The question of whether slaughtering animals is moral is a long-held philosophical debate that is strongly tied with societal norms. In the United States, the general consensus is that it is morally acceptable to slaughter pigs, cows and chickens for their meat, but unacceptable and unlawful to slaughter dogs and cats, for example. The slaughter of other animals, such as horses, often comes under much more intense debate.
While many believe that taking the life of any living being is immoral, the bottom line regarding what can and cannot be done comes down to the laws in place. This article will focus on the laws in place with regard to the slaughter of horses for meat in Georgia.
Horse slaughter is illegal in Georgia
Georgia law states that it is illegal to slaughter a horse for the purpose of selling the meat for human consumption unless certain conditions are met. These conditions include the demand that the horse was on the premises for at least four consecutive days prior to the slaughter, and that an identifying description of the horse is maintained at the premises. This means that criminal charges can be brought about if a person slaughters a horse with the intent of offering it for sale and does not meet the conditions.
Selling horse meat is only possible in certain situations
If a person wants to sell horse meat in Georgia that was slaughtered in a different state, they may do so, but only if they advertise it. They must post a sign that is easily visible with the statement, “Horse meat for sale.”
How can horse slaughtering be stopped?
Many argue that it is impossible to humanely slaughter a horse, especially because of the nature of the industry. There are many initiatives to hold those who slaughter horses liable for abuse and unacceptable conditions.
If you believe that a horse has been slaughtered in unacceptable conditions in Georgia, you can take legal action to hold the involved people liable for their actions.