Although there are no horse slaughter plants in Kentucky, a largely symbolic bill has been introduced by Sen. Tom Buford to outlaw the practice in the state.

“It seemed contrary to be advocating what a great state we are for horses, but that it is okay to eat one,” Buford said. “Maybe people in Kentucky would like to see horses given some respect in this state other than just being used for advertisement purposes.”

Federal laws prevent restricting the sale of an animal once it crosses a state line, so the ban itself would have little effect. The three horse slaughter plants in the country are located in Texas and Illinois.

However, if passed, Buford’s bill would create a registry that documents who knowingly sells or transports horses for human consumption