Tagged: horses

While eliminating a ban on horse processing plants in Oklahoma wasn’t on the top of the policy agenda for Gov. Mary Fallin, late Friday she signed a bill that overturns a five decade long ban on the practice.

How you view the horse and its role in American life, likely also determines where you are in the debate over allowing the processing of horsemeat in Oklahoma.

If “companion animal,” or “pet,” comes first to mind, you’re probably against the slaughter of horses. And according to a recent SoonerPoll.com public opinion survey, you also agree with the majority of Oklahomans.

But if you think of horses as “work animals,” or “tools” to help on the ranch or farm, you are probably in favor of House Bill 1999. The Senate approved the bill 32-14 this week.

A state Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that opens the way for a horse slaughtering facility in Oklahoma. 

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on Monday voted 9-0 in favor of the bill by Bristow Republican Representative Skye McNiel. It would end Oklahoma's 50-year ban on the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

Under the bill, the sale of horse meat still would be illegal in Oklahoma, but the export for sale in other countries would be allowed.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Supporters of legislation that would allow for a horse slaughtering plant in Oklahomaplan to rally at the state Capitol.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau is slated to hold the event Wednesday morning at the state Capitol to support bills that would pave the way for a horse slaughtering facility in the state.

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association has also issued a statement saying it supports the "concept of the slaughter of horses in Oklahoma."

Some agriculture and horse groups are announcing their  support of plans to open a horse slaughtering facility in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau announced Friday it would host an event at the state Capitol this week to show "strong support" for bills that would pave the way  for a horse slaughtering facility in the state.