Horses are Being Slaughtered. Help Us Pass the SAFE Act
Horses that were saved from slaughter, pictured at Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary in Oregon.
Horses have played significant roles in human history, serving as companions, workers, and athletes, and have garnered a special place in our cultural and emotional attachment. Horses are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear, and emotional suffering. So, it’s painful to know that During 2020, a total of 36,885 American horses were shipped to their deaths – 29,666 to Mexico and 6,919 to Canada. Horses, donkeys and mules are live exported to Mexico and Canada to be killed and butchered for human consumption.
Killing horses undermines our responsibility to protect and respect these intelligent, majestic animals and highlights the need for alternative solutions to address issues related to horse welfare and overpopulation.
What is the SAFE Act?
The Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act is a proposed legislation aimed at protecting horses from the inhumane practice of horse slaughter in the United States. Introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the bill seeks to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption, as well as the export of live horses for the same purpose. It is an initiative to prevent the suffering and exploitation of horses and ensure their humane treatment.
The SAFE Act aims to close the existing loopholes in the law that allow horses to be transported across borders and slaughtered for their meat. Currently, horse slaughter is prohibited in the United States, but horses are still exported to other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, where they are slaughtered for human consumption. The bill seeks to end this practice by making it illegal to transport horses across state lines or export them for the purpose of slaughter.
Furthermore, the SAFE Act emphasizes the importance of providing alternatives and promoting responsible horse ownership. It advocates for increased funding for horse rescues, sanctuaries—like Broken Arrow Ranch & Sanctuary-- and adoption programs, as well as educational initiatives to raise awareness about horse welfare and responsible breeding practices. By addressing the root causes of horse abandonment and neglect, the bill aims to reduce the number of horses in need of rescue and prevent them from falling into the hands of slaughter buyers.
The Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act has garnered support from animal welfare organizations, horse advocates, and lawmakers who believe in the ethical treatment of horses. By prohibiting horse slaughter and promoting responsible ownership, the SAFE Act seeks to safeguard the welfare of horses and ensure a brighter future for these magnificent animals in the United States. Remember: horse slaughter is NOT the same as euthanasia.
Get Involved and Help Save Horses
You can help save America’s horses. Click here to locate representatives and senators so you can send them an email or letter sharing why it’s important to pass the SAFE act.
Sources
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3355/text
https://www.horsesforlife.org/safe-act.html
https://www.aspca.org/improving-laws-animals/public-policy/horse-slaughter