January 22, 2007: The momentum to end horse slaughter continues with a huge victory in the State of Texas this past weekend.

On Friday, January 19th, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that horse slaughter for human consumption is in fact illegal in the State of Texas. Despite a 1949 State law banning horse slaughter in Texas, 2 foreign owned horse slaughter plants based in Texas have continued to operate under a ruling from a federal district court.

However, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the decision of the lower court, finding that the 1949 law is valid and enforceable. The plants are considering whether to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Return to Freedom will remain vigilant in fighting to end the slaughter of wild and domestic horses in this country. The recent victory in Texas is a great step forward and we will use this momentum to continue to push legislation that permanently bans horse slaughter and protects America’s wild horses. If you have not already done so, please contact your Representatives in Congress and urge them to support HR 249 and HR 503 in the US House of Representatives, and S 311 in the Senate.

HR 249 prohibits the commercial sale or slaughter of wild horses, while HR 503 and S 311 (The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act) prohibit the slaughter of any horses in the US – wild or domestic.

To find your Representatives in Congress visit www.congress.org or call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.