August 19, 2003

Mr. Daniel Fernandez
P. Dr. Severo Ochoa 14
Apartment 4A
Fuenlabrada, Madrid 28945, Spain

Dear Daniel:

      Thank you for contacting me regarding the slaughter of horses.  I
appreciate your concerns and value the opportunity to respond.

      As you know, legislation regarding the slaughter of horses has not come
before the full Senate.  Please be assured that I will keep your views in
mind if and when it does.  I am concerned about the conditions under which
these horses are transported to the slaughterhouses and with the conditions
under which the slaughter is conducted.  Just as with all other
animals, those that must be slaughtered should be slaughtered using the most
humane methods possible and according to the Humane Slaughter Act.

                In general, it is best to leave the governance of hunting to
the States. State and local governments are best equipped to deal with the
issues of hunting.  I am firmly opposed to animal cruelty.  We can all agree
that all animals should receive humane care and treatment.  The points that
you made give me concern and please be assured that I will
keep your views foremost in mind should legislation regarding the inhumane
slaughter of horses come before the Senate.

                Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. If you
would like to receive an e-mail newsletter about my initiatives to improve
America, please sign up on my website (http://allen.senate.gov).  It is an
honor to
serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with
you to make Virginia and America a better place to live, learn, work and
raise a family.

                With warm regards, I remain

                              Sincerely,

                              George Allen