Horse anti-slaughter law begins in New York

VALATIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -A ban on horse slaughter is in effect as of April 11. Equines can no longer be killed for human and animal consumption or be transported to a different state or country to be killed for the same reason.

According to the New York State Horse Council, the horse industry is the second-largest specialty in the state after dairy. Some advocates for the ban argue that not all horses who age or face health problems are treated with respect.

"Horse slaughter exists as a garbage disposal for the horse industry. It's a quick and easy and convenient way to get rid of horses that they don't want rather than take the time to place them in kind homes, or put them in an accredited sanctuary, or put them down humanely," explained Susan Wagner, Founder and President of Equine Advocates.

This "dark side" of the industry led Wagner to create her non-profit, Equine Advocates. More than 30 years of experience and around 1,000 rescues later, she and fellow advocates have been pushing for this slaughter ban. The law protects all equines, which include mules, donkeys, ponies, and horses.

New York is now the seventh state to have anti-slaughter laws. "Originally, horse slaughter bans were just for human consumption but the New York ban goes a step further. It goes to prohibit the slaughter of horses for human and animal consumption," stated Wagner.

When it comes to racehorses, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) adopted its own anit-slaughter policy in 2009. Vice President of Communications, Patrick McKenna, said they worked closely with the lawmakers and advocates in developing the law which furthers some of the best practices they have developed.