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TO URGE CONGRESS TO OPPOSE FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT INTERFERES WITH A STATE'S ABILITY TO DIRECT THE TRANSPORT OR PROCESSING OF HORSES.
Whereas, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue that has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities in the United States; and
Whereas, federal legislation was introduced to amend the 1970 Horse Protection Act to prohibit shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating 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 had significant economic impact on the entire equine industry and have resulted in significant increases in abandoned and starving animals; 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 one hundred thousand, increasing annually; and
Whereas, issues related to humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic horses are best addressed by appropriate 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 by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the regulation of horse transport and processing should be left to the states and that Congress should not enact legislation that interferes with states' authority to regulate the transport or processing of horses.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and the members of the South Carolina Congressional delegation.
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