Smith Statement On Lifting Of Horse Processing Ban

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today issued the following statement following passage of a conference report which would allow for the restoration of USDA-sponsored inspections of horse processing facilities:

“For the first time since 2005, the de-facto ban on horse processing has been taken off the table. While we have a long way to go, responsible processing represents a vital first step in reversing the unintended consequences to blame for the dismal state of neglected horses and their frustrated caregivers across our country. Reinstating a humane, accountable, and legal management tool is good for horses, good for owners, and is good policy.”

Background:

The conference report is a major appropriations bill which would fund several government agencies for Fiscal Year 2012 and provide short-term funding for the rest of the federal government through December 16. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote and is awaiting action in the Senate. A recent GAO report revealed the ban on horse processing resulted in a number of unintended consequences harmful not only for landowners and industry, but also for the well-being of horses in general.

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