H.R. 5203, “The Ejiao Act,” would amend the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act to prohibit the intentional sale or importation of ejiao, a controversial gelatin made from donkey skin which is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetic products, in foreign or interstate commerce. Dubious claims about the medicinal value of ejiao are triggering widespread theft and slaughter of donkeys in developing nations in order to meet the global demand. In an effort to curtail illicit trafficking and negative impacts on communities and animals, eBay and others already have banned its sales. The bill was introduced by Rep. Don Beyer.
Congress Considers Bill to Protect Donkeys
Senate Considers Horse Slaughter Legislation
S. 2732, the “John Stringer Rainey Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act” would amend the federal criminal code to prohibit the possession, shipping, transportation, or receiving of “any member of the family Equidae” with the intent for the animal to be slaughtered for human consumption. The bill provides for monetary penalties and up to two years imprisonment and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Sens. Bob Menendez, Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Susan Collins are the lead sponsors.
New York Considers Ban on Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption
New York Senate Bill 5875 would prohibit the slaughter, possession, export, sale, and transfer of ownership of a horse “where such person knows or should know that any part of such horse will be used for human consumption.”
West Virginia Bill Would Amend Licensing of Dog Racing Tracks
West Virginia House Bill 3093 would remove the requirement of a minimum number of live dog racing dates to qualify for a license to hold a dog race meeting, amend the licensing requirements for televising or accepting wagers on dog or horse races, and establish certain requirements to discontinue live dog racing––such as paying a $10,000 fee into a state fund to facilitate the care, adoption, or shelter placement of greyhound dogs who formerly raced in West Virginia.
New York Bill Would Fund Care of Former Racehorses
New York Assembly Bill 5734 would establish a horse registration fee and require such funds be expended to “support responsible retirement” of former racehorses.
New York Bill Would Prohibit Slaughter, Transfer of Horses for Known Human Consumption
New York Assembly Bill 5481 would prohibit any person from slaughtering a horse for human consumption and from possessing, importing, exporting, selling, buying, giving away, holding, or accepting a horse with the intent to kill or have another kill such horse if such person should have known that any part of the horse will be used for human consumption.
New Mexico Considers Regulation of Wild Horses
New Mexico Senate Bill 385 would provide requirements for how and when wild horses may be captured and procedures and rules for the disposition of the animals following capture.
New York Considers Tax Check-Off Box for Gifts to Horse Retirement and Rescue Fund
New York Senate Bill 2095 would provide for a tax check-off box on tax returns for gifts to the New York state horse retirement and rescue fund and require the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to compile a list of approved horse retirement and rescue programs.
Virginia Bill Would Regulate Animal Drawn Vehicles
Virginia Senate Bill 1139 would require animal drawn vehicles to be equipped with a braking system, at least one headlamp, adequate tires and wheels, reflectors, hazard warning lamps, a rearview mirror, and a horn or warning advice.
New York Considers Prohibiting Transport of Horse Flesh for Human Consumption
New York Senate Bill 1537 would prohibit the slaughter of a horse for the purpose of human consumption and the transport of horse flesh with knowledge that it is intended for human consumption.