FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 19

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

0981L.01I

      Whereas, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue and has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities throughout the United States; and

            Whereas, federal legislation was introduced to amend the 1970 Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines for processing and other purposes; and

            Whereas, the loss of secondary markets has severely impacted the livestock industry by eliminating the salvage value of horses and has significantly reduced the market value of all horses; and

            Whereas, prohibitions regarding the processing of horses have resulted in significant increases in abandoned and starving animals and have had significant economic impact on the entire equine industry; and

            Whereas, the increase in unwanted or unusable horses has overwhelmed private animal welfare agencies and the public's ability to care for surplus domestic horses; and

            Whereas, the annual number of unwanted or unusable surplus domestic horses is estimated to be 100,000, compounding annually; and

            Whereas, issues related to the humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic horses are best addressed by proper regulations and inspection and not by banning or exporting the issue; and

            Whereas, state agriculture and rural leaders recognize the necessity and benefit of a state's ability to direct the transport and processing of horses:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fifth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's ability to direct the transport or processing of horses; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Barack Obama, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.