March 29, 2011

To Whom It Concern:

RE: L.D. 1075  “An Act to Prohibit Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption”

L.D. 1075 had some unintended language that was understandably troublesome to many in the horse community. All objectionable language has been removed: registration of horse for export, a registry of ownership for purposes of export, the penalty of $5,000 for failing to register, and the reclassification of horses from “livestock” to “companion” animal. We are aware of what the unintended hardships would be on horse owners, and although those sections were meant as some accountability and enforcement, we are satisfied the penalty provision will be a sufficient deterrent.  An amended bill reflecting those deleted sections will be presented by the sponsor Rep. Knight who has admirably withstood the displeasure coming from the bill’s original language. We apologize for creating an unnecessary angst among horse owners. 

PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.

An Act To Prohibit Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  17 MRSA §3967  is enacted to read:

§ 3967. Equine slaughter for human consumption
 
1.  Definitions.     As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
 
A.  "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources.
 
B.  "Horse" includes all members of the genus Equus, including horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, asses and burros.
 
C.  "Horseflesh" means the flesh of a dead horse, including the animal's viscera, skin, hair, hide, hooves and bones.
 
D.  "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association or other legal entity.

125th Legislative Session  - MFOA Sponsored Bills

AN ACT TO IMPROVE THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS PROTECTING DOGS
Sponsor: Sen. Stan Gerzofsky (Brunswick)

This bill is a collection of miscellaneous revisions to existing statutes in an effort to increase the abilities to enforce laws that protect dogs in various ways.
• Providing stronger penalties for dog breeders with vending licenses for failure to post their license numbers such as in Uncle Henry’s, Craigslist.com and on street signs.
• Moving vendor licensing from the Animal Welfare Program to the towns which are better able to oversee compliance while receiving licensing fees.
• Improving portions of existing statutes about dogs in the back of pick-up trucks to now include:
The space is enclosed or has side and tail rails to the height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor; or the dog is cross-tethered; or the dog is protected by a secured
container or cage.
• Increasing the ability to encourage and force municipalities to provide, support and enforce animal control officers in reporting and enforcing animal cruelty laws.
• Specifying entry portal size as part of a four-sided dog house.
• Increasing the ability to forcefully enter an unattended vehicle with a dog in duress.

AN ACT TO PREVENT HORSE SLAUGHTER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Sponsor: Rep. Gary Knight (Livermore Falls)

Each year approximately 1,500 horses are kept and transported from Maine to Quebec for slaughter for human consumption outside the USA. MFOA believes there is no circumstance to
justify the slaughter of an animal that has served mankind so nobly for so long. Under this statute it is unlawful for any person to posses, to import or export from the state, or to sell, buy,
give away, hold, or accept any horse with the intent of killing, or having another kill, that horse, if that person knows or should have known that any part of that horse will be used for human consumption. Violation incurs a possible felony conviction with imprisonment from 16 months to three years.