New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Supports Sweeney Bill

to Ban Horse Slaughter

 

 

For Immediate Release

 

Washington, DC (September 9, 2004) –  New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. joins a growing list of horse industry organizations opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption.  The slaughter of America ’s horses to satisfy foreign gourmet markets promotes widespread animal cruelty and horse theft while threatening the integrity of the entire horse industry. 

 

Last year, over 50,000 American horses were slaughtered in one of two foreign-owned, U.S. based horse slaughter plants operating in Texas , and approximately 30,000 more were exported for slaughter abroad.  A third plant recently reopened in Illinois , so the total number of horses slaughtered is expected to rise sharply this year.

 

In response, U.S. Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY), Chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus and Congressmen for the nation’s oldest and most prestigious racing district, Saratoga , introduced the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 857).  The bill will ban the slaughter of America ’s horses for human consumption abroad.  The legislation currently enjoys the support of more than half the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

"I would like to thank the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. for joining my fight to end horse slaughter for human consumption.  Support for my legislation from the American public and the equestrian world is strong and continues to grow.  Together, we will work to end this atrocity," said Sweeney. 

 

As Rep. Sweeney notes, support for ending horse slaughter is growing at a tremendous pace.  In addition to the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., other horse industry leaders and notables supporting the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act include New York Racing Association trustee John Hettinger, Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson (owners of Birdstone), famed trainer Nick Zito, Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championship founder John Gaines, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Churchill Downs, and Fasig-Tipton, Co.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chris Heyde                  (703) 836-4300

Liz Ross                       (202) 546-1761 x 30

 

 

Please visit www.horse-protection.org.