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After a five-year ban, Congress has recently restored funding for USDA inspection of horse slaughter. This decision opens the doors for slaughterhouses to legally butcher horses for human consumption, including shipment to overseas markets.

As of November 30, 2011, pro-slaughter activists estimate that slaughterhouses could open within one to three months. Dave Duquette, president of pro-slaughter group United Horsemen, claims, "I have personally probably five to 10 investors that I could call right now if I had a plant ready to go."

Horse racers, rodeo owners and carriage companies are to blame for the current overpopulation of horses. Due to the recent economy, many private owners are in a position to sell or give away their horses. Horse Feathers Equine Rescue owner Cheri White Owl is concerned that if slaughterhouses open, owners will sell their horses there rather than seeking out an animal sanctuary.

Horses are beautiful animals that have served humans faithfully for centuries. USDA inspections enable the slaughter of these creatures. Please sign the petition to stop funding horse slaughter inspections.