HB 1324 is an inappropriate, misguided piece of legislation aimed at promoting animal cruelty while protecting the interests of two foreign owned companies. The Society for Animal Protective Legislation has been working to end this terrible industry that claims all ages, breeds and types of horses simply to fill the delicacy demands in countries like France, Belgium, Germany and Italy.

It has also come to my attention that members of the Texas House of Representatives Agriculture and Livestock Committee are under the perception that my group, and those that oppose horse slaughter for human consumption, are also opposed to humanely euthanizing horses if necessary. That is completely false. Slaughter is not and should not be confused with humane euthanasia performed by a qualified veterinarian. Euthanasia is often a very necessary means by ending the suffering old, sick or injured horses may be facing. I find it abhorrent that some national veterinary organizations are attempting to pass slaughter off as a means of euthanasia. Slaughter is NOT a form of euthanasia as some are trying to tell you. According to an article that appeared in the February 22nd edition of Blood Horse Magazine on the issue of euthanasia, Dr. Sean Bowman was quoted as saying "It is an induction of anesthesia, just like for surgery, but the veterinarian continues on to an overdose. The horses are not afraid; there is no fear or anticipation."

I have visited a horse slaughter facility during the slaughter process, which I can assume few if any others can say, and can assure you that the fear and anticipation experienced the horses is unimaginable. You could smell the fear and see the panic. It didn't take long to realize that the slaughter process inflicts immeasurable suffering and cruelty on the horses. So to claim that slaughter and euthanasia are similar is irresponsible and false.

The slaughtering of horses in cruel and inhumane and can not be defended. Horses have never been raised for human consumption and therefore have earned a level of trust and respect. To simply send them off to slaughter when old or no longer wanted is irresponsible. My organization is not opposed to raising animals for consumption. We are the only national animal protection organization with guidelines for raising pigs for human consumption and are developing other animals as I write.