The sponsor of an Illinois bill that would reestablish horse processing in that state has referred it back to committee.

HB 4812 would repeal a state prohibition against horse processing for human consumption. The measure was poised for a floor vote in the state House of Representatives last month. However, bill sponsor Rep. Jim Sacia withdrew the bill before the vote could take place.

"He didn't think he had enough votes and referred the bill to the House Rules Committee," said Shelly Stark, Sacia's administrative assistant.

The Illinois bill is one of two slaughter measures recently put on hold. This week Tennessee Rep. Frank Niceley referred his bill, HB 1428, back to committee for further study