Dear Representative,
As a concerned constituent, I am writing to urge you to support and cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1915). S. 1915 would prohibit the transport, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption. Earlier this year, H.R. 503, an identical bill, was introduced in the House of Representatives. Now, S. 1915 is being sponsored in the Senate by Senators John Ensign (R-NV), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Robert Byrd (D-WV), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Trent Lott (R-MS), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Carl Levin (D-MI) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT).
Americans do not eat horse meat. However, thousands of horses are cruelly slaughtered every year in this country to satisfy an overseas market for horsemeat in countries like France, Belgium, and Japan. Horses have been our trusted companions and are a historically significant part of American culture. They deserve a more dignified end to their lives than being slaughtered and served as dinner.
Additionally, the transport of horses to slaughter houses is often extremely inhumane. Many horses are injured even before reaching the slaughter plant due to overcrowded conditions during transport. Some are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water, or rest. In addition, the methods used to slaughter these horses once they arrive at the plant can be exceptionally inhumane. The horses are often forced to endure repeated stuns or blows and sometimes remain conscious during their slaughter.
S. 1915 would put an end to this cruel and inhumane practice by effectively prohibiting horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S. Therefore, I respectfully urge you to support and cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[your address]
