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A bill
introduced in the Illinois State Legislature today (Feb. 22) could be a
first step toward closing the state's horse slaughter plant.
A Belgian
company, Cavel International, runs a horse slaughter plant near DeKalb, Ill. A recent federal court decision has made it difficult for two Texas plants to operate, and could lead to their permanent closure. The three plants are
the only facilities in the country that slaughter horses and export the
meat for human consumption in Europe and Asia.
The Illinois bill is sponsored by State Rep. Bob Molaro (D-Chicago). It would prohibit the
transportation of horses into the state for the purpose of slaughter for
human consumption.
Illinois
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture
supported a similar bill when it was last introduced. Illinois Rep. Jan
Schakowsky (D) is leading the federal effort with a bill cosponsored by
Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY). Similar legislation is
pending in the U.S. Senate.
In May of
2004 a similar bill passed the Illinois Senate, but was narrowly defeated
in the House.
"This
year, we are confident the legislation will clear both houses and be signed
into law by Governor Blagojevich," said Chris Heyde, deputy
legislative director of the Society for Animal Protective Legislation.
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