Agriculture Subcommittee Strongly Disapproves of Slaughter Bill
The House Agricultural Subcommittee listened to testimonies from a panel of horse industry and veterinary leaders yesterday (July 27) concerning an amendment (H.R. 503) to the Horse Protection Act. After listening to a lengthy discussion, member
The House Agricultural Subcommittee listened to testimonies from a panel of horse industry and veterinary leaders yesterday (July 27) concerning an amendment (H.R. 503) to the Horse Protection Act. After listening to a lengthy discussion, members of the House Agricultural Subcommittee voted 37-3 to discharge the bill with “disfavor” and recommended that the House vote against it.
However, before casting their votes, several legislators proposed what Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the head of agricultural committee, referred to as “unusual” amendments to H.R. 503, which included federal compensation for horse owners who want to use slaughter as a means of euthanasia (but who would not be allowed to do so under this legislation). Additionally, it was recommended to grandfather in the three existing slaughter plants—which would allow them to continue processing. All amendments proposed were accepted by voice vote.
Just two days prior (July 25), another panel debated the same bill in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. Advocates of the bill lost support and a strong congressional ally in Joe Barton (R-TX), chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee.
Barton said, “I would have voted for last year’s (version of the) bill if it came to a vote, but the more I’ve learned about it, the more I have come to be against it
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