Animal activists to protest at US Capitol against horse slaughter

MEDIA ADVISORY

For immediate release:
December 6, 2022

WHAT: International animal protection organization, Animal Equality, invites representatives of the media as activists hold a protest against the slaughter of American horses in front of the US Capitol. 

The slaughter of horses for their meat is a matter of public interest. Approximately 83% of Americans oppose this ongoing practice.

The US essentially ended the production of horse meat in 2007 by removing USDA funding to inspect horse slaughterhouses. Despite the end of this practice within our borders, and the opposition of US citizens, handlers began to sell horses at auction to facilities in Mexico and Canada. Nearly 24,000 horses were transported outside of US borders to be slaughtered last year as part of the $397 million global horse meat trade. 

On November 23, Animal Equality released an undercover investigation showing US horses awaiting slaughter at a facility in Zacatecas, Mexico. The investigation is part of the organization’s international campaign to end horse slaughter. Over 109,000 supporters have already signed the petition to end this global practice.

During the protest, activists will be calling on the US Government to end the transportation and slaughter of American horses permanently–inside and outside our borders.

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2022; 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time

WHERE: Front lawn of the US Capitol; First Street SE, Washington, DC 2004 (Location map here)

WHO: Animal Equality is a global animal protection organization working in eight countries to end cruelty to farmed animals through undercover investigations, legal advocacy, corporate outreach and public awareness. Dane Charbeneau, Campaigns Manager for Animal Equality, will be available on-site for media interviews: (214) 587-7821.

PHOTO OP: Protesters will be gathered on the front lawn of the US Capitol at 12 PM (noon) to begin demonstrating by 12:30 PM with posters and banners calling for an end to horse slaughter.

Day-of Media Contact:
Dane Charbeneau, Campaigns Manager
(214) 587-7821