Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Oklahoma Agricultural Groups Deliver Message to Lawmakers and Governor- Legalize Horse Slaughter in Oklahoma

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:50:07 CDT

Oklahoma Agricultural Groups Deliver Message to Lawmakers and Governor- Legalize Horse Slaughter in Oklahoma It was a packed house for a combination news conference/Pep Rally for the so called Horse Slaughter legislation on Wednesday morning at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. A pair of farm leaders and several lawmakers spoke in favor of HB1999 and SB375- calling for their quick passage and for the Governor to sign one of the measures into law. The Speaker of the Oklahoma House, TW Shannon, was the first of several lawmakers who professed support for the horse slaughter legislation to the cheering crowd of farmers, ranchers, horsemen and others who far outnumbered the members of the media that were present. (Shannon pictured here at the News Conference with State Representatives Skye McNeil and Don Armes looking on.)


You can listen to a audio overview of the rally with comments from principal House author of HB1999, Skye McNeil, and Mike Spradling, President of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau- click on the LISTEN BAR below for that wrap.


During the News Conference-Rally, OFB President Mike Spradling said it was time for Oklahomans to stand up for their rights.


"Oklahoma Farm Bureau is here because we feel it is an attack on our private property rights. We own these animals. They are in our possession for their care and well-being. That's our business. That's our job.


"Oklahoma livestock and wildlife producers respect and care for animals," he said. "This legislation provides a humane solution to the challenge of abandoned, abused and otherwise neglected horses." (Spradling spoke with Radio Oklahoma Network's Farm Director Ron Hays at the state capitol. You can hear that full interview by clicking here for our earlier version of this story.


The bills have passed in their respective chambers and it looks like they will ultimately make their way to Governor Mary Fallin's desk for her consideration.


Spradling said that despite the overwhelming support of Oklahomans and their legislators, outside groups have waded into the fray in hopes of persuading Governor Fallin to veto the legislation. He said that he encourages Oklahomans to contact the governor's office to voice their support for the horse processing law.


Terry Detrick, president of American Farmers and Ranchers, said he was encouraged by the turnout at the capitol for the media conference. He said he believes a strong message was sent to animal activists who have gotten involved in the issue.


"I think it made a good statement to HSUS, 'By golly, you come to Oklahoma and start messing with us and we're a united front.'"


He said he believes the governor has heard the message that Oklahomans support allowing horse owners to care for their animals and having the option to dispose of them humanely. He said he believes Governor Fallin will ultimately sign the legislation when it makes it to her desk.


"I've had people ask me, 'Where's the governor on this?' It's probably a pretty good time for the governor to lay behind a log and let the rest of us kind of take the arrows, but I think she'll come through when we need her to."


In a joint statement, the farm groups said they support HB 1999 by Rep. Skye McNiel and Sen. Eddie Fields and SB 375 by Sen. Mark Allen and Rep. John Enns. These bills will allow horse processing within the state of Oklahoma; however, horsemeat for human consumption may be sold only on the international market.   


Horses are defined as livestock under Oklahoma law. Horse processing is already happening, but the U.S. horses are being shipped to Canada or Mexico. A General Accounting Office analysis showed U.S. horses intended for slaughter in Canada or Mexico travel significantly greater distances to reach their final destination, where they are not covered by humane slaughter protections.   


The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognizes the processing of unwanted horses is currently a necessary aspect of the equine industry, as it provides a humane alternative to allowing the horse to continue a life of discomfort and pain and possibly inadequate care or abandonment.


In addition to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the coalition includes American Farmers and Ranchers, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, Oklahoma Pork Council, Livestock Marketing Association, The Poultry Federation, Whitetails of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association and Oklahoma Cotton Council.



   


   

Ron Hays offers an overview of the News Conference- Rally about Horse Slaughter legislation at the State Capitol
right-click to download mp3

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.