California takes action
In 1998, California became the first state to ban horse slaughter. Californians voted overwhelmingly to pass "Proposition 6," a state initiative to prohibit horse slaughter for human consumption, punishable as a felony. Other states may soon follow California's historic lead.

American Opinion
State and nationwide polls have shown that the vast majority of Americans are strongly opposed to horse slaughter:

In 1995 - A national call-in TV poll resulted in 93% of callers agree that "the killing of horses for meat be banned".

In 1997 - A statewide poll taken in California revealed that 88% of those questioned were opposed to horse slaughter.

In 1999 - A poll conducted in New York State yielded the following results:

• 91% considered horses companions, recreational or sporting animals
• 72% would never eat horse meat
• 73% believed that the manner that horses are slaughtered is cruel and inhumane
• 81% personally opposed the practice of horse slaughter.

Due to many factors, there has been a steady decrease in the number of horses slaughtered over the past 10 years.

Do you think slaughter and the commercial use of horsemeat is a good solution to the wild horse dilemma?