State Senate Committee Advances Bill on Commercial Horse Slaughter

A state Senate committee has unanimously passed a bill to allow the operation of horse slaughterhouses in Oklahoma. This decision has sparked significant controversy, with animal welfare advocates raising concerns about the implications for both animal rights and public health.

Senate Bill 375 Passes Committee

Senate Bill 375, authored by Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, passed the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee with a 9-0 vote, without debate or question. The bill includes provisions to ensure that meat produced at equine slaughterhouses would be consumed only outside the state, and that animals could only be brought to facilities through livestock auctions and dealers, preventing direct sales to slaughterhouses.

Opposition from Animal Welfare Advocates

Cynthia Armstrong, state director of the Humane Society of the United States, criticized the bill, stating that the changes do not mitigate its negative impact. She emphasized Oklahoma City's reputation as the 'Horse Show Capital of the World' and expressed concern about it becoming known as the 'Dead Horse Capital of the U.S.'

"Horse meat is toxic, and horse slaughterhouses are filthy and inhumane," Armstrong said.

Armstrong highlighted that no horse slaughterhouses currently operate in the United States due to past issues, including environmental violations. She also noted that American horses are not raised for food and are often treated with drugs that make their meat unsafe for consumption.

Public Opinion and Legislative Process

Despite the committee's support, Armstrong believes public opinion will prevent the bill from becoming law. A 2012 poll by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 80% of American voters oppose the slaughter of U.S. horses for human consumption.

"I think the word is just getting out about these two pieces of legislation," Armstrong said. "When the word gets out, the public will speak out, and I'm sure the representatives will hear loud and clear."

The next step for Allen's bill is consideration by the full Senate. Meanwhile, a state House committee is scheduled to review a similar proposal, House Bill 1999, on Tuesday.

Originally Posted By Tulsa World