Are there any laws related to equine slaughter in the United States?
Yes, there are laws related to equine slaughter in the United States. In Delaware, the slaughter of horses is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 60 days in the case of a first offense. The Delaware Code also makes it illegal to sell horses for slaughter in any state or out of the country. Also, a person is prohibited from buying, selling, or offering for sale any horse for slaughter, making it a felony to knowingly buy, sell, or offer for sale a horse for slaughter. Additionally, Delaware state regulations classify horses as companion animals and deem them unfit for slaughter. Furthermore, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has enacted the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, which applies to all animals, including horses, and requires the humane treatment of livestock during slaughter. The Act states that horses must be rendered insensible to pain prior to being slaughtered. Thus, laws regarding equine slaughter are in place in the United States, and in Delaware specifically, to ensure the protection of horses from inhumane treatment and slaughter.
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