Maine lawmakers aren’t horsing around when it comes to the commercial slaughtering of stallions to be sold for human consumption.

Earlier today, the House voted on a bill that would ultimately serve to outlaw commercial horse slaughter across the state. The bill would also make it illegal for anyone to own or build a facility to slaughter horses, as well as make it an offense to drive horses across state lines with the intent of having them made into food for humans.

Supporters of the bill say that horses are an important part of history and are not meant to be consumed by people. “If not for a horse, would Alexander have been the Great? Would Paul Revere had spread the word? Can you imagine the Lone Ranger on the back of a cow?” said Rep. Lisa Villa, D-Harrison. “I would dare say they are very different from your average livestock.”

If the bill is passed, horse slaughter would become a civil violation, with fines up to $1,000 handed down to offenders.

However, some lawmakers say that there are no signs that horse slaughter has become a problem in Maine; therefore, making the bill an unnecessary piece of legislation.

If Maine does ban the slaughter of horses, the state will join the ranks of California, Illinois and Texas that also prohibits this practice.

For more facts on horse slaughter in America, click here.

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