Agricultural News
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Backs Amendment Reinstating Funding for Horse Slaughter Inspections
Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:50:16 CST
Oklahoma Farm Bureau supports Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. Markwayne Mullin as they present an amendment to strike a provision in the omnibus appropriations bill that makes it illegal for the USDA to inspect horse processing facilities. The bill is expected to be considered, passed and signed by the President by the end of the week and will fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2014.
"Our Oklahoma delegation understands these horse slaughter facilities are humane solutions to the challenge of abandoned, abused and otherwise neglected horses," OKFB President Tom Buchanan said. "We applaud their efforts to obtain funding for these necessary inspections."
Inhofe said he is disappointed about the lack of funding for horse processing facilities, which reimposes a de facto ban on horse slaughter.
"I am very concerned that the omnibus appropriations bill includes a provision that blocks government inspection of horse slaughter facilities, effectively shutting down this important industry," Inhofe said. "Without horse slaughter facilities, aging horses are often neglected or forced to endure cruel conditions as they are transported to processing facilities across the border. This provision, which animal rights activists claim is in the best interest of animals, is counterproductive and ultimately harmful to these wonderful animals. That is why I am offering an amendment to strike the provision, which would make it legal for these inspections to occur."
Inhofe and Mullin plan to introduce standalone legislation on this issue if the amendment is not adopted.
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