SAFE Act of 2023

Save America's Forgotten Equines Act of 2023 or the SAFE Act of 2023

This bill permanently prohibits the slaughter of equines (e.g., horses and mules) for human consumption. (Current law prohibits the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. This bill extends the prohibition to equines.)

Specifically, this bill prohibits a person from knowingly

• slaughtering an equine for human consumption; or
• shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating an equine to be slaughtered for human consumption or equine parts for human consumption.

The bill subjects a violator to a fine.

The bill applies to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. However, it does not apply to an activity carried out by an Indian for a religious ceremony.

In recent years, appropriations acts have prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using federal funds to inspect horses before they are slaughtered for human consumption. Therefore, there are currently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the United States.

Bill 118 hr 3475, also known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide a safe and secure environment for all individuals living in the United States.

The SAFE Act of 2023 includes several key provisions aimed at achieving this goal. One of the main provisions of the bill is the establishment of a comprehensive background check system for all individuals seeking to purchase firearms. This system would require individuals to undergo a thorough background check before being able to purchase a firearm, with the goal of preventing individuals with a history of violence or mental illness from obtaining a gun.

Additionally, the SAFE Act of 2023 includes provisions aimed at improving mental health services and support for individuals in crisis. This includes funding for mental health programs and resources, as well as increased training for law enforcement officers on how to respond to individuals in crisis. Another important provision of the bill is the establishment of a national database of individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms. This database would include individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes, individuals with a history of domestic violence, and individuals who have been deemed mentally unfit to own a gun. Overall, the SAFE Act of 2023 is aimed at creating a safer and more secure environment for all individuals living in the United States. By implementing comprehensive background checks, improving mental health services, and establishing a national database of prohibited individuals, this bill seeks to prevent gun violence and protect the well-being of all Americans.