The ASPCA has issued the following statement in response to yesterday's federal court ruling preventing horse slaughter plants from opening in the U.S while it considers the environmental hazards associated with such facilities:

The ASPCA is encouraged by yesterday's federal court ruling, given that nearly 80 percent of Americans do not want our horses slaughtered, here or in any other country. The court's actions are consistent with what the American people already know ?that horse slaughter is a cruel and reckless practice that harms horses, public health, and the environment. Now, Congress must stop horse slaughter in the U.S. once and for all by passing the SAFE Act to protect horses, consumers, and communities.

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