The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, introduced by Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan and Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, aims to permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption and prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses. Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) founder Richard Couto stated that the horse meat industry continues to thrive in South Florida, with over 200 illegal slaughterhouses uncovered in the state alone, leading to the killing of an estimated 30,000 horses per year.
Despite strict state laws, the horse meat industry persists due to the profit that can be made and certain cultural beliefs about the meat’s medicinal properties. Stolen Horse International founder Debi Metcalfe shared concerns about horse slaughter, emphasizing the need for more education on the topic. While the SAFE Act is seen as a step in the right direction, there are differing opinions on its impact, with some questioning who will care for the horses if they are not exported for slaughter.
The SAFE Act could have a significant impact on South Florida by regulating the transport of horses across U.S. borders, potentially curbing the issue of horses being slaughtered for meat. Metcalfe stressed the importance of using one’s voice and actions to help get the SAFE Act passed, emphasizing the need to prevent animal abuse and make a difference in protecting horses from being slaughtered. Lawmakers hope to include the SAFE Act as part of the 2025 Farm Bill when it is considered by Congress later this year.
