horse Sense
July 1: Companions, 'not dinner'
June 29: AT&T Daily News June 29th, 2007
June 29: Chicago Tribune News
Racing's nasty secret: horse slaughter
Another way to help... Contact your media!
Abandon the Myth of the Unwanted Horse
Message to judge and Cavel Inc.: Enough is enough Daily Chronicle online
Horse slaughterhouse fights to stay open
CBS Evening News: A Haven For Retired Champions
June 5, '07 From HSUS [3]
Visit To Cavel Video [4]
The "Unwanted Horse" Theory John Holland
House and Senate Phone numbers, fax and E-mail
House: Committee on Energy and Commerce
House: Committee on Agriculture
Links to Horse slaughter resources and horse rescue.
Sample Letters to send to your Reps & SenatorsJohn Holland
Anti-Slaughter Information and Action Link [5]
Letter to Arabian breeders, owners Great summary and educational anti-slaughter piece by RouteRunner
Joe of TB Friends telling us "How it is" about horseslaughter (from April, 2007)
ANTI-SLAUGHTER merchandise
To arm yourself with T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, bags etc. with anti-slaughter messages, horse rescue support and Fans of Barbaro statements - visit this online shop (created by one of our own FOBs)
Anti-slaughter FLYERS
Do YOU know where YOUR HORSE is headed? Support S-311 by Anna (txjest)
Flyers by Ondine and John Holland
Flyers for Veterinarians Remind your vet of the oath of PROTECTING animals!
2 NEW ANTI SLAUGHTER FLYERS TO USE... ABR Aug. 18, 2007
anti-slaughter images to share with you ABR Aug. 14, 2007
Need Anti- Slaughter Flyers ABR July 18, 2007
Need New Flyers!! ABR Sep. 13, 2007
LETTERS
Veterinarians for Equine Welfare Under "Campaign", download pdf file with letter for your vet to sign (or have them sign online)
10 Letters Pick One and Fax Away!!! ABR June 11, 2007
