Legislation Banning Transport of Horses in Double-Deck Trucks

June 23, 2008 - The Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2008 was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 17 by Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL).  The bill would prohibit the interstate transport of any horse in a vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another.  The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The legislation was prompted by the accident in Wadsworth, Illinois last October 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.

The bill calls for civil penalties of $100 to $500 for each violation.  A separate violation occurs for each horse transported.

The bill would prohibit the transport of all horses in double-deck trucks.  There are thirteen cosponsors of the legislation.

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Please give us any comments you have on this legislation.