U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM TEXAS THREATENS PROVISION BANNING HORSE SLAUGHTER
Rep. Henry Bonilla says “It's Coming Out” to Agriculture Appropriations Bill
amendment suspending funding for USDA horse slaughter plant
inspections
WASHINGTON DC (Oct. 21, 2005) – Federal legislation that would end horse slaughter in the United States for Fiscal Year 2006 and save the taxpayer an estimated $5 Million could be under serious threat because of Texas politician, Rep. Henry Bonilla (R-23-TX).
Passed by an overwhelming majority in both the House and the Senate, the amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill prohibiting the federal government from using federal funds to carry out horse slaughter plant inspection is currently being considered by a conference committee of Senators and Representatives as they reconcile the final document for the President's signature. Word is Bonilla is busying himself in an attempt to get the necessary votes to strip the amendment from the final bill. When confronted by legislators friendly to the measure, he is quoted as saying, "It's coming out!"
The amendment should not be altered or omitted according to Congressional rules.
"This is a travesty and yet another example of the American people being robbed of their voice in Washington. Tragically, it is not the first time politicians have manipulated behind the scenes to the detriment and destruction of our horses," states Vivian Farrell, President of The Fund for Horses.
The Sweeney-Spratt Amendment passed the House by 269-158 on June 8, 2005. The Ensign-Byrd Amendment containing identical language passed the Senate 69-28 on September 20, 2005.
There are three foreign-owned horse slaughter plants for human consumption in the United States. All meat and profits go overseas.
The Int'l Fund for Horses is the most dynamic equine advocacy organization of its kind. Headquartered in the United States, the Int'l Fund for Horses works globally for the protection of horses through intervention, education and legislation. Learn more at www.fund4horses.org.
# # #
If you would like more information on this topic or
to schedule an interview with Vivian, please telephone Christine Cooper 713.893.7813 or email chrisc@fund4horses.org.
