Amendment to stop the transport of slaughter-bound horses passes U.S. House as part of the INVEST Act

The Carter-Fitzpatrick amendment offered to the INVEST Act (H.R. 3684), which will stop the transport of slaughter-bound equines, passed the U.S. House by a voice vote. If enacted into law, no American equine, wild or domestic, will be commercially butchered for human consumption in slaughter plants in Canada or Mexico. The passage of the amendment on the U.S. House floor is a monumental advancement to finally protecting America's horses from the cruel and predatory slaughter industry. The next step is to bring the measure to the U.S. Senate.

The amendment was led by U.S. Representative Troy Carter (D-LA) along with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Katko (R-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Dina Titus (D-NV), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Andy Barr (R-KY), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA). 

This is not a new issue for Congress. A lot of work has been done by great members on both sides of the aisle to put an end to this horrible practice, and a lot of ground has been gained. However, a legal loophole allowed tens of thousands of American equines to be exported each year to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. The conditions on these journeys are particularly inhumane, with horses crammed inside trailers for long journeys without adequate water, food, or rest.

I offered this amendment because it was a chance to end this heinous practice once and for all and I am glad to see its successful passage.  — U.S. Rep., Troy Carter (D-LA)

The last three U.S. horse slaughter plants were shut down in 2007, and remain shuttered through federal agriculture appropriations bills. Congressional defunding of USDA horsemeat inspections prevents the slaughter of equines for human consumption on U.S. soil. However, every year over 30,000 American horses, donkeys and mules are live-exported to Canada and Mexico to be killed and butchered.

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STOP THE SLAUGHTER TRUCKS

​​The Carter-Fitzpatrick amendment will ban hauling slaughter-bound equines across state lines or over U.S. borders. Please call your two U.S. Senators and urge them to support the measure!

TAKE ACTION

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