Sacia Goes Goofy

from the Chicago Sun Times
Michael Sneed, columnist
06-04-2004

Horse slaughter ban was a bad idea
I am among the state representatives who were categorized as 'goofs' in Michael Sneed's Sunday column [May 30] regarding horse slaughter. She chastised state Rep. Charles Morrow for his part in encouraging defeat of the bill [banning horse slaughter]. I spoke passionately against it.

Her rationale is that horses suffer when terminated at the Cavel International Plant in DeKalb. She is very wrong. A USDA veterinarian stands in the 'kill' pen to ensure that each animal is humanely terminated.

The emotion surrounding this bill and the misinformation put out by its supporters was, to say the least, horrible.

Illinois has nearly 250,000 horses. My wife and I own and show 11 of them, and needless to say, love each and every one of them. The reality is that 15,000 horses reach a point that they must be terminated each year. We all have the mental image that they are well-trained, loved horses. Reality is that there are many rank, mean, untrained horses that must be disposed of.

The Cavel International Plant in DeKalb provides 40 good jobs and injects millions of dollars into the economy.

Shame on those who paraded Bo Derek in front of the governor and fellow legislators in an effort to convince us to support the bill. Morrow characterized the charade properly.

Sneed calling us 'goofs' was way out of line.

State Rep. Jim Sacia

Contact Representative Jim Sacia about his "love of horses" at:

Springfield Address
Representative Jim Sacia
210 N Stratton
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8186 phone
(217) 558-7016 fax
jimsacia@aeroinc.net

District Address
Representative Jim Sacia
19 S. Chicago Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0774 phone
(815) 232-0777 fax

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