Horse slaughter ban approved by Illinois House
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SPRINGFIELD — Three years after a proposal to ban the slaughter of horse meat for human consumption failed, Illinois lawmakers are again making a push to abolish the practice.
The proposed ban, which passed the Illinois House Wednesday on a 74-41 vote, heads to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to send it to the desk of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
A similar proposal passed the Senate in 2004 before fizzling in the House.
If approved, the measure would permanently halt operations at Cavel International’s DeKalb plant.
The plant, which slaughters 1,000 horses a week and ships the meat around the world, was shut down late last month after federal on-site inspectors were ordered out over funding issues.
State Rep. Bob Molaro, D-Chicago, said horses are recognized as companion animals and enjoy a higher stature that elevates them above slaughter for consumption.
But state Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, disagreed with Molaro’s assertion and said, if the ban is adopted, it will cost the people of his area.
“The plant employs 55 people. They are good-paying jobs,” he said. “If you look at the total economic package of this facility in the community, you are talking about $18 million.”
Blackwell Thomas can be reached at Blackwell.Thomas@lee.net or at 217.789.0865. Comment on this story at www.qctimes.com.
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