The "Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act" Introduced in the U.S. House to Stop the Slaughter of American Equines

Today, U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)  introduced legislation to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act would also prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses to be sold overseas.

“The slaughter of horses for human consumption is a barbaric practice that has no place in America,” Buchanan said. “I look forward to continuing to lead the effort with Congresswoman Schakowsky to ban domestic horse slaughter and end the export of horses abroad for the same purpose.” 

Congresswoman Schakowsky said, “For centuries, horses have embodied the spirit of American freedom and pride. They are our companions, work partners, entertainers, and athletes. With such a special place in our nation’s history it’s beyond time that we end the brutal practice of slaughtering these majestic creatures as food for humans. I am proud to reintroduce the SAFE Act with Congressman Buchanan and offer legislation that will finally close a loophole to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption, both domestically and abroad.”

The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act

The "SAFE Act of 2021" would amend Section 5 of the Horse Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1824) 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". Specific language offered to modify the HPA include:

• Horses and other equines play a vital role in the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion.
• Horses and other equines are domestic animals that are used primarily for recreation, pleasure, work, and sport.
• Unlike cows, pigs, and many other animals, horses and other equines are not raised for the purpose of being slaughtered for human consumption.
• Individuals selling horses or other equines at auctions are seldom aware that the animals may be bought for the purpose of being slaughtered for human consumption.
• The shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation in intrastate commerce of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, adversely affects and burdens interstate and foreign commerce.

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HELP STOP THE SLAUGHTER

The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act will prohibit horse slaughter facilities from operating on U.S. soil and end the current export of American horses for slaughter abroad. ​

​Please join the effort to pass the SAFE Act by reaching out to your federal legislators.

HELP THE HORSES

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