Butcher’s Horse Slaughter HB 418 Passes Out of Ag Committee
by jhwygirl
An unfortunate vote.
Despite overwhelming opponent testimony focused on the poor environmental portion of HB418, the bill passed out of the Senate Agriculture committee with a 7-2 vote.
Senators Cliff Larson (D-Missoula) and Gary Branae (D-Billings) were the NO votes.
Thank you, Senator Larson, Senator Branae.
Unfortunately, this one will go to the floor. Probably Thursday. Now is the time to contact the Senators in anticipation of that floor vote.
If you need more information on this vile bill, check this link out. Those posts will provide you with additional information, along with other posts elsewhere around the Montana blogosphere.
This page takes you to an interactive map where you can figure out who represents you…or you can go to project vote smart. Here is a link to all State Senators, where their contact information is available.
You can also call the Session Information Desk at 406-444-4800 to leave a message for as many as five legislators per call. Your message will be delivered directly to the legislators. The TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number is 406-444-4462.
Barring amendments to that bill that remove the restrictions on MEPA and judicial challenges, this bill is one that has been cited as a violation of Montana’s guaranteed right to a clean and healthful environment.
Considering where this legislature is heading, folks – people might want to consider dropping a few bucks to Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) – one of the many organizations that is up there in Helena, daily, providing thoughtful, educated testimony on each and every one of these horrible environmental bills. This sinking economy has had its impact on this fine organization, and they are still working hard despite their cuts. MEIC’s Anne Hedges has said that these bad bills will result in litigation. They’re going to need all the help they an get.
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March 18, 2009 at 9:13 am
Yes indeed, THANK YOU to Senators Cliff Larsen and Gary Branae for attempting to protect the people of Montana, if not necessarily the horses. (Do we know why Sen. Branae voted against it?)
I became nearly physically sick reading the article in today’s Missoulian. The disrespect shown to horses in the very language used to discuss their fate is appalling (I realize that this understanding is beyond the ethical grasp of Butcher, Brown, et al). And then the stupidity–to once again open the door wide to an industry with horrendous records, to invite it to Montana to plunder and despoil, and to curtail Montanans’ rights to protest…this is criminal.
March 23, 2009 at 6:01 pm
There is currently a huge overpopulation of horses in the United States and something must be done. Horses are being abandoned to starve because they have absolutely no value and their owners can not afford to feed them in these extremely difficult economic times. A slaughter facility will not only help to alleviate this enormous overpopulation, but will also provide jobs for struggling citizens. There are not enough “rescue” groups or “sanctuary” organizations to take care of these horses. The few horses that are managing to sell at auction are only selling for incredibly low amounts, such as $10.00. When slaughter houses were allowed, these prices were around $800.00.
When horse slaughter is handled properly, it is humane for the animals. Currently, many horses from the United States are shipped hundreds of miles to Mexico, where they are slaughtered cruelly with a knife to the spinal. In the United States the slaughter of horses was regulated in order to prevent unnecessary suffering while helping to keep the population down. There are many slaughter plants throughout the country for other livestock (cattle, swine, sheep), why can’t there be at lease ONE for horses that will allow this industry to survive?
Many people who are anti-slaughter supporters do not understand how the horse industry works and they refuse to see the negative effects that banning slaughter has had on the horse industry of the United State.
The currently dismal state of the horse industry will only get worse if no action is taken to allow slaughter houses to reopen.
March 26, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Thank you Dan- I currently care for 150 horses on a daily basis. In fact, I am getting ready to go outside again in blizzard conditions (temperature is 19). Many people and organizations (HSUS) want to continue the ban on horse slaughter, but are unwilling to put their money where their mouth is and care for the horses that are suffering due to this legislation. Visit http://www.amillionhorses.com or http://www.projectspirit.org to see for yourself!