REFERENCE TITLE: equine resources; opposing federal legislation

State of Arizona Senate Forty-ninth Legislature First Regular Session 2009

SCM 1001

Introduced by Senators Pierce, Nelson: Allen S; Representatives Brown, Jones, Mason, Pancrazi

 

A CONCURRENT memorial

 

urging the united states congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's ability to direct the transport or processing of horses.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

To the Congress of the United States:

Your memorialist respectfully represents:

Whereas, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue and has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities throughout the United States; and

Whereas, federal legislation was introduced to amend the 1970 Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling or donation of horses and other equines for processing and other purposes; and

Whereas, the loss of secondary markets has severely impacted the livestock industry by eliminating the salvage value of horses and has significantly reduced the market value of all horses; and

Whereas, prohibitions regarding the processing of horses have resulted in significant increases in abandoned and starving animals and have had significant economic impact on the entire equine industry; and

Whereas, the increase in unwanted or unusable horses has overwhelmed private animal welfare agencies and the public’s ability to care for surplus domestic horses; and

Whereas, the annual number of unwanted or unusable surplus domestic horses is estimated to be one hundred thousand, compounding annually; and

Whereas, issues related to the humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic horses are best addressed by proper regulations and inspection and not by banning or exporting the issue; and

Whereas, state agriculture and rural leaders recognize the necessity and benefit of a state’s ability to direct the transport and processing of horses.

Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:

1.  That the United States Congress oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state’s ability to direct the transport or processing of horses.

2.  That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.