S. 1537 Summary

• Prohibits slaughtering horses or equines (including ponies, donkeys, mules, asses, and burros) for human consumption when the person knows or should know the meat will be consumed by humans.

• Prohibits selling, purchasing, possessing, transporting, or receiving horse meat intended for human consumption, as well as importing or exporting live horses or horse meat for human consumption.

• Establishes penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine for violations, with civil penalties up to $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations on first offense, and up to $25,000 for subsequent violations.

• Directs civil penalties collected to the animal population control fund established under state finance law.

• Takes effect 120 days after enactment and does not limit other animal welfare laws or local regulations.