Dear Ms. Anderson:

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your concerns about animal cruelty and specifically the slaughter of horses. As a medical doctor, I genuinely share your distaste for needless suffering.  As a United States Congressman, however, I remain committed to returning the federal government to its proper role. This country's founders recognized the genius of separating power among federal, state and local governments as a means to maximize individual liberty and make government most responsive to those persons who might most responsibly influence it. This separation of powers strictly limited the role of the federal government and anticipated that such legislation as you so earnestly advocate would be enacted at the state or local level.

As a practical matter, I remain convinced that tax dollars which otherwise would be sent to Washington in an attempt to nationalize animal treatment standards would be much better spent advising consumers of your noble ideals and identifying those individuals or firms who mistreat animals such that local governments could handle crimes of this nature and consumers could patronize firms who do not engage in such unsavory practices.  Of course, I also oppose federal funding of the practices we both so abhor. 

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns on this important issue with me.

Sincerely,

Ron Paul

PS: Due to safety procedures put into place as a result of the anthrax attacks, mail delivery and processing have been substantially delayed.  My staff and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Confirmation # 1077065

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