Political Quotes

“I am pleased the House and Senate conferees for S. 1541, the Agricultural Market Transition Act of 1996, included a provision to protect horses during transport to slaughterhouses. In particular, I would like to thank Congressman Steve Gunderson and Chairman Pat Roberts for their support. Last year, I introduced H.R. 2433, the Safe Commercial Transportation of Horses for Slaughter Act, intended to improve the handling, care, and equipment requirement for the safe transportation of horses to slaughterhouse facilities. My colleague, Senator Mitch McConnell, introduced similar legislation in the Senate. Since then, my office has received tremendous support for introducing this legislation from the public and Members of Congress who have large horseman populations in their congressional districts. Two years ago, I sent a dear colleague to Members bringing their attention to an article I read in 'equidae,' the National Horseman's Inc. publication, that exposed the inhumane treatment of horses transported for slaughter. Two constituents in my district visited a horse auction in New Holland, PA and described the horrible conditions to which these horses are subjected. Imagine injured, pregnant, and ill horses crammed into cattle cars with combative stallions and other horses to be shipped on long journeys to slaughterhouses with no dividers separating them. Often, these horses travel for days without food or water. As a thoroughbred owner, I find this appalling.”