Idaho the 13th State to Join Horse-Slaughter Fray

Idaho has joined the list of states pondering legislation aimed at maintaining control of equine transport and re-establishing the horse processing industry in the United States.

Introduced into Idaho's House State Affairs Committee this week by State Rep. Thomas F. Loertscher, HJM 005 instructs Idaho's congressional delegation to vote against the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (HR 503). The federal measure would impose a nationwide ban on the transport of horses for slaughter.

Resolutions similar to Idaho's have passed in:

Kansas (HCR 5004)
South Dakota (SCR 2)
Utah (HJR 7)
Wyoming (HJR 8)
Similar resolutions are pending in:

Arizona (SCM 1001)
Minnesota (SF 133)
North Dakota (HB 1496)
Arkansas (HCR 1004)
Missouri (House, HCR 19; Senate, SCR 8)

Meanwhile, legislators in the following states are considering bills that would amend current state laws to promote the development of horse slaughter plants by private investors:

Illinois (HB 0583)
Montana (HB 418)
Tennessee (HB 1361)
Read more about these bills.

The bills are the first to establish horse processing facilities in the United States since 2007, when lawmakers in Texas and in Illinois shuttered slaughter plants in those states. Horses are currently shipped to facilities in Mexico and Canada for processing for markets in Europe and Asia.


Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for updates as this situation develops.



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