Gov. Kathy Hochul marked this year’s National Day of the Horse Wednesday by signing a bill banning the slaughter of horses for consumption in New York.
The bill signed by the governor makes it a misdemeanor offense for an individual or corporation to slaughter a horse for human or animal consumption. The ban broadly covers purchasing, selling, importing, exporting, transporting, or giving away an equine to be slaughtered for its meat. Fines for violating the law start at $1,000 per horse for individuals and $2,500 for corporations, rising to $2,000 and $5,000 per horse respectively on additional raps.
“Nearly 20 years ago, the U.S. Congress declared Dec. 13 to be National Day of the Horse,” Hochul said in a statement. “Here in New York, we are marking this occasion by signing new laws to address animal cruelty and the mistreatment of horses in our state.”