1.1A resolution1.2memorializing Congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's 1.3ability to direct the transport or processing of horses.1.4WHEREAS, the processing of horses has become a controversial and emotional issue and 1.5has resulted in the closing of all horse processing facilities throughout the United States; and 1.6WHEREAS, federal legislation was introduced to amend the 1970 Horse Protection Act to 1.7prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, 1.8or donation of horses and other equines for processing and other purposes; and 1.9WHEREAS, the loss of secondary markets has severely affected the livestock industry 1.10by eliminating the salvage value of horses and has significantly reduced the market value of 1.11all horses; and 1.12WHEREAS, prohibitions on the processing of horses have resulted in significant increases 1.13in abandoned and starving animals and have had significant economic impact on the entire 1.14equine industry; and 1.15WHEREAS, the increase in unwanted or unusable horses has overwhelmed private animal 1.16welfare agencies and the public's ability to care for surplus domestic horses; and 1.17WHEREAS, the annual number of unwanted or unusable surplus domestic horses is 1.18estimated to be 100,000; and 1.19WHEREAS, issues related to the humane handling and slaughter of surplus domestic 1.20horses are best addressed by proper regulations and inspection and not by banning or exporting 1.21the issue; and 2.1WHEREAS, state agriculture and rural leaders recognize the necessity and benefit of a 2.2state's ability to direct the transport and processing of horses; NOW, THEREFORE, 2.3BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it urges that the 2.4Congress of the United States to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's ability to 2.5direct the transport or processing of horses.2.6BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the state of Minnesota is 2.7directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States, 2.8the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United 2.9States House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.