Illinois Legislator to Introduce Horse Slaughter Ban

Illinois State Rep. Bob Molaro, whose district includes the far southwest side of Chicago and the western suburbs, will introduce legislation that would bar the slaughter of horses in Illinois.

Upset over a recent Chicago Sun-Timesarticle detailing how a slaughterhouse was being planned in DeKalb, Illinois, Molaro is preparing legislation to outlaw any such operation.

The article exposed the plans by Cavel International, a Belgium Company, to slaughter horses by driving a steel bolt through the head of the animal. The horse meat would then be shipped to Europe for consumption by humans.

In a statement released by his office, Molaro said, "It's illegal to consume horse meat in America but how do we condone killing these animals for consumption in Europe. I intend to pass legislation that will stop this before it gains a foothold in Illinois."

Molaro, a 12-year veteran in Springfield, is the chairman of the House Revenue Committee and a strong supporter of animal rights groups.

"It is unfortunate that animals have to be put to death in such a cruel and inhumane way. There must be other options for us as a civilized society than the use of these measures or the sanctioning of this type of business in Illinois."