Banning Double-Deck Trailers For All Horses
Paramus Post, August 5, 2013,Mel Fabrikant
Menendez, Kirk Reintroduce Horse Transportation Safety Act Of 2013
Bipartisan legislation would prohibit interstate transport of horses in double-decker trailers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) have reintroduced the Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2013, which would prohibit the interstate transportation of horses in double-decker trailers and would create civil penalties for each horse transported.
“Double-decker trailers are designed for cattle and hogs, not horses,” said Senator Menendez. “This legislation would put a much needed end to the inhumane and unsafe practice of transporting horses in trailers with two or more levels stacked on top of each other, regardless of the purpose.
Not only is this type of conveyance cruel, but it also jeopardizes safe roadway conditions for New Jersyans and all of those who travel through our state.”
“It is time we put an end to the inhumane and unsafe practice of transporting horses in double-decker trailers,” Senator Kirk said. “A 2007 accident in Illinois involving one of these trailers killed 18 horses. It is not only a cruel way to transport horses, but it also puts motorists’ lives at risk.”
Six states have banned the use of double-decker trailers for any type of horse transport: Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Other states, including Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Virginia have various state laws regulating their use. A uniform federal law is needed to eliminate confusion from a myriad of state laws on horse transport.
In November 7, 2007, the USDA prohibited the transport of horses to slaughter in double deck trailers. The Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2013 codifies this across the board.
Debbie Tracy
You know my husband runs a long haul trucking company and I KNOW what they do to truck drivers who go over there log times, or have any kind of violations at the check points, they don’t fool around and the truck drivers WILL loose there license and jobs, SO WHY is it I have read so many articles with violations after violations of these trailers with horses in them, and NOTHING IS DONE, HOW IS THAT?? How does that work??? I mean what the hell is going on with ALL OF SLAUGHTER that they have allowed these drivers freedom to maybe kill each and everyone of us because of SO MANY violations not to mention killing the horses??? Another part of the corruption??
Susan Davis
Would be good news but passage of the SAFE Act ( S . 541 ) / HR . 1094 would be better news.
JanSchultz
This bill should pass. I believe the rodeos aare the ones who still iuse double decker tranSports for horses. Horses who have been designated are not allowed to be transported that way. But there are some businesses who still do. Does anyone know besides rodeo horses? In other words, as long as there is some allOwable use of doube deckers it will be used fraudulently. Slaughter business is fertile grounds for deceit and animal abuse.
Fran Sherwood
Any law that helps protect the public and the horses has my vote. Let’s get this passed as well as the SAFE Act.
Deborah Beare
So what exactly is a person to do if they see horses being hauled in these double decker trailers in the states they are illegal?
jfinch
Call the Highway Patrol
Priscilla
These trailers aren’t meant for horses, PERIOD!! They need to park those double decker trailers, unless used for cattle, sheep or other small animals.