Oklahoma Legislature Approves Horse Slaughterhouse Bills

Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma Legislature has approved separate measures to allow horse slaughterhouses to operate within the state. This decision has sparked significant debate regarding animal welfare and the state's reputation.

Legislative Approval

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1999 with an 82-14 vote. Without debate, the Senate passed Senate Bill 375 with a 38-6 vote. These measures aim to overturn the state's previous ban on horse slaughter facilities, permitting equine slaughter only if the meat is exported internationally. The Senate bill mandates that horses destined for slaughter be sold through a livestock auction and purchased by a livestock dealer.

Arguments For and Against

Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, who authored the House version, argued that this is a humane alternative to horses being abandoned on rural roads. “Nobody wants horses to be abused. I don’t,” McNiel stated. She emphasized that without a domestic slaughter plant, horses might be abandoned or sent to Mexico for inhumane slaughter.

Conversely, Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, opposed the proposal, citing concerns about Oklahoma's image. “We’re talking about image,” Dank said. “I don’t want people thinking of Oklahoma as the state where you slaughter your horses.”

Next Steps

Although both measures have passed, neither has been considered in both houses. The House bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, while the Senate bill goes to the House.

Originally Posted By Tulsa World