posted September 12, 2005 04:40 PM         

A crucial vote on whether to end the slaughter of American horses is expected to take place as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the U.S. Senate. This is our big chance to stop the annual killing of 90,000 American horses for food exports. It is absolutely essential that we reach every single member of the U.S. Senate today to secure their votes for the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter amendment. Please call and email your two U.S. Senators today!

1. Make a Call. Please make a brief, polite phone call to each of your two U.S. Senators and urge them to support the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to your Senators or call their Washington, D.C. offices directly.

Senator Kay Hutchison
(202) 224-5922 Senator John Cornyn
(202) 224-2934

Not sure what to say? You can simply say this:

"My name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your city and state]. I'm calling to urge Senator [your Senator's name] to support the upcoming Ensign-Byrd* horse slaughter amendment on the Agriculture Appropriations bill. I care very much about our horses and am horrified that thousands are sent to slaughter for European and Asian markets each year. Thank you."
*Pronounced "En-sin" and "Bird"

2. Take action. Send an email to your Senators and urge them to support the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter Agriculture Appropriations amendment. Click here to contact your Senators now.

3. Spread the word. Every single Senator needs to hear from concerned citizens like you. Ask your friends and family to call their Senators as well.

You have the power to help put an end to the abhorrent practice of butchering our horses for menus overseas. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed an amendment to prevent the use of tax dollars for horse slaughter. This tremendous victory could stop the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and prevent horses from being shipped elsewhere for slaughter -- IF the Senate passes the Ensign-Byrd amendment this week. Click here to take action today.

Please stand with us to spare the lives of our wonderful horses. This is the homestretch -- with your help, we can push this legislation across the finish line and save America's horses from a horrible fate. Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals.

Sincerely,