This is sad. It's very upsetting to me that it is illegal in the United Stated to eat horsemeat, but that it is not illegal in the United States to slaughter horses for consumption if it's being shipped off to another country.
I think, at best, it's hypocritical.
ILLINOIS HORSE SLAUGHTERHOUSE BACK IN BUSINESS
The nation's last slaughterhouse producing horse meat for human consumption is fighting to continue killing horses by alleging that the new Illinois law (Public Act 95-0002) criminalizing their business is inherently unconstitutional
"Last year, over 100,000 American horses were killed in the United States and shipped to Europe and Japan for human consumption. A Belgian company, Cavel International, runs one of our country’s few remaining horse slaughter plants near DeKalb, IL."
"The transport of horses to slaughter houses is often inhumane, and many horses are injured even before reaching the slaughter plant due to overcrowded conditions. Some are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest. In addition, the methods used to slaughter these horses once they arrive at the plant often do not result in a quick death. The horses are often forced to endure repeated stuns or blows, and often remain conscious during their slaughter. "
If you haven't visited the ASPCA website, it's well worth the visit, lots of great information and even shopping!
