battle now moves to the Federal level. At the Federal level, we have two battles: one in the Federal court and one in the U.S. Congress.

The Federal Court Battle. As most of you know, shortly after the Texas Attorney General ruled that the two Texas horse slaughter plants were in violation of Chapter 149 of the Texas Agriculture Code, which makes it a criminal offense to sell horsemeat for human consumption, the plants filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court in Ft. Worth, Texas to stop the Tarrant and Kaufman County District Attorneys from prosecuting them. The basis for their suit was that the Federal law which protects interstate commerce overrides the Texas law outlawing the sale of horsemeat for human consumption. That lawsuit is still pending in the Federal court and there is little or nothing we, as members of the general public, can do but await the Federal judge's decision. According to the Tarrant County District Attorney's office that decision should come sometime toward the end of the year. Until then the Tarrant and Kaufman County District Attorneys have been ordered by the Federal court to not prosecute the horse slaughter plants. Thus, we are simply in a waiting game. We have every reason to believe that we will be successful in the court battle but only time will tell.

Also, please note it would be counterproductive to write the Federal judge or the District Attorney. Ann Diamond, the Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney is fighting for our cause as hard as anyone can and we feel like we are being very well represented by her in this case. She's on our side, she is dedicated, smart, and hard working. Calls and letters to her will only be a distraction. Further, the Federal judge will not be persuaded by public opinion since he is appointed for life and has sworn to uphold the law. His job is not to make law but interpret it. Thus, the Federal case is strictly a legal matter and public input is not appropriate. Please do not write or otherwise contact the Federal judge or the District Attorney. We will follow the case closely and post updates as they occur.

The United States Congress Battle. Following our important and hard fought victory to maintain the Texas law prohibiting horse slaughter, our efforts must now turn to passing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 857) currently before the US Congress. This bill is the only way to totally ensure horse slaughter is stopped in the US and our horses aren't shipped elsewhere to meet the same fate, because even with the Texas victory and a Federal court victory these slaughter plants can simply move to another state or to Mexico.

HR 857 prohibits the transport of horses across state lines and international borders for the purpose of slaughter and also prohibits the sale or transport of horsemeat for human consumption. If passed, HR 857 will put an end once and for all to the slaughter of American horses both in the U.S. and in foreign countries.

Please call, fax or write your US Congressman and urge them to cosponsor the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 857). Let them know how recent efforts to legalize horse slaughter in Texas met with overwhelming opposition from the public. Tell them about the survey conducted last month that showed that 72% of Texans oppose horse slaughter.

To locate your member of Congress and their contact information along with FAQ's, statements of support, a copy of the bill and current cosponsors, the Texas survey and much more about horse slaughter, please visit www.saplonline.org or www.ddal.org. Remember, the only way to stop the slaughter of American horses is by passing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 857) currently before the US Congress.