@suzanagartner
As an animal advocate and horse lover, I’ve been speaking up for silenced horses and calling for their protection for years. In fact, I dedicated an entire chapter to horses and banning horse slaughter in my first book, A Voice for Animals. I highlighted the issue of horse slaughter as a terrible tragedy and an ongoing problem in the U.S.
Sadly, each year, thousands of innocent horses are sent to slaughterhouses, many of them shipped overseas to countries where horse meat is considered a delicacy. These silenced horses, often retired racehorses, often neglected animals, or those abandoned by horse riders that no longer want to ride them, have suffered an injury, and caregivers that no longer want them. They are discarded and treated as inanimate objects for humane use and they suffer immensely. Horses are deeply intuitive and emotionally complex creatures and treating them like objects is horrible and heartbreaking. Some of them are sold at auctions and treated inhumanely during transport without water and then sent to slaughter. But there is renewed hope for them to be saved! The SAFE Act (Save America’s Forgotten Equines) can ban horse slaughter and the export of horses.
The good news is that the SAFE Act has been reintroduced to Congress in Feb. 2025 to protect horses from the inhumane practice of horse slaughter one day before National Horse Protection Day which was celebrated on March 1st. This bill seeks to end the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the United States. Its growing momentum and the public’s interest to protect horses, addressing the growing concerns over the unethical treatment of horses, the health risks posed by shipping and slaughtering horses, and the public outrage is gaining attention. This legislation is pivotal toward protecting and preserving the dignity of horses as well as preventing their exploitation for human profit. The bill also includes further horse protection provisions.
A Heartwarming Story: Beautiful Bella Saved from Slaughter
Bella is a beautiful mare, once loved and cared for, but after years of working hard on a farm and belonging with a family, when she was older it became clear that she was no longer useful to her caregivers. Sadly and shockingly, they sold her to a slaughterhouse, where she faced an uncertain and terrifying future. A group of animal advocates stepped in just in time, saving Bella from the slaughterhouse. She was rehabilitated and adopted by a loving family, where she now lives out her days in peace and safety on another farm. Bella’s story is one of hope, but not every horse is so lucky. In fact, thousands of horses are not saved in time, and they face unimaginable suffering.
The SAFE Act is our chance to protect horses like Bella from such a fate. We can’t let these majestic creatures continue to suffer. The SAFE Act is a critical step in ensuring that no horse ends up at a slaughterhouse, forced to endure the horrors of transport and inhumane slaughter.
How to Help Other Horses! It’s time to pass the SAFE Act
For the SAFE Act to succeed, here are a few suggestions:
- Legislative Support: More co-sponsors and backing in Congress. We need animal lovers across the country to rally behind this bill. Show your support by contacting politicians.
- Public Awareness: The more people know about this horror and understand the cruelty of horse slaughter, the greater the pressure on lawmakers to act.
- Contacting Senators and Representatives: Politicians need to hear from people. Please reach out by making phone calls, sending emails, and petitions can make a real difference.
- A Strong Online Presence: Sharing information on social media about this tragedy, writing articles such as this one, and signing and sharing petitions helps to increase visibility and build momentum.
How You Can Help:
The success of the SAFE Act depends on all of us. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Sign the Petition: Sign here to support the SAFE Act
- Contact Your Elected Officials: Urge them to support the SAFE Act.
- Share the Message: Spread the word by sharing this blog post on social media and educating others about the importance of the SAFE Act.
- Donate to Advocacy Groups: Support organizations like the Humane Society, ASPCA, and others working for the SAFE Act’s passage.
Conclusion:
The SAFE Act is a chance to end the cruelty of horse slaughter in the U.S. Horses deserve a better life of dignity, compassion and respect. It’s time we stand up for them. Leaders like Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Vern Buchanan, and others have been championing horses and the SAFE Act, advocating for the protection of horses and the end of this horrific practice. Their dedication gives us hope that real change is possible, and with your support, we can ensure that this critical piece of legislation finally becomes law.
The future is brighter for horses like Bella, but also those that can have a second chance like her and together, we can help make sure that no horse ever faces the horrors of slaughter again. By signing the petition, sharing the message, and reaching out to your representatives, you’re contributing to a movement that will make a lasting difference.
Please take a moment to sign the petition and make your voice heard. Every signature counts to protect these silenced horses from slaughter and ensure they have a safe, compassionate future.
Sign one of the petitions below and help spread the word:
Sign here to support the SAFE Act
Sign here to support the SAFE Act
Let’s stand together for America’s forgotten equines and give them the future they deserve. 💙