— Banner Day for Animals in Senate as Amendment Offered by Senators Ensign and Byrd Passes by Overwhelming Vote of 68-29 —

WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today praised the U.S. Senate for its 68-29 passage of an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill prohibiting the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses for food exports. The bipartisan amendment was introduced by Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), a veterinarian by profession, and Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), and was cosponsored by Sens. Jim DeMint (R-SC), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Trent Lott (R-MS), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

“Every year, more than 90,000 American horses – thoroughbreds, family ponies, and others – are slaughtered for human consumption abroad in countries such as France, Belgium, and Japan,” said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States. “These magnificent creatures have been part of the fabric of American life for centuries. They faithfully plowed our fields, carried our loads, and helped us in war and peace