Proposed bill would end horse slaughter.
Proposed bill would end horse slaughter
By Benji Feldheim - Staff Writer
State Rep. Bob Molaro, D-Chicago, introduced a bill on Thursday to end
horse slaughter in Illinois.
The bill prohibits transportation of horses into the state for the sole
purpose of slaughter for human consumption.
According to state Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, this is the third
bill of this nature proposed by Molaro. The past two bills were
defeated.
“There are totally inappropriate reasons for this legislation,”
said Jim
Tucker, manager of the Cavel plant. “Arguments for it say stolen
horses
are brought to the plant, and the horses are treated inhumanely. We
have
inspectors who check horses when they arrive and examine the carriers
they rode in on to make sure they are not being hurt. We've never had a
stolen horse brought to us.”
Pritchard said he has not seen Molaro's bill, but has opposed similar
bills before.
“If we live in a free society, we shouldn't diminish freedom of
choice
and opportunity,” said Pritchard, in regard to the new bill. “The
issue
needs to be more clearly identified beyond people's tastes and
preferences. We can't make laws based on preferences.”
State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, also has not examined the new bill,
but was against it in the past.
“I've been supportive of Cavel to maintain status as a viable
business
in this community,” said Burzynski. “If the plant was shut down, it
would be a great loss of jobs and revenue for this area and for the
state. It's possible the bill could be seen as unconstitutional if it
violates interstate commerce laws. This is an attempt by Molaro to
simply appease people against slaughter.”
If passed, the new law would force Cavel to shut down. The bill is
supported by Gov. Rod Blagojevitch and the Illinois Department of
Agriculture. Federal bills that would prohibit horse slaughter for
human
consumption are pending.
Benji Feldheim can be read at bfeldheim@daily-chronicle.com
By Benji Feldheim - Staff Writer
State Rep. Bob Molaro, D-Chicago, introduced a bill on Thursday to end
horse slaughter in Illinois.
The bill prohibits transportation of horses into the state for the sole
purpose of slaughter for human consumption.
According to state Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, this is the third
bill of this nature proposed by Molaro. The past two bills were
defeated.
“There are totally inappropriate reasons for this legislation,”
said Jim
Tucker, manager of the Cavel plant. “Arguments for it say stolen
horses
are brought to the plant, and the horses are treated inhumanely. We
have
inspectors who check horses when they arrive and examine the carriers
they rode in on to make sure they are not being hurt. We've never had a
stolen horse brought to us.”
Pritchard said he has not seen Molaro's bill, but has opposed similar
bills before.
“If we live in a free society, we shouldn't diminish freedom of
choice
and opportunity,” said Pritchard, in regard to the new bill. “The
issue
needs to be more clearly identified beyond people's tastes and
preferences. We can't make laws based on preferences.”
State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, also has not examined the new bill,
but was against it in the past.
“I've been supportive of Cavel to maintain status as a viable
business
in this community,” said Burzynski. “If the plant was shut down, it
would be a great loss of jobs and revenue for this area and for the
state. It's possible the bill could be seen as unconstitutional if it
violates interstate commerce laws. This is an attempt by Molaro to
simply appease people against slaughter.”
If passed, the new law would force Cavel to shut down. The bill is
supported by Gov. Rod Blagojevitch and the Illinois Department of
Agriculture. Federal bills that would prohibit horse slaughter for
human
consumption are pending.
Benji Feldheim can be read at bfeldheim@daily-chronicle.com