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LWV CA Ed Fund LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA EDUCATION FUND
Nonpartisan Pros & Cons of

Proposition 6

CRIMINAL LAW. PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF HORSES AND SALE OF HORSEMEAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

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Initiative Statute
THE QUESTION

Should state law make the slaughter of horses for human consumption and the sale of horsemeat for human consumption illegal?

THE SITUATION

In California horses can legally be slaughtered for both human consumption and for use in pet food; however, there are no licensed slaughterhouses. According to the state Department of Food and Agriculture, last year over 3,000 documented horses were sent from California to other states to be slaughtered for human consumption, and unreported transactions could increase this figure to 10,000 a year. It's also legal to sell horsemeat for human consumption, although no market appears to exist in this country.

THE PROPOSAL

Proposition 6 would make it a felony offense to buy, sell, or obtain a horse, pony, burro or mule in California with the intent to slaughter it for human consumption. In addition, the sale of horsemeat for human consumption would be a misdemeanor.

FISCAL EFFECT

The Legislative Analyst estimates this measure would have minor fiscal effects related to "some increased law enforcement and incarceration costs at both the state and local level."

SUPPORTERS SAY

  • Horses are companion and sporting animals, not food animals, and they should have the same protection against slaughter and export as dogs and cats.
OPPONENTS SAY
  • Horses are livestock and owners should be able to manage their horse stock as they see fit.

(Analysis prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.)


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Last updated: September 7, 1998
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