ABERCROMBIE’S STRONG PITCH TO END SLAUGHTER
The Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill criminalizing the transportation of horses for the purpose of slaughtering them for human consumption. The action, by voice vote, came less than 24 hours after Josephine Abercrombie, a prominent Kentucky Thoroughbred owner and breeder, sent a letter (co-signed by 45 others) to Judiciary Committee chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and ranking member Lamar Smith (R-Texas), urging passage of the bill over the “neutral” position taken by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association one week earlier. The bill, H.R. 6598, known as the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008, now moves to the House floor.
Abercrombie’s letter (shown below) seemed to trump an earlier letter by NTRA president Alex Waldrop, which said the NTRA had “concerns with the bill and potential unintended consequences.” The NTRA had previously supported anti-slaughter legislation filed but not passed in 2003; Waldrop’s letter did not address other anti-slaughter bills currently under consideration. Abercrombie and her co-signors urged support of all anti-slaughter legislation currently before the 110th Congress. “We and so many others in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing community strongly support all legislative initiatives, including H.R. 503, S. 311, and H.R. 6598, which will bring horse slaughter to a swift end,” Abercrombie wrote. “We want you to know that the NTRA’s position is not representative of the larger community.”
There currently are no slaughter plants operating in the U.S., the two in Texas having been shut down by a court ruling and a plant in Illinois shuttered after a state law was passed. There has been an increase in the number of horses being transported across the borders into Canada and Mexico, however, and H.R. 6598 provides enforcement for federal officials to end that. Horses confiscated would be under the jusisdiction of the attorney general, who, according to the bill, “shall provide for the humane placement or other humane disposition of any horse seized.”
Among those who signed the letter with Abercrombie are the owners of such well-known horses as reigning Horse of the Year Curlin (Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson), Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year Sunday Silence (Arthur and Staci Hancock, along with breeders Deborah and Thomas Tatham), Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide (Jackson Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable), Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos (Debby and John Oxley, along with breeder James Squires), Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones (Pat Chapman), and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro (Gretchen and Roy Jackson). Others who signed the letter include Racing Hall of Fame members Nick Zito (trainer of multiple Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown race winners); jockey Gary Stevens (multiple Kentucky Derby winner); and Julie Krone (Belmont Stakes winner and all-time leading female rider).
In addition, a number of the individuals who signed the letter have strong ties to Texas or Oklahoma, where opposition to the anti-slaughter legislation has been the strongest. Included in that list are Abercrombie, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Ford, Janice and Robert McNair, Debby and John Oxley, Madeleine Paulson Pickens (wife of T. Boone Pickens), and Deborah and Thomas Tatham.
Following is the text of the letter from Josephine Abercrombie and the list of co-signors.
Sept. 23, 2008
Dear Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith:
Last week, during a Judiciary Committee mark up of H.R. 6598 – the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008, it was revealed that the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) does not support current legislation to ban horse slaughter. Needless to say, we were surprised at the revelation and disappointed by the reasons NTRA put forward, none of which are valid.
As Thoroughbred industry leaders who have long supported all Congressional actions to end this cruel industry, we were disappointed that the NTRA voiced unfounded concerns to those who support the slaughter of horses thus jeopardizing the passage of this legislation. We and so many others in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing community strongly support all legislative initiatives, including H.R. 503, S. 311, and H.R. 6598, which will bring horse slaughter to a swift end. We want you to know that the NTRA’s position is not representative of the larger community.
We commend you, Chairman Conyers, for providing this bill with a fair hearing, which has allowed it to move to this point. Given the narrow opportunity to act before Congress adjourns, we hope that H.R. 6598 can swiftly be moved from Committee to the floor of the full House of Representatives for final consideration. This bill is too important for politics to delay its enactment. Every five minutes an American horse is slaughtered. This bill can stop that.
H.R. 6598 is a sound bill that puts enforcement into the hands of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its agents who are trained and staffed to deal with criminal issues. We feel confident that the DOJ has the necessary experience in dealing with large animal confiscations having led such high profile investigations involving animal fighting, Class B Dealers, and puppy mills. As with other statutes, under H.R. 6598, the DOJ has the authority to ask for assistance from other federal, state and non-governmental agencies during its enforcement of the law and this flexibility has shown to be highly effective.
Under a close examination of the concerns asserted by those opposing the bill, we can see no legitimate reason not to pass this legislation. As representatives of the Thoroughbred industry we look forward to the next Committee mark up of H.R. 6598 and urge you to pass H.R. 6598 as written, without amendments, as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Peggy Augustus, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Keswick Stables, Keswick, VA;
Betty and Gary Biszantz, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Cobra Farm, Lexington, KY and Solana Beach, CA;
Nadia Sanan Briggs, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Padua Stables, Ocala, FL;
Anne and Cot Campbell, Thoroughbred owners, Dogwood Stable, Aiken, SC;
Pat Chapman, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Someday Farm, Doylestown, PA;
Jenny Craig, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Rancho Paseana, Rancho Santa Fe, CA;
Carol Farmer, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Shadowlawn Farm, Midway, KY;
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Ford, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Diamond A Farms, Versailles, KY;
Maegan Ford, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Diamond A Farms, Versailles, KY;
Staci and Arthur Hancock, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Stone Farm, Paris, KY;
Mark Hennig, Thoroughbred owner and trainer, Garden City, NY;
Sara Jones Hill, Thoroughbred owner, Coconut Grove, FL;
Gretchen and Roy Jackson, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Lael Farm, West Grove, PA;
Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Stonestreet Farm, Lexington, KY;
Jackson W. Knowlton, Thoroughbred owner, managing partner, Sackatoga Stable, Saratoga Springs, NY;
Julie Krone, Racing Hall of Fame jockey, Los Angeles, CA;
Janice and Robert McNair, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Stonerside Stables, Houston, TX;
Ellen Moelis and Herbert I Moelis, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Candyland Farm, Middletown, DE;
Maggi Moss, Thoroughbred owner, Moss Equestrians, Des Moines, Iowa;
Joanne and Paul Oreffice, Thoroughbred owners, Dogwood Stables, Paradise Valley, AZ;
Debby and John Oxley, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Fawn Leap Farm, Midway, KY;
Madeleine Paulson Pickens, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Rancho Santa Fe, CA;
Dan Rosenberg, Rosenberg Thoroughbred Consulting,, Midway, KY;
James D. Squires, Two Bucks Farm, Versailles, KY;
Angie Athayde-Stevens, Thoroughbred consultant, Los Angeles, CA;
Gary Stevens, Racing Hall of Fame jockey; Los Angeles, CA;
Deborah W. Tatham and Thomas P. Tatham, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Oak Cliff Breeders, Houston, TX;
Melanie and Jeffrey Tucker, Stone Bridge Farm, Schuylerville, NY;
Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Lexington, KY and Saratoga Springs, NY;
Kim and Nick Zito, Thoroughbred owner and trainer, Lexington, KY and Saratoga Springs, NY.
Copyright © 2008, The Paulick Report
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Tags: Angie Athayde-Stevens, Anne and Cot Campbell, anti-slaughter legislation, Barbaro, Betty and Gary Biszantz, Carol Farmer, congressional hearings, Curlin, Dan Rosenberg, Debby and John Oxley, Deborah Tatham, Department of Justice, Ellen Moelis, funny cide, Gary Stevens, Gerald Ford, Gretchen and Roy Jackson, H.R. 503, h.r. 6598, Herb Moelis, horse slaughter, Jackson Knowlton, James Squires, Janice and Robert McNair, Jenny Craig, Joanne and Paul Oreffice, John Adger, john conyers, john hendrickson, Josephine Abercrombie, judiciary committee, Julie Krone, Kim and Nick Zito, Lamar Smith, Madeleine Paulson Pickens, Maegan Ford, maggi moss, Mark Hennig, marylou whitney, Melanie and Jeffrey Tucker, monarchos, Nadia Sanan Briggs, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, NTRA, Pat Chapman, Paulick Report, Peggy Augustus, prevention of equine cruelty act, Ray Paulick, S. 311, Sara Jones Hill, Smarty Jones, Staci and Arthur Hancock, sunday silence, Thomas P. Tatham
September 24th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Fantastic! A large group of thoughtful horse industry participants with a stronger more meaningful voice than the special interests platform commonly referred to as the NTRA.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I am so Proud of all of those that signed the letter supporting the bill, H.R.6598. This is a Great Accomplishment! Now, we the horse lovers need to urge Congress to pass the bill. I have visited several Thoroughbred Rescue Foundations, and it is amazing how these horses adjust to a new lifestyle. They deserve another chance at life and there are people that will adopt them! So don’t be fooled thinking they will go unwanted. Thank You for those that support the bill to stop Horse Slaughter!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Thank you for posting this letter. Bravo and sincere appreciation to these prominent people in the sport, who continue to take a stand for the welfare of the horse. It gives those of us whose names aren’t known even more hope that our collective and sustained efforts can make a difference.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Wonderful! What happens next? Will Congress act? Does the Senate also have to act in some way? I wish the Report would write something explaining exactly what needs to happen for this proposed legislation to become law. My understanding is that at least one anti-slaughter bill has come out of committee in a previous session of Congress but that in the end nothing positive was done and that if legislation doesn’t pass during the session in which the bill comes out of committee, the whole process has to begin again. Please explain.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am glad to see so many owners/trainers taking a stance on ending the cruel slaughter of their Thoroughbreds. I can only hope this bill passes, every day another 288 horses are slaughtered, I wish some of the QH owners/breeders would voice their concern over the slaghter of their breed, these two breeds are the most common at the slaughter auctions. If anyone is on the fence on this bill, please go to a slaughter auction and look into the eyes of the victims, tell them the terrifying journey they have begun is a humane ending to their lives.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Excellent letter! And great thanks to all those who had the insight and courage to sign on to this effort. These folks are the true heroes of the racing industry.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Noelle, the bill has to be voted on by the House now it is out of committee. this must happen very soon to be effective. the senate would then need to vote on the bill before it could become law. we are in a time crunch.
that being said, we still have a chance, and this letter is simply fantastic. horsemen do not support horse slaughter, this letter supports that!
September 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
one can’t help but emphatihize with those who mean well, but: a couple of questions: what happens to the, cumulatively speaking, thousands of horses that leave racing with injuries that preclude them from any useful life? how many horses will be left to suffer or die painfully because no one is willing to pay for their upkeep? will all these horses be supported by those who clearly want to do the right thing by the horse, but may not have thought through the consequences? humans have a sad history of ditching what they don’t need or want and, in this well intentioned effort, i can envisage some suprisingly negative outcomes, unfortunately, which may not , in aggregate, produce less suffering and neglect. in fact, i fear the term ‘abandoned racehorse’ may become a common headliner term. i hope i am wrong, but from what i have seen in this industry, i fear not.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Many provisions can be made for horses besides knocking them in the head with a bolt, or stabbing them repeatedly with daggers, etc.
Those are some of the “humane” ways of horse slaughter.
Thank God our Congress has a chance to act. A horse is slaughtered about every 5 minutes, so while our Congress delays, think of the deaths.
These people want to classify horses with cattle and sheep and I’m tired of them getting away with such nonsense.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Notice the the names MISSING? The people that CONTROL THIS INDUSTRY.
WILL FARISH (LANE’S END, KEENELAND, JOCKEY CLUB)
OGDEN PHIPPS (JOCKEY CLUB)
SETH HANCOCK (CLAIBORNE)
BRERETON JONES (AIRDRIE STUD)
JIMMY BELL (PRESIDENT DARLEY)
ROBERT CLAY (THREE CHIMNEYS)
JOHN SIKURA (HILL N DALE)
TOM LUDT (VINERY)
NICK NICHOLSON (KEENELAND)
DUNCAN TAYLOR (TAYLOR MADE FARM)
REYNOLDS BELL (BLOODSTOCK AGENT)
HEADLEY BELL (MILL RIDGE)
ALICE CHANDLER (MILL RIDGE), ETC. ETC, ETC……..
September 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
LCM…To be fair to the people you have listed, it isn’t known who was asked to sign the letter written by Josephine Abercrombie. For all we know, some of the people you have listed may very well be supporters of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008.
However, to determine which major industry organizations and companies have taken positions on slaughter and the current anti-slaughter legislation, the Paulick Report has sent brief questionnaires to executives at the following organizations/companies: Association of Racing Commissioners International, Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs Inc., Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Kentucky Equine Education Project, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Magna Entertainment, New York Racing Association,Thoroughbred Racing Associations, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario HBPA, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners of California.
We will follow up and report back to our readers with the responses from these organizations/companies.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
we get maudlin naive sentiment instead of actual analysis of the issue on the Paulick report. hopefully sanity prevails and this misguided nonsense will go away for the good of the horse.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Surely nobody can support killing horses by the methods reportedly used in slaughterhouses. Despite that, good intentions are too often trumped by results.
We frequently read in Paulick Report of horses brutalized or starved to death. Too many innocent/ignorant people take on horses as lawn ornaments without really understanding they must be fed and watered every day. The key question overhanging the matter must be : who will keep watch over all the “retired or laid-off” horses?
September 24th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Excellent letter! Many thanks to all who signed it!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Everyone that signed that letter should be made to agree to take care of only five of those unwanted horses for the rest of those horses’ lives. It still would not cover all the unwanted horses.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
to add to ray’s comments, I understand the list of those signing on to the letter is growing.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
BRAVO to all those who signed this letter and those who wished they could have signed. I tend to get offended when people make pro slaughter statements implying that slaughter is the only way to handle an older horse. I have had the privilidge to house many so called “lawn ornaments” and those who have been labled as “out lived their usefullness.” Such statements are the ignorant ramblings of those who believe only a horse who can be ridden or earn money has a purpose. Contrary to that way of thinking, my elderly horses are a Godsend. They have more depth of soul and kinder hearts than most people I know. They teach new horse lovers how to work around horses safely and are smarter than some people I know. They have a purpose, they are just as valuable as those who are twenty + years younger. Sometimes people need to re-think the system rather than make all life forms conform to their selfish needs.
Pro salughter people want the world to believe that there is no such thing as humane euthanasia; that the only way we can keep horses from starving to death in mass numbers is to brutally kill them and eat the remains.
Thank goodness some leaders in the thoroughbred industry have the insight to know better.
September 26th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
gail,
no one ever suggested keeping horses for the rest of their lives to live in green pastures, although that would be nice… There is a big difference in HUMANE EUTHANASIA and SLAUGHTER. They are NOT one in the same.
September 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Graham Motion added his name to this letter. just got an e-mail confirming this. cheers, alex
September 30th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Mr. Waldrop needs to go. The NTRA needs to get some leadership and teeth in it’s purpose for being. Too many authorities, too many entities with no national oversight and enforcement in this business. So disjointed and lacking continuity with enforceable standards. And who suffers the ultimate penalty? The most easily disposable, the horse.
They deserve better than this. They (the horses) generate so much revenue and get so little in return for their lifetime care. Tragic. Simply tragic.
Mr. Waldrop, you should be ashamed of your position. Your testimony in front of Congress was poor and your position on HR 6598 is disgusting. You are standing on the wrong side of the fence sir.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
[...] Thoroughbred industry participants, including Pin Oak Stud’s Josephine Abercrombie, who wrote a letter signed by more than 40 individuals that was sent to the leadership of the Judiciary Committee stating that the NTRA did not speak for [...]