Legislation to allow for horse processing facilities in Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma Senate today following a lengthy battle between livestock producers and animal activists. HB 1999, sponsored by Sen. Eddie Fields and Rep. Skye McNiel, received 32 yes votes and only 14 no votes in the Senate chamber.
“Oklahoma legislators have shown great courage and compassion for animals in passing this bill,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “We especially want to praise Reps. McNiel and John Enns, and Sens. Fields and Mark Allen, for their leadership.”
The bill now goes to Gov. Fallin’s desk where she is expected to sign the legislation into law.
Farm Bureau, along with a coalition of other agriculture groups, has supported the legislation from the day it was introduced earlier in the session.
“Oklahoma livestock and wildlife producers respect and care for animals,” Spradling said. “This legislation provides a humane solution to the challenge of abandoned, abused and otherwise neglected horses.”
In addition to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the coalition includes the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, American Farmers and Ranchers, Oklahoma Pork Council, Livestock Marketing Association, Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association, Whitetails of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Cotton Council.
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