Bill > A2023

This bill makes it illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption and to sell horse meat or products derived from it for human consumption, classifying these actions as disorderly persons offenses, which are less serious crimes. It also prohibits knowingly transporting horses for slaughter for human consumption or transporting horse meat for the same purpose, also as disorderly persons offenses. Violators face a minimum fine of $100 and at least 30 days in jail. The bill includes an exception for newspapers that inadvertently or unknowingly publish advertisements for such items, but they will be held liable if they knowingly accept or publish such advertisements. Additionally, this bill amends existing animal cruelty laws to include these prohibitions and specifies penalties, including fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 for each horse slaughtered, transported for slaughter, or for each horse carcass or meat product sold, bartered, or offered for sale or barter.