SAFE Act of 2025

This proposal, called the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2025, would permanently ban killing horses, mules, and other equines for people to eat. It would also make it illegal to ship, transport, sell, buy, possess, or donate an equine—or equine parts—knowing they will be used for human food. Breaking these rules could lead to fines. The ban would apply nationwide, including actions that cross state lines or involve foreign trade. There is a narrow exception for activities by an Indian carried out for a religious ceremony. It builds on current law that already bans the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption.

The change is made by adding “equine” to an existing section of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 that now covers dogs and cats. In short, it updates the law so it reads “dog, cat, or equine.” Today, no horse slaughter plants operate in the U.S. because federal funding hasn’t been allowed for required inspections; this bill would make a permanent, nationwide ban part of law rather than relying on yearly funding limits .

• Who is affected: People and businesses that handle horses and other equines (owners, buyers/sellers, transporters, slaughterhouses).
• What changes: Slaughter for human consumption—and related shipping, sale, or donation for that purpose—would be illegal; violations can lead to fines.
• Scope and exceptions: Applies nationwide, including cross-state and foreign trade; exception for an Indian religious ceremony.