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What is S. 1176?
A Senate bill to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
What is HR. 2966?
An identical version of the Senate bill, introduced to the House on September 19, 2011.
More Information
The links below are to materials and documents to help inform you about S. 1176 and HR. 2966. Please contact AQHA's Public Policy department for more information about AQHA's position regarding S. 1176 and HR. 2966.
Understanding Your Options for the Unwanted or Unusable Horse Manual A Hot-Button Issue - AQHA explains its position on slaughter
Get Involved
Log on to the AQHA Member Services Area and click the Public Policy link under Member Action to find the Legislative Action Center. From here, you can find your congressional representatives, state representatives and local officials and their contact information. Additionally, you'll find information on important issues, recent votes and legislation and much more.
Have a question or comment for the AQHA Public Policy department? Visit AQHA's Public Policy Facebook Group.
2011 AQHA Position Statement on the Horse Protection Act
“First and foremost, the American Quarter Horse Association unequivocally supports the humane treatment of horses and vigorous enforcement of reasonable state and federal laws intended for that purpose. “It is this fervent dedication to the welfare of the horse that drives AQHA to address legislation related to humane care, transportation and disposition of all breeds of horses. Earlier this year, a Government Accountability Office report confirmed what the industry predicted in 2006 that thousands of unwanted horses would suffer a life of abandonment and neglect and recommended that Congress reconsider the ban on horse processing. AQHA supported and worked intently with members and other equine organizations toward USDA inspection of horses for processing and the removal of the rider in the Ag Appropriations Bill that prevented USDA inspection of horse meat. “AQHA believes horses are private property and supports a horse owner’s decision to do what they believe is in the best interest of their horses. An owner with an unwanted horse should have the choice on how to dispense with the horse as long as it is humane. Abandonment and neglect should never be considered; however, there are many options for unwanted horses other than humane euthanasia at a USDA-inspected processing plant: selling; donating them for appropriate uses, such as rescues or university programs; leasing; retirement facilities and chemical euthanasia.“As horsemen, the issue is controversial and has many nuances, but euthanasia at a processing facility is a more humane alternative than neglect and abandonment.”