SAFE Act of 2023 Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act of 2023
If passed, this bill would fundamentally change how equines are regarded under U.S. agricultural law, aligning their status more closely with that of dogs and cats. It aims to eliminate the practice of slaughtering equines for food, which has been a contentious ethical issue in American society. The bill is expected to support a broader movement seeking improved welfare standards for animals used in agriculture and could lead to increased scrutiny of how these animals are raised and treated throughout their lives.
SB2037, titled the 'Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act of 2023', proposes to amend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 by prohibiting the slaughter of equines for human consumption. This legislation seeks to extend protections to equines similarly to existing laws that safeguard companion animals such as dogs and cats. Introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, the bill reflects growing concern over the treatment of equines within the agriculture system and the desire to enhance their welfare through legislative measures.
The introduction of SB2037 has sparked a divided response among stakeholders. Proponents argue that equines are deserving of the same protections as other companion animals and that slaughter for consumption is inhumane. Conversely, critics of the bill express concerns over potential economic repercussions for those involved in equine breeding and care, suggesting that it could lead to unintended consequences, such as neglect or abandonment of horses due to reduced viable options for their management. The debate over this bill highlights ongoing tensions between animal welfare advocates and agricultural interests.