Today I’d like to respond to some questions and comments that readers have sent me.
Please tell me when the legislative event in Virginia this year is? I thought I saw it online, but cannot find it now. It was July 21 or close to that. Thank you. —Gloria D.
Gloria, you’re referring to Taking Action for Animals, the nation’s largest conference for animal advocates. It will be held this year during the weekend of July 19-21, in Arlington, Virginia. I hope you will join me in the nation’s capital for keynote sessions, training workshops, more than 50 exhibitors, a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, and much more. The program is still in formation, but the banquet dinner will feature comedian Carol Leifer, U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), other leading animal advocates, and entertainment by the Capitol Steps. Check here for updates on the program and registration.
What about the news that South Dakota is willing to help with the start-up of horse slaughter plants within the state? —Melanie W.
Melanie, there was a bill in the South Dakota state legislature that would have provided a $1 million state loan to construct a new horse slaughter plant. Fortunately, this misguided and fiscally irresponsible bill appears to be dead. The Humane Society of the United States hired a lobbyist in South Dakota and sent out alerts on the issue, and lawmakers responded. All horse slaughter plants in the U.S. have been shuttered because Texas and Illinois have banned horse slaughter, and Congress has de-funded federal inspections of horse meat for human consumption. Even the South Dakota Department of Agriculture opposed the industry loan because the legality of horse slaughter is uncertain, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development questioned where the funds would come from. You can read more in this Associated Press article.
I find it appalling that you would ask that a call be made to Senator Nelson or to Senator Martinez to ask them to help with anything to stop animal cruelty when neither one of them signed the bill S. 311 sponsored by Mary Landrieu or the supporting bill H.R. 503 which closes our borders to shipping horses to Mexico and Canada for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption. Especially to Mexico where horses are stabbed in the neck until paralyzed, but not dead, then hung by their back legs, then have their throats slit and let bleed to death. Also, horses have to stand on that truck for hours in shipment to Mexico or Canada and wait in lots for days with no food or water or medical treatment in horrible pain and filthy conditions. This is what Senator Nelson and Senator Martinez would not vote against. How could you ask anyone to associate them with NON-CRUELTY?! —Carolyn B.
Carolyn, it’s important to note that both your U.S. Senators from Florida, Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, supported the pro-animal position and voted to stop horse slaughter in 2005 the last time the issue came to the Senate floor. They sided with more than two-thirds of Senators who approved legislation to stop funding inspections at horse slaughter plants. The fact that they’re not co-sponsors of the new bill doesn’t mean they don’t support the right policy. But it’s also the fact that they are not co-sponsors that means we can’t take their votes for granted. It’s especially important that they hear from citizens who care about protecting horses, so they know their constituents want them to maintain their support for ending horse slaughter. Please contact your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators today, and ask them to put a stop to the cruel exports of horses for human food.
I think that the president should adopt a homeless animal in order to set a good example for the rest of the country. Too many shelter animals are killed. —Ellie
Ellie, I couldn’t agree with you more. As I wrote in my blog about presidential pets, when it comes to spaying and neutering, veterinary care, and related topics, the power of a president’s example as a responsible caregiver can be significant. Most presidents have had pets in the White House, and we hope the next president will send a strong, humane message by adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group.
If you have a question about HSLF, offer a comment through the blog or email your query. I may post it in a future blog.
