What is the SAFE Act?
The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475 and S. 2037) is a bipartisan bill that permanently bans horse slaughter in the United States and prohibits the exportation of horses for slaughter.
The SAFE Act (H.R. 3475 and S. 2037) was introduced to the 118th Congress (2023 - 2024) by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). To become law, the SAFE Act needs to pass in the House of Representatives, and then in the Senate. But this is not a quick—or easy—process. Congressional and organizational outreach efforts are more important than ever.
The work starts now. Here’s How to help:
Write Congress
Use Your Voice to Help America’s Horses Today.
Tell your senators and representatives to pass the SAFE Act (H.R. 3475 and S. 2037). Give them a call (202-224-3121) and send a personalized email or letter. State that you are a constituent and share why passing the SAFE Act is important to you.
Not sure if you are for or against horse slaughter? You can still help. Call or write your senators and representatives to tell them that the current state of the American horse slaughter industry is a horse welfare and public health crisis.
“I’ve written bills that became law because people called to complain about a particular issue I was unaware of.”
- Isaiah Akin, the deputy legislative director for Oregon’s Senator Ron Wyden
Be An Advocate
Spread the Word. It’s the Most Important Action You Can Take to Make a Difference.
FOLLOW US & @thesafeact for updates, upcoming campaigns and events, and outreach opportunities.
SHARE our content.
TAG US and use #banhorseslaughter and #passthesafeact hashtags.
PARTICIPATE in SAFE Act events and campaigns.
SHOP and use HWC merchandise, SAFE Act merchandise, and SAFE Act + vendor collaborations [coming soon].
TALK TO FIVE PEOPLE (OR MORE!) about the SAFE Act, and why they should care. Ask them to reach out to Congress too.
WRITE A LETTER to your local newspaper or an online publication about the SAFE Act, horse slaughter, and why it matters to you and your community.
HOST A FUNDRAISER for your favorite horse rescue, an advocacy organization, or the SAFE Act. Ask an employer to match contributions.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Have a plan for your horse if there comes a time when you can no longer keep it. Ask other horse owners to do the same.
SHARE the below tips for selling horses on your social media accounts and group pages.
REPORT KILL PEN WELFARE CONDITIONS and abuse to the USDA APHIS Area Vet In-Charge for each state. here is a list of their field offices.
SIGN-UP for the HWC newsletter for updates on legislation, upcoming events, and outreach opportunities.
Horse Selling Tips
Avoid livestock auctions. They are the number one entry point into the horse slaughter pipeline.
Sell horses for at least $900. This removes the profit margin for slaughter. If selling a draft, ask at least $1400.
Know your buyer. Ask for a recommendation from their vet, and for three references in the equestrian community.
Have a bill of sale that prohibits the sale of the horse for slaughter and includes a first right of refusal.
If the horse has registration papers, put a sticker on the papers that states the horse is not to be sold to slaughter, and provide a number to call if the horse needs a new home.
* COMING SOON *
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Donate
100% of Donations Go Towards Bringing Transparency to the American Horse Slaughter Industry.
Your donations help us commission studies, access research, and conduct outreach efforts. There are also special occasions when we use funds to responsibly help at-risk horses in the slaughter pipeline.