National Hill Day for Horses

August 15, 2004 -- The American Horse Defense Fund, the nation's premier horse protection, education and advocacy nonprofit, announces an event to promote the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, HR 857 and S2352. The American Horse Defense Fund is coordinating National Hill Day for Horses. This event is designed to draw attention to the issue of horse slaughter and to facilitate the passage of the federal bills designed to end horse slaughter in the United States for human consumption overseas.

While horsemeat is not bought, sold or consumed in the United States due to our cultural aversion to the practice, over 1000 horses per week are slaughtered for their meat to be sent to France, Belgium, Japan and other countries where it is sold for $20 a pound and more. Horsemeat is considered a delicacy in these countries and is sold at specialty butcher shops and high-end restaurants. The companies running the slaughter plants in the US are all foreign owned and pay little or no taxes and no export fees. The process is inhumane according to animal welfare groups including the nationally recognized HSUS; many vets and other animal care experts. AHDF president Trina Bellack states "If you or I were doing this in our backyard we would be prosecuted for animal cruelty, but since these are companies they are allowed to cruelly treat these animals killing them brutally, without facing prosecution". Undercover video shows that horses have had electric cattle prods used on them, as well as the stunning process; the captive bolt gun that penetrates the skull which is not designed to kill the animals, just to render them unconscious; has to be administered multiple times, improperly hitting the terrified, scrambling horse.

Surveys have been conducted that show the majority of Americans are opposed to horse slaughter. The statistics vary from place to place and range from 84-91% of voters who favor legislation that would end horse slaughter for human consumption. Many feel that horses are sport or companion animals rather than typical livestock and feel that the horse is a part of our heritage and represent a part of our history. This is ironic since even our protected mustangs often end up at the slaughter plants. The University of Colorado did a study on the types of horses that end up at slaughter and their results were startling. The average age of horses at the slaughter plants is between 2-5 years old. The average horse at the slaughter plant has prior training and less than 2% have behavioral problems. The slaughter plants prefer to have the public believe that the horses being processed through their plants are unwanted, crippled, crazy animals. However, the University of Colorado study shows this is not true. In addition, USDA regulations state that a horse must not be severely debilitated and must be able to walk unassisted among other restrictions to be processed.

With all these facts in mind, the AHDF will be hosting other groups and individuals from around the country in Washington, DC on the 8th of September to deliver the message to Congress that the bills need to be passed. HR 857 enjoys bi-partisan support with over 220 co-sponsors, however it is locked in the Agricultural Committee due to the opposition of the committee chair, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. S. 2352, introduced by Senator John Ensign, DVM, also has bi-partisan support with 7 cosponsors, where it also sits in committee. The goal of the event is to show the American public's support of these bills to get them to move through the process to passage. Everyone interested in horse welfare and the passage of these bills is invited to attend the event. A briefing and update on the bills will be held the evening of the 7th, with the groups going to the Hill on the 8th. For more information on the event you can log onto www.ahdf.org or email misfitranchtn@wmconnect.com.

AHDF is an equine welfare organization that works on issues relating to the care and well being of horses regardless of breed or circumstances. It is recognized as one of the few welfare organizations that focus solely on the welfare of horses and issues specific to this beautiful animal. The AHDF offers annual events that promote the wild horse as well as domestic horse ownership. For information about issues relating to horses and horse welfare e-mail ahdforg@aol.com or misfitranchtn@wmconnect.com or visit www.AHDF.org.





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