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By Susan Kayne

For Capital Region Independent Media

In a powerful demonstration of unity, representatives from New York’s equine rescues and sanctuaries recently converged on Washington DC to advocate for stronger nationwide protections for horses. Our mission was clear: to elevate New York’s groundbreaking equine welfare laws to the federal level, ensuring that all of America’s horses receive the care and respect they deserve.

As the founder of Unbridled Sanctuary, I was joined by the founders of Begin Again Rescue, Equine Rescue Resources, and Mustang Valley Sanctuary in this crucial endeavor. Together, we represented the voices of thousands of horses across our state and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to protect them.

New York is a pioneer in equine protection, enacting legislation that sets a gold standard for horse welfare. In 2021, our state became the first to pass a law to criminalize the sale of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds for slaughter. In 2023, this groundbreaking legislation extended its protection to include mules, donkeys, ponies, and all breeds of horses.

However, as we’ve learned through our work, these state-level protections can be easily circumvented by transporting horses across state lines. This loophole underscores the urgent need for federal action to ensure consistent, nationwide safeguards for all equines.

During our visit to Capitol Hill, we met with numerous legislative aides and correspondents, including Mason May from U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s office and Darien Harbeck from U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko’s team; Mitchell Lee from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office and Savannah Shore from Sen. Chuck Schumer’s office; and Finn Donahue from U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s office. These meetings provided invaluable opportunities to share our firsthand experiences and advocate for critical legislation that could transform the lives of horses across the country.

At the heart of our lobbying efforts was the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475/S. 2037). This bipartisan bill, which has garnered support from over 80% of Americans, would permanently end commercial horse slaughter nationwide. We urged our representatives to prioritize and fast-track their support for this crucial legislation, emphasizing the importance of including its language in the upcoming Farm Bill.

The SAFE Act addresses a grim reality that many Americans are unaware of: despite there being no active horse slaughterhouses in the U.S., tens of thousands of American horses are shipped to Canada and Mexico each year for slaughter. This practice not only subjects horses to inhumane treatment but also poses risks to human health, as horses are not raised for human consumption and may contain substances prohibited in food animals.

In addition to the SAFE Act, we advocated for several other critical pieces of legislation:

1) The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act (H.R. 3656): This bill aims to end the cruel practice of helicopter roundups used to gather wild horses and burros on public lands. These roundups cause immense stress, injury, and a violent death to these majestic creatures, often tearing apart family bands and robbing them of their freedom.

2) The Ejiao Act (H.R. 6021): This legislation would prohibit the sale and trade of ejiao, a gelatin derived from donkey hides. The growing demand for ejiao has led to the brutal slaughter of millions of donkeys worldwide, threatening global donkey populations and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.

3) The Horse Transportation Safety Act (H.R. 2441): This act would ban the use of double-decker trailers for horse transport. These trailers, designed for shorter animals like cattle and pigs, do not provide adequate headroom for horses, leading to injuries and sometimes fatal accidents.

At Unbridled Sanctuary, we provide a forever home to 65 equine residents, including horses, donkeys and mules. Each of these animals represents thousands more who are in desperate need of protection. During our meetings in Washington, we emphasized that while sanctuaries like ours play a crucial role, they cannot solve the systemic issues facing equines in America. Only strong, comprehensive federal legislation can ensure the safety and well-being of all horses, donkeys and mules across the nation.

The response we received from legislative offices was largely positive, with many expressing genuine interest in the issues we presented. However, the reality of Washington politics means that turning this interest into concrete action will require sustained effort and public support.

This is where you, our fellow New Yorkers and horse lovers across the country, come in. Your voices are crucial in this fight for equine welfare. We urge you to contact your representatives and senators, expressing your support for the SAFE Act and other equine protection legislation. Share the stories of rescued horses in your communities and help educate others about the challenges facing America’s equines.

The unity and strength demonstrated by New York’s equine welfare community in this lobbying effort is truly inspiring. It serves as a powerful reminder that when we come together for a common cause, we can make a real difference. Our state’s leadership in equine protection has set a high bar, and now it’s time to ensure that these standards are adopted nationwide.

As we continue this important work, we invite you to stay informed and involved. Follow the progress of these bills, attend local events supporting equine welfare, and consider supporting your local rescues and sanctuaries. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

1) Contact your representatives: Call or write to your local congressmember and senators, urging them to support the SAFE Act and other equine protection legislation.

2) Educate others: Share information about horse slaughter and other equine welfare issues on social media or in your community.

3) Support local rescues: Volunteer, donate or sponsor a horse at a local equine rescue or sanctuary.

4) Adopt, don’t shop: If you’re considering adding a horse to your family, adopt from a rescue rather than purchasing from a breeder or auction.

5) Report abuse: If you suspect horse abuse or neglect, report it to your local animal control or law enforcement agency.

The path to nationwide equine protection may be long, but with continued effort and the support of compassionate citizens like you, we believe it is achievable. The horses, donkeys and mules who share our lives and our landscapes deserve nothing less than our fullest commitment to their well-being.

Our recent trip to Washington DC was just the beginning. We will continue to work, both in New York and on the national stage, to ensure that the spirit of our state’s groundbreaking equine protection laws spreads across the nation. Together, we can create a safer, more humane world for all equines.

As we reflect on our time in Washington, we are filled with both hope and determination. The solidarity displayed by New York’s equine advocates sends a powerful message: we are stronger together, and we will not rest until every horse in America is protected from cruelty and exploitation.

The journey ahead may be challenging, but with your support and the continued dedication of our rescue and sanctuary community, we are confident that we can bring about meaningful change. Let’s work together to make New York’s vision of comprehensive equine protection a reality for horses nationwide.

Susan Kayne is the founder and president of Unbridled Sanctuary, an equine rescue on the border of Albany County and Greenville.