16/10/2022
Horse Killing Actively Promoted by Veterinary Associations
In Defense of Animals
The two largest veterinary organizations in the U.S. have actively and effectively stopped a law to ban the transport of horses and other equines across United States borders for slaughter in other countries. This action is unconscionable and a blatant insult to veterinarians who have pledged to protect animal welfare and prevent animal suffering. We must let these organizations, and our private veterinarians, know how disgusted we are with these actions.
The Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 19, 2021, by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) as H.R. 3355. It steadily gained co-sponsors from both parties culminating with 222 co-sponsors. It passed in the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It was waiting to be marked up for a vote in the full House of Representatives when it was derailed by veterinarians who are supposed to protect the animals' well-being. Rep. Schakowsky said the bill could not win without the support of the veterinary groups.
In Defense of Animals
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) wrote a letter to the House committee members expressing strong opposition to the bill, calling the gruesome process of horse slaughter "humane euthanasia" and a "humane alternative." It further outrageously stated that horses at a slaughter facility should be "euthanized humanely with dignity."
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), claiming it represents 95,500 veterinarians, also wrote a letter to the House committee repeating the AAEP line of opposition to the SAFE Act.
We must not be fooled by AAEP and AVMA which have been actively promoting slaughter for domestic and wild equines for many years because they profit from horse industry enterprises. The horse industry, in turn, profits from ghastly horse slaughter. Many of their veterinarian members disagree wholeheartedly with these two professional organizations on this issue.
A more ethical organization is Veterinarians for Equine Welfare, founded by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS MRCVS. In testimony for a previous version of a bill to prevent horse slaughter, Dr. Dodman stated, "Congress and the general public must hear from veterinarians that horse slaughter is not and should not be equated with humane euthanasia. Rather, the slaughtering of horses is a brutal and predatory business that promotes cruelty and neglect and which claimed the lives of more than 100,000 American horses in 2007."
Dr. Aubrey Lavizzo, a Denver veterinarian, animal welfare activist, and former VMA Veterinarian of the Year, had this to say about the AAEP and AVMA letters: “The AAEP advocates for slaughter of wild horses in spite of scientific evidence that proves the practice is inhumane. Why? AAEP is a business organization whose unstated function is to protect the economic welfare of its client members. Wild horses provide no economic benefit to AAEP members.” Many other veterinarians agree.
What YOU Can Do — TODAY:
Let veterinary associations and your personal vet know you are outraged by the AAEP and AVMA's actions to promote horse slaughter.
1. Make calls. For veterinarians who have pledged to protect animal welfare and prevent animal suffering, this action is unconscionable and a blatant affront to the profession. Whether you are the guardian of horses, other animals, or simply want to save horses and other equines from torturous death, please contact the AAEP and the AVMA today!
Call the AAEP office (800) 443-0177 and the AVMA office (800) 248-2862.
You may wish to say:
"The actions of your organization to derail the SAFE Act (H.R. 3355) do not uphold your Veterinarian's Oath to protect animal welfare and prevent animal suffering. The vast majority of the American public is horrified by your position on horse slaughter, and my personal vet/vets will be hearing about it!"
2. Act locally. Please respectfully let any and all of your personal veterinarians know how contradictory the AAEP and AVMA letters are to their oath to protect animals and prevent their suffering. If bringing this up in person isn't an effective option, consider mailing out a letter to each of them. We can supply you with a letter, and even provide them with letters to send in. These organizations care way more about what veterinarians think than anyone else, as they are the ones sending in their membership dues, so please take advantage of this opportunity to help horses avoid atrocious slaughter houses. Contact [email protected].
3. Take It to Social Media. Message the AVMA on Facebook and Twitter, and the AAEP on Facebook and Twitter.
You can write:
The actions of your organization to derail the SAFE Act (H.R. 3355) are reprehensible and do not uphold your Veterinarian's Oath to protect animal welfare and prevent animal suffering. Shame on you!
4. Write a Letter. Please send our letter to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners using the form on this page.
Sign our alert to immediately deliver your comments to:
American Association of Equine Practitioners
American Veterinary Medical Association
In Defense of Animals fully expects and strongly urges all people involved in this campaign to act responsibly and lawfully and to respect the personal interests and privacy rights and concerns of any individuals who may be affected by, or become the subject of, your protests or related efforts.
