New York Lawmakers Move To Protect Horses

Two New York lawmakers are proposing legislation they say would help protect both horses and people.

Assemblyman James Tedisco and Senator Kathleen Marchione visited a Saratoga County retirement home for thoroughbred horses, where they discussed the measure they're supporting.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program just before that visit, Tedisco said steps should be taken to prevent horses from being slaughtered for human consumption.

Tedisco noted many horses are treated with medicines and chemicals that could prove to be dangerous if ingested by humans.

Tedisco said he wants to ban the slaughter of horses in New York state and prohibit the transportation through the state of horses to be slaughtered elsewhere.

The Republican assemblyman said he views the matter not only from an animal advocacy perspective but as a way to safeguard human health. He pointed out there've been recent scandals in Europe where horse meat has been detected in food products.

Tedisco said he's lined up bipartisan support for the proposal in the Assembly and he hopes it will be passed in the current legislative session.