Governor Hochul signs a law preventing New York horses from being sold and transported for slaughter, acknowledging the cruelty and inhumanity of this practice. The new law strengthens prior legislation, impacting all horses.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent signing of S.2163-B into law has marked a significant step in preventing the sale and transport of horses for slaughter in New York. This momentous decision reflects a crucial shift towards animal welfare, as reported by World Animal News.
The newly enacted law, championed by Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Senator Joseph Addabbo, builds on a 2021 prohibition against the sale or transport of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses for slaughter. It extends this protection to all horse breeds, recognizing the inherent cruelty in their transport and slaughter.
The legislation addresses the harrowing conditions horses face during transportation to slaughterhouses, where they are subjected to overcrowded trailers without access to essentials like food, water, or rest. Furthermore, their slaughter process, owing to their physiology, often involves repeated blows, leading to prolonged suffering.
This move aligns with public sentiment, with an overwhelming 83% of Americans opposing horse slaughter for human consumption. The law seeks to prevent horses from being sent to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, where tens of thousands met this fate annually.
The ASPCA emphasizes that over 2.3 million Americans have the means and willingness to adopt horses, potentially offering a home to the 20,000 American horses sent for slaughter last year. The law reinforces the idea that these horses could have found alternative homes or received compassionate end-of-life care if given the opportunity.
The legislation’s impact extends beyond preventing immediate cruelty; it supports the equine adoption community’s efforts and alleviates fears among horse owners about their animals ending up in the slaughter pipeline.
This law not only addresses the direct plight of horses but also affects horse owners, rescue groups, and the broader equine community, highlighting the significance of safeguarding horses and respecting their welfare.
Governor Hochul’s decisive action signifies a fundamental shift towards protecting equine welfare. The law stands as a beacon against horse slaughter, inspiring further advocacy and reforms for the betterment of equine lives.
As New York leads the charge against horse slaughter, it underscores the critical need for comprehensive laws and ongoing advocacy to ensure the humane treatment and protection of equines across the nation.
Based on reporting from World Animal News