Horse Transportation Act of 2011
Posted on Thu, June 30, 2011

Background

Senator Kirk has said he was prompted to introduce the bill by accidents involving horses’ being transported in double-decker trucks, primarily a 2007 accident in Wadsworth, Illinois  involving the overturning of a double-deck cattle truck carrying 59 Belgian draft horses.  Eight horses died at the scene and ten were later euthanized. Kirk had previously introduced a similar bill when he was a Member of the House of Representatives.

Several states have passed legislation banning the transport of horses in these trucks, but there is no federal prohibition.  However, it is illegal to transport horses to slaughter in such vehicles.

Bill

The bill would prohibit the interstate transport of any horse in a double-deck truck including ones specially designed for horses.

The bill would impose civil penalties of $100 to $500 for each violation of the proposed probation.  A separate violation occurs for each horse transported.

Congressional Action

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.