ASPCA Horse Action Team News.... I have just received the Horse Action Team newsletter and for many of us rescue it is just not a word it is a promise to all animals. Whether it is our dogs, kitties, wildlife, livestock and our most beloved horses.... Horse slaughter has been front and center for some time now and the ASPCA Horse Action Team which originates out of Washington DC, has been focused on this particular topic. Horse meat for human consumption has not occurred here since 2005, but if our Representative's do not ensure that no federal funds go to reopening the plants, cattle farmers will again face a serious problem. Horse meat can be fraudulently labeled as beef, probably because it is cheaper for supermarket suppliers than real beef. This was discovered across EU in 2013, this was one of the biggest scandal's reported. If horse meat is produced here in the US, it could easily infiltrate our food supply, accidentally or fraudulently. We all worked exceptionally hard, having petitions signed, speaking with our State Representatives and Senators, FB, and lots of letters. WELL WE DID IT.. since the passing the Udall-Kirk Amendment in the Senate Appropriations Committee, this past spring, we are now focusing on passing the SAFE Act (H.R. 1942/S. 1214), which will prohibit slaughtering of horses throughout the US and ban the the transporting of horses across our borders FOR SLAUGHTER. There are many State Representatives who are incredible advocates for horses. We are asking everyone again to make sure your State Representative in your District knows your feelings and the outrage that will be felt throughout the United States and ensure the SAFE Act (H.R. 1942/S. 1214) for all of our horses. I have witnessed slaughter on the ranches of Hawaii, one never forgets ....... So join us and stop HORSE SLAUGHTER FOR GOOD!!!! In the Newsletter is attached the petition and the means of contacting your Representatives. LET'S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! MAHALO

Almost There Since passing the Udall-Kirk Amendment in the Senate Appropriations Committee last spring, we've turned our focus toward another milestone for horses: passing the S. The SAFE Act would finally ban horse slaughter in the U.S. as well as prohibit the export of horses across our borders for that purpose. Right now, there are 193 cosponsors of the bill in the House of Representatives - that means we're only 25 cosponsors away from our goal of 218!  We've made great progress already because of HAT volunteers like you, but now is the time to make that final push and enact a permanent ban on horse slaughter. Please continue to take action by reaching out to your U.S. representative, attending town hall meetings, and writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper. Keep reading to find helpful links on how to be an advocate for horses! Hoofbeats & Heartbeats RESCUE OF THE MONTH Villa Chardonnay   The largest equine and animal sanctuary in Southern California, Villa Chardonnay serves as a safe haven for over 200 abused and neglected animals, most of which are horses. Run by a two-member team, the sanctuary is dedicated to compassionate care for horses by providing comfort, health care, and shelter. For 13 years, Villa Chardonnay has played a crucial role in keeping horses from slaughter by taking in those deemed “unadoptable.” From elderly horses to horses with cancer, blindness, and neurological disorders, owners Monika Kerber and Louise Gardner welcome all. Last year the 10-acre sanctuary relocated to a 200-acre property, providing solace to even more neglected animals. ADVOCATE OF THE MONTH Tia Kobos    Tia has been riding, training, and caring for horses since childhood. She spent 30 years rescuing horses in Hawaii and now resides in Florida, where she continues to be a fierce horse advocate. Through her blog and website, Tia keeps others up-to-date on legislation regarding horse slaughter and other animal welfare issues. Tia engages in direct grassroots efforts to save horses, such as getting a letter published in her local newspaper and she regularly reaches out to both state and federal legislators on equine welfare issues. Tia is an exemplary member of HAT and her accomplishments attest to the immense power of animal advocacy. #NotWhatIOrdered Last month we unveiled our new social media campaign to end horse slaughter! The graphics featured in the #NotWhatIOrdered campaign help educate the public to show that horse slaughter is REAL. Our polls reflect a need for awareness and this is one way we can collectively do it! Please sign the petition, and then share, tweet, or forward the images below within your social networks to let everyone know that "Any Way You Slice It...It's Horse." Sign the Petition What's Next? We are asking each and every HAT member to commit to asking their legislators to cosponsor the SAFE Act in July. Think your legislator may already be a cosponsor? You can find out here. If they aren’t on the cosponsor list, please make it your mission to ensure their name is added! If your representative or senators have already cosponsored the SAFE Act, please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to send them an email expressing your gratitude. We must continue this push to encourage our legislators in Washington, D.C. to cosponsor this crucial bill through the end of the year. You can do this in creative and effective ways - often right from your home! Check out these links for ideas on how to start: How to Look Up Your Legislator How to Help Pass the SAFE Act  Writing an Effective Letter to the Editor (LTE) - That Actually Gets Published  Horse Slaughter Myths vs. Facts Edge Research Survey on Horse Ownership  Remember, legislation and policy related to animal welfare is constantly evolving. Make sure to stay up to date by checking our Advocacy Center, as well as our Equine Fund website for news, webinars, events, and more.  *If you are a HAT member and are not yet part of our Facebook group, but would like to be, please email grassroots@aspca.org and let us know!* Just for Fun... Photo Booth Fun at TAFA! Dozens of attendees at last month's Taking Action for Animals Conference in Arlington, VA posed with horse friendly speech bubbles like this one! They also received helpful information on improving horse welfare, including factsheets on horse-related legislation and tips on how to be an advocate for horses.  Well done, team! Only 25 House cosponsors left until we reach our goal of 218. I know that if we keep working together we can reach our goal and be one step closer to ending the slaughter of American horses for good. Let's pass the SAFE Act!          Audrey Perdue                                   Kelly Murray        Manager, Grassroots Advocacy        Senior Manager, Grassroots Advocacy ASPCA Government Relations              ASPCA Government Relations