"While USCA understands that horse slaughter is an emotionally charged issue," said USCA President Jon Wooster, "the proposed ban highlights matters that the equine industry must come to terms with.  The current legislation does not offer reasonable solutions to the issue of managing unwanted horses.  Instead it presents the equine industry and the livestock production sector with unintended consequences that must be remedied."

Disposing of the euthanatized horse carcasses creates environmental and wildlife concerns that must be considered. Chemical agents used in the process can kill scavenger species.  Also, burial is not permitted in many areas because chemicals can contaminate the soil, and cremation can cost $1500 per animal, which is an expense not many horse owners cannot afford.

"USCA urges Congress to consider the serious consequences of passing legislation that requires the cessation of horse disposal," said Wooster. "Humane societies and animal shelters in communities and municipalities across the nation are already stretched to the limit with unwanted animals. Placing additional burdens on agencies that are already underfunded, understaffed and unprepared for the consequences of this legislation is something Congress must give thoughtful consideration to before taking action."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which also opposes the ban, horse rescue and retirement facilities in the U.S. have a maximum capacity of about 6,000 horses. Under current circumstances, it would be an impossible task to expand facilities or create new ones that could accommodate the 100,000 horses every year that are unwanted. These facilities are not federally regulated so there is no way to ensure the horses living there receive adequate care.

As evidenced in the Horse Welfare Coalition Fiscal Impact document, and as the U.S. has already experienced in the process of trying to manage wild mustangs in the western U.S., the cumulative cost incurred for the care of a large number of horses is high.

"The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act does not provide the financial support required to ensure that horses given up by their owners will be adequately cared for, and inadequate funding has a huge potential to create opportunities for inadequate care. Allowing a horse to die from starvation or disease is cruel," said Wooster.

"Much of the public debate over the ban on horse slaughter has become emotionally charged rather than offering sound solutions to the problem of unwanted horses. Instead of passing legislation that creates more economic, animal welfare, and environmental problems, USCA urges Congress to defeat S.311 and H.R. 503."

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.