American Horse Council Press Release
Contact: American Horse Council
AHC@horsecouncil.org

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2006

House Passes Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, Goes to President

Today the House passed by voice vote the “Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act” (S. 3880). Sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), this bill amends the Animal Enterprise Act of 1992. The Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent in September, just prior to the Congressional recess. A similar bill, H.R. 4239, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI). The Senate version of the bill will now be sent to the President.

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act clarifies that it is a crime to damage or interfere with a legitimate, legal animal enterprise. As defined by the bill, “animal enterprise” includes commercial and academic enterprises that use or sell animals or animal products for profit, food, agriculture, education, research and testing. This definition also includes equine activities such as rodeo, horse shows and similar lawful equine events.

The bill expands the monetary and criminal penalties for these crimes and requires restitution for certain economic losses. The bill contains a provision noting that this bill does not prohibit expressive conduct (including picketing or other peaceful demonstration), which is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031.

To read the full text of the bill, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and enter the bill number, S. 3880

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.