H.J.R. 7 Enrolled

1

EQUINE RESOURCES JOINT RESOLUTION
2 2009 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Bradley A. Winn
5 Senate Sponsor: Dennis E. Stowell
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges Congress to oppose federal legislation that
10 would interfere with a state's authority to direct the transport or processing of horses.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 . urges the United States Congress to oppose federal legislation that would interfere
14 with a state's authority to direct the transport or processing of horses.
15 Special Clauses:
16 None
17
18 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
19 WHEREAS, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue
20 and has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities throughout the United States;
21 WHEREAS, federal legislation has been introduced to amend the 1970 Horse
22 Protection Act that would prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving,
23 possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines for processing and
24 other purposes;
25 WHEREAS, the loss of secondary markets has severely impacted the livestock industry
26 by eliminating the salvage value of horses and has significantly reduced the market value of all
27 horses;
28 WHEREAS, prohibitions regarding the processing of horses have resulted in
29 significant increases in abandoned and starving animals and have had significant economic

30 impact on the entire equine industry;
31 WHEREAS, the increase in unwanted or unusable horses has overwhelmed private
32 animal welfare agencies and the public's ability to care for surplus domestic horses;
33 WHEREAS, the annual number of unwanted or unusable surplus domestic horses in
34 the United States is currently estimated at 100,000 and continues to increase;
35 WHEREAS, issues related to the humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic
36 horses are best addressed by proper regulations and inspection and not by banning or
37 exporting the issues; and
38 WHEREAS, state agriculture and rural leaders recognize the necessity and benefit of a
39 state's ability to direct the transport and processing of horses:
40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
41 urges the United States Congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's
42 ability to direct the transport or processing of horses.
43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of
44 the United States, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United
45 States House of Representatives, and to the members of Utah's Congressional delegation.