It appears from their actions that the Senators in the Texas Senate are not real Texans.

A real Texan would not condone and permit the slaughter of horses.

A real Texan would do everything they could to protect horses.

A real Texan has integrity and would never go against the wishes of the people who elected them and pass legislation in opposition to the will of the people of Texas.

A real Texan would not in secret pass an amendment behind closed doors during the night without any discussion in such an underhanded manner not going face to face with the people of Texas.

This underhanded, backstabbing move is equal to what comes out of the rear end of a chicken.

Proof the Texas Senators are not real Texans.

Did the Texas Senate accept contributions for re-election from horse slaughter lobbies thinking the people of Texas were stupid and wouldn’t find out they were sold out?

Who does the Texas Senate work for?

The people of Texas or the foreign owners of the horse slaughter plants?

The Texas Senate is posing as Texans.

The Texas Senate is giving Texas a bad reputation.

Have you guys forgotten the Alamo and what Texas represents?

It’s time for Texans to stand up and let these posers know they’ve been busted.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Texas Senate, Without Debate, Inserts Language
Legalizing Horse Slaughter into S. 911

Austin, TX (May 9, 2007) The Texas State Senate last night approved an amendment to S. 911, with the aim of overturning the state’s 1949 law that makes the practice of horse slaughter illegal, without any debate. This action comes just months after a federal appellate court ruled that a 1949 Texas statute bans the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Animal protection groups, horse industry organizations and leaders, equine and rank-and-file veterinarians are calling for the House to reject this legislation and to maintain the ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.

“Texas citizens overwhelmingly oppose horse slaughter,” said Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. “A 2003 Texas voter poll showed that 72 percent of Texans oppose horse slaughter for human consumption, and 77 percent would vote against any member of the legislature who supported a repeal of the existing horse slaughter ban.”

Horse slaughter plants are a drain on the local economy. The two Texas horse slaughter plants are foreign-owned and employ fewer than 130 low-paid, mostly migrant workers. The slaughter process requires US Department of Agriculture inspectors, costing US taxpayers hundred of thousands of dollars. In addition, the horse slaughter plants use accounting loopholes to pay little or no US taxes sending all their profits to their foreign owners while causing economic strain on local communities.

“Texas has a good strong law against slaughter that reflects the attitudes of the people of the state,” said Ed Sayres, president & CEO, ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). “We must not let a measure that did not even go up for debate overturn what the people find inhumane and unacceptable.”

“We hope that Texas legislators oppose this amendment or any other attempt to legalize horse slaughter in the State of Texas,” said Chris Heyde, deputy legislative director of the Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL). “Protecting our horses from slaughter is a priority for Texans and all Americans.”

CONTACT:
Shonali Burke (ASPCA) – 212-876-7700 x4565
Rachel Querry (HSUS) – 301-258-8255
Chris Heyde (SAPL) – 703-836-4300

Please note that photographs and footage of horse transport and slaughter are available upon request. More information on the issue is available at www.saplonline.org.