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Commercial Transportation of Horses to Slaughter Act of 1996
Source: Library of Congress Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 Title IX: Miscellaneous TITLE IX--MISCELLANEOUS SUBTITLE A--COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION OF EQUINE FOR SLAUGHTER SEC. 901. FINDINGS. Because of the unique and special needs of equine being transported to slaughter, Congress finds that it is appropriate for the Secretary of Agriculture to issue guidelines for the regulation of the commercial transportation of equine for slaughter by persons regularly engaged in that activity within the United States. SEC. 902. DEFINITIONS. In this subtitle: (1) COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION- The term `commercial transportation' means the regular operation for profit of a transport business that uses trucks, tractors, trailers, or semitrailers, or any combination thereof, propelled or drawn by mechanical power on any highway or public road. (2) EQUINE FOR SLAUGHTER- The term `equine for slaughter' means any member of the Equidae family being transferred to a slaughter facility, including an assembly point, feedlot, or stockyard . (3) PERSON- The term `person'-- (A) means any individual, partnership, corporation, or cooperative association that regularly engages in the commercial transportation of equine for slaughter; but (B) does not include any individual or other entity referred to in subparagraph (A) that occasionally transports equine for slaughter incidental to the principal activity of the individual or other entity in production agriculture. SEC. 903. REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION OF EQUINE FOR SLAUGHTER. (a) IN GENERAL- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Agriculture may issue guidelines for the regulation of the commercial transportation of equine for slaughter by persons regularly engaged in that activity within the United States. (b) ISSUES FOR REVIEW- In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall review the food, water, and rest provided to equine for slaughter in transit, the segregation of stallions from other equine during transit, and such other issues as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY- In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture may-- (1) require any person to maintain such records and reports as the Secretary considers necessary; (2) conduct such investigations and inspections as the Secretary considers necessary; and (3) establish and enforce appropriate and effective civil penalties. SEC. 904. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY TO EQUINE FOR SLAUGHTER. Nothing in this subtitle authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate the routine or regular transportation, to slaughter or elsewhere, of-- (1) livestock other than equine; or (2) poultry. SEC. 905. EFFECTIVE DATE. This subtitle shall become effective on the first day of the first month that begins 30 days or more after the date of enactment of this Act. FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION OF EQUINES TO SLAUGHTER The proposed regulations for the Commercial Transportation of Horses To Slaughter Act have been published in the Federal Register. The Federal Register is online. Check the box "1999"AND the box "Proposed Rules". "Keep America's horses in the stable and off the table!" E-mail HOOFPAC |