Horse slaughter ban: States vs. Congress

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A bill that would ban shipping U.S. horses to slaughterhouses in other countries faces opposition in several states.

The Utah legislature has already passed a non-binding resolution opposing the federal law, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday. Arizona, Kansas, Minnesota and Wyoming are considering similar resolutions, while legislators in four other states -- Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Montana -- would like U.S. slaughterhouses to reopen.

The legislation pits animal-rights activists against horse owners who say that selling a horse for food is a humane method of getting rid of unneeded animals. Horse meat cannot be sold for human consumption in the United States but is eaten in many other parts of the world, including Europe.

"It comes down to owner responsibility," said Jen Reid, of the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. "If you feel the animal's quality of life is no longer good, put them down rather than taking them to the auction and making $20."