Congressman Carter Amendment Banning the Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02) lauds the passage of his amendment to H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act. His amendment protects America’s horses from being moved across state lines by ground transport and then exported to Canada and Mexico to be butchered for human consumption.
“Horses aren’t bred for food, and Americans don’t want them bought under false pretenses, forced into overcrowded trailers, tormented on a thousand-mile journey, and then prodded to slaughterhouses,” said Congressman Carter.
“This is not a new issue for Congress - a lot of work has been done by great members on both sides of the aisle to put an end to this horrible practice - and a lot of ground has been gained. However, a legal loophole allowed tens of thousands of American equines to be exported each year to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. The conditions on these journeys are particularly inhumane, with horses crammed inside trailers for long journeys without adequate water, food, or rest. I offered this amendment because it was a chance to end this heinous practice once and for all and I am glad to see its successful passage.”
“I want to thank Chairman DeFazio and his staff for working with me to turn this into such a strong amendment. I also want to thank my colleagues who joined with me in offering this amendment. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Steve Cohen, John Katko, Dina Titus, Vern Buchanan, Buddy Carter, Paul Tonko, Andy Barr, Donald Payne, Jr., Jan Schakowsky, Jerry Nadler, and Guy Reschenthaler have all come together because of how important it is to stop horse slaughter. When you combine the bipartisan support in Congress with the fact that this amendment has an equally broad range of support from groups all over the country that care about horses and all animals, it really tells you something.”
“I want to thank the amazing advocates who have worked with me on this as well. The people who work to protect horses, equines, and all animals, day in and day out, year after year. This amendment wouldn’t have passed the House today without their support. I tip my hat to them.”
“This range of support only happens because it’s something Americans agree on. Today, America agreed to fully ban the transportation of horses for slaughter. I hope the Senate will act next to turn this into law.”
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