Slaughter Debate Heats Up

Things are heating up once again in the horse slaughter debate in Congress and it seems as if the economy is prompting some of the actions.

As of Feb. 12, lawmakers in Wyoming and Utah sponsored resolutions urging Congress to let state legislators decide about the viability of horse slaughter within their respective states. These resolutions come out strongly opposed to the federal Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act currently in committee.

As of Feb. 19, the list had grown to seven states actively considering the reestablishment of horse processing plants within their state borders and coming out in opposition to Conyers-Burton. These states are: Arizona, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. There were also five more states who were actively working on bills that amending state laws to promote private plant development. These are: Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Montana and Tennessee.

One argument for the reintroduction of slaughter plants has to do with the creation of jobs--a topic that certainly strikes a chord with those out of work anywhere. Of course the question of what kind of jobs these remains undisclosed are but I am assuming there are construction jobs at stake as well as those of staffing these facilities.

It is ironic that the pro-slaughter movement is gaining momentum even as Reps. Jim Moran (d-VA) and Elton Gallegly )R-CA) announced that they will co-chair the newly formed "Congressional Animal Protection Caucus" (CAPC)committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress. This new caucus takes the place of the Friends of Animal Caucus that previously existed and took credit for passing stricter animal fighting legislation as well as tougher farm animals welfare regulations.

And how about this for timing? Among the "priorities" for this new caucus is legislation "banning the slaughter of horses."

I'm not sure if this new pro-slaughter movement is business as usual from the states who always supported the practice, but I do know that the added argument for job creation may find a more sympathetic audience than the "unwanted horses" one. Equally ironic, however, is the thought that Wyoming, home of Madeline Pickens' presumed shelter for wild mustangs is among those seeking to create slaughter plants within its borders.

Stay tuned. This promises to be a long, drawn-out battle.