In previous years, the Agricultural Appropriations Act has included a legislative rider that prevents the USDA from paying the salary of any employee to inspect horse processing facilities. As a direct result of this legislative rider, the Government Accountability Office has found the unintended consequences include a sizeable negative economic impact on the horse industry and incidents of inhumane treatment of horses. You can reach your senators or representative by calling the congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Ask for your senator’s or representative’s office, and then ask to speak to the staff person who handles agriculture issues.

Or urge them to vote against any amendment restricting the USDA from inspecting horse processing facilities. Visit capwiz.com/aqha/home/ or click here to contact your Senators.

Talking Points:

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• In past years, the Agricultural Appropriations Act has included a legislative rider that prevented the USDA from paying the salary of any employee to inspect horse processing facilities. The rider effectively ensures no facilities can humanely process horses within the United States. As a direct result of this legislative rider, the Government Accountability Office has found the unintended consequences include a sizeable negative economic impact on the horse industry and incidents of inhumane treatment of horses have risen. The facts are in: the restriction is hurting the industry and hurting animal welfare.

• The GAO report reveals that a lack of horse processing in the United States has exacerbated the suffering, and increased abandonment, neglect, pain and misery for horses nationwide.

• Please don’t pass any amendments that will prevent the USDA from paying the salary of any employee to inspect horse processing facilities.