House Appropriations Committee Approves Amendment Blocking Tax Dollars from Being Used to Continue Horse Slaughter

Washington, DC—In yet another resounding victory for America's horses, the House Appropriations Committee voted in favor of language sponsored by Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) prohibiting the US Department of Agriculture from spending tax dollars on inspecting horse slaughter facilities. The language, originally passed into law back in 2005, has halted horse slaughter operations for years, but for some reason, was not included in the current Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations bill approved by the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee late last week.

"The Animal Welfare Institute commends Representative Jim Moran for his introduction of the amendment restoring this important language before the full Committee," said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for AWI. "Representative Moran and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) spoke strongly about the need for this bill while pointing out now is not the time to start spending tax dollars to prop up a foreign owned and driven industry that prays on the suffering of American horses."

While the amendment was approved by the House Appropriations Committee, AWI will remain vigilant to ensure horse slaughter proponents do not try other tactics to have it removed as the bill makes its way to the full House for a vote or even in the Senate when the time comes.