Oklahoma Poised to Lift Ban on Horse Slaughterhouses

Oklahoma is on the verge of a significant legislative change that could reignite the national debate on how to manage wild and abandoned horses. A new bill, expected to be signed by the governor, would permit the slaughter of horses in the state for meat production, a move that has sparked both support and opposition.

Legislative Developments

The bill, passed by the state Senate with a 32-14 vote, allows for the processing of horse meat within Oklahoma for export. Governor Mary Fallin is anticipated to sign the bill soon, despite resistance from animal-rights groups and a concurrent measure in the U.S. Congress aiming to ban horse slaughter nationwide.

Support and Opposition

Proponents argue that the bill offers a humane and efficient solution for horses that might otherwise be abandoned. State Senator Eddie Fields, a Republican sponsor, emphasized the rights of horse owners to manage animals they can no longer afford.

"An animal that has reached the end of its useful life may require intensive attention, expensive medicines, and even hand-feeding," he stated.

Conversely, opponents suggest alternatives like birth control to manage wild horse populations. Federal lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to ban horse-meat processing and export for slaughter.

Historical Context

Horse slaughtering was effectively banned in the U.S. from 2007 to 2011 due to a lack of funding for USDA inspections, which are necessary for slaughterhouse operations. Funding was reinstated amid concerns over the growing number of abandoned horses, leading to applications for new facilities in several states.

Oklahoma, previously one of the few states with a ban, holds about 22,000 wild horses in facilities, nearly half of the national total. The cost of maintaining these animals has soared to approximately $120,000 daily, according to the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), which opposes slaughterhouses.

Future Implications

Rep. Jim Moran, a Virginia Democrat, urged the USDA to delay facility approvals while Congress debates a ban. He expressed regret over the lapse in federal funding prohibitions for horse slaughter inspections.

Originally reported by The Wall Street Journal.