From: Jerry Finch <jerryfinch@mac.com>

Subject: SB23-038

Date: February 8, 2023 at 9:52:03 AM CST

Cc: sonya.jaquez.lewis.senate@coleg.gov, lorena.garcia.house@coleg.gov

Senator Dylan Roberts,

During your evaluation of this bill, you are hearing from some very strong opponents who believe that horses should be slaughtered for their meat. Statements are being made to you about unwanted horses, statements with no basis in facts. The "need for horse slaughter" statements have been pushed by the agriculture community for the last 25 years. It was never shown to be based on any facts, rather just a scare tactic.

Likewise statements related to homeless horses, horses dying from starvation, horses destroying the grasslands - all scare tactics used to promote the idea that horses need to be brutally slaughtered so their meat can be shipped to European diners.

There are individuals who say they represent the entire ranching and agricultural community and who want to kill this bill. Please look seriously at their motivation, which means nothing more than "follow the money." Horses are sold for slaughter for $.40 - $.50 a pound live weight. It's an easy way to dispose of an animal without acknowledging any level of responsibility and ignores the fact that horse meat is contaminated through the use of common medications.

I represent one of the largest equine rescue and sanctuary facilities in the US, Habitat for Horses. We have actively fought against horse slaughter for the past 26 years. We, along with many others, are committed to exposing the ugly truth behind the equine slaughter industry. If we can provide any information to you, or assist in analyzing the statements being made to you by the pro slaughter individuals, please let me know.

We, and the entire equine community we represent, strongly support this bill and ask for your full support.

Thank you,

Jerry Finch
President
Habitat for Horses, Inc.