Farm Bureau Urges Science in Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24, 2007 –The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503 and S. 311) sets a dangerous precedent by banning a livestock product for reasons other than food safety or public health, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman.

“There is no evidence suggesting products derived from equines pose any food safety or public health risk,” said Stallman. “This legislation mandates unprecedented government authority over the animal agricultural sector without any scientific justification.”

Research and accredited experts have testified and documented the anticipated financial and ethical repercussions of banning equine processing. Stallman said America’s farmers and ranchers practice and encourage the humane treatment and handling of animals and livestock, but the legislation fails to provide any viable option for unwanted or unmanageable horses, opening the possibility for neglect.

“This legislation is deceivingly packaged to exploit our nation’s love for horses to further an extreme anti-meat, animal rights agenda,” said Stallman. “We will work to ensure members of Congress do not fall for this clever ploy.”

Establishments that process equines intended for interstate shipment are inspected by the Agriculture Department and are required by law to adhere to the Humane Slaughter Act, Federal Meat Inspection Act and other federal animal health and food safety regulations.

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