January 17, 2007: Today the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA) was re-introduced in both chambers of Congress.

In the early days of the 110th Congress the fate of our nation’s wild and domestic horses has received considerable attention on the legislative agenda. Just last week we alerted you about the introduction of HR 249 – a bill introduced by Representatives Nick Rahall and Ed Whitfield to reinstate protections for wild horses and burros.

Today the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA) was re-introduced in both chambers of Congress. This bill would prohibit the slaughter of any horse in the U.S. – wild or domestic. In September 2006, the AHSPA passed by a landslide vote of 263-146 in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the Senate did not vote on the bill before Congress adjourned.

We have a new opportunity now to continue the momentum and get this legislation through Congress. The bill was re-introduced in the House as HR 503 (same bill number as last year) by Representatives Janice Schakowsky, Ed Whitfield, Nick Rahall and John Spratt. Companion legislation was also re-introduced in the Senate by Senators Ensign and Landrieu. We are awaiting the bill number in the Senate.

Please contact your Representative in the House and your 2 Senators today and urge them to support:

• HR 249 and HR 503 in the House
• The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (bill number not yet assigned) in the Senate

To find your Members of Congress visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov. You can also be transferred directly to your Representative’s office by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

On behalf of the horses, thank you!