Slaughter Ban Support in Virginia

74% of Virginia voters polled support a ban on horse slaughter. Congressman Bob Goodlatte still withholds bill.
06-30-2004

Support for Horse Slaughter Ban Increases in Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30 /PRNewswire/

A survey released today shows that nearly three-quarters (74%) of likely voters in Virginia are opposed to "slaughtering horses for human consumption" and believe "horses are an important part of Virginia's history" and need to protected from abuse. The survey also revealed that 81% of agriculture households in the state agreed that the practice of "slaughterhouses are cruel and inhumane" and 76% of Virginia horse owners agreed with those statements.

This survey comes on the heels of a Lexington, VA town hall meeting where Representative and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) attempted to defend his position of opposing a HR 857, which calls for an end to horse slaughter in the United States for human consumption. Goodlatte, who won't allow the bill out of his committee despite a majority of congressional support in the U.S. House of Representatives, claims he doesn't support slaughtering horses despite his current stance. Hundreds of Goodlatte's Sixth District constituents attended the meeting demanding answers and left frustrated. "He stonewalled us, just like he is stonewalling this bill," said Anne Russek, of Augusta County.

U.S. Representative John Sweeny of New York first introduced HR 857, TheAmerican Horse Slaughter Prevention Act in February of 2003 where it was referred to the House Agriculture Committee. There is also a similar bill in the senate (S. 2352) introduced by Veterinarian and Nevada Senator John Ensign. Last year more than 50,000 horses were slaughtered for human consumption in two US based foreign owned facilities, both in Texas. A third horse slaughter facility just reopened in Illinois over strong public opposition. Ironically, despite federal oversight and regulation at taxpayer expense, none of the flesh is sold in the US or provides relief for poverty or famine relief.

Support for the ban on horse slaughter for human consumption gained momentum when it was discovered 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand was slaughtered for food. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, The Virginia Thoroughbred Racing Association as well as numerous other groups have endorsed current legislation addressing this issue. It is also clear after reviewing this survey that the vast majority of Virginians support the legislation as well.

McLaughlin & Associates of Alexandria, VA conducted the Survey.

SOURCE: National Horse Protection Coalition
www.horse-protection.org

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