Re: [OHAHSEmail] OH Shipper of Horses Stopped in New Holland, PA

["jennifer simpson" <gwasurr@hotmail.com>]

>Equine Protection Network
>epn@epix.net
>Christine Berry
>570-345-6440
>For Immediate Release
>
>
>New Holland, PA- The PA SPCA assisted by the New Holland Police Department, 
>NHPD, stopped a double deck cattle trailer carrying 31 horses on Tuesday, 
>September 4, 2001.
>The 31 horses were seized by the PA SPCA and are being held at various 
>locations as evidence in the PA SPCA's criminal investigation.
>
>Under the recently enacted PA Horse Transport Law, Act 64, it is illegal to 
>transport any equine animal in a conveyance that has more than one level 
>stacked on top of each other. Each horse is a separate offense. The minimum 
>fine for each count is $50.00. The maximum fine is $750.00 for each count. 
>Forfeiture of the animals can also be ordered, along with restitution for 
>the cost of caring for the horses.
>
>According to the PA SPCA,the horses were destined for slaughter in Canada 
>for human consumption overseas. Mad Cow Disease & Hoof & Mouth in Europe 
>have driven up demand for horsemeat in Europe, resulting in more American 
>horses being slaughtered for human consumption overseas.
>
>The EPN applauds the enforcement efforts of the PA SPCA.
>Please express your appreciation to the PA SPCA for their efforts to 
>enforce Act 64.  Phone: 215-426-6300
>
>The people of the Commonwealth of PA have overwhelmingly indicated that 
>they do not want horses transported in double deckers. The PA Legislature 
>has passed the law, law enforcement has done their job, and now we 
>sincerely hope the courts will find the defendant(s)guilty and impose a 
>substantial fine and award the horses to the PA SPCA.
>Anything less will be a slap on the wrist and the cost of doing business to 
>these haulers. Historically, only substantial fines have made these 
>shippers stop using double deckers.
>
>In an unrelated incident, Arlow Kiehl, Watertown, NY has a court appearance 
>on September 19, 2001 in Barker, NY, for 32 misdemeanor counts of the 
>illegal transport of horses. Mr. Kiehl was arrested in February 2001 in 
>Barker, NY for transporting horses on a double deck trailer from a PA 
>auction.
>
>Background
>
>  Members of the EPN first approached the PA legislature in 1995 asking for 
>legislation to ban the use of double deck cattle trailers in PA. Members of 
>the EPN later testified on the cruel and inhumane transport of horses in 
>double deck cattle trailers in June 1998 at a PA House Judiciary Committee 
>hearing held in Gettsyburg, PA. The EPN
>contacted the New York State Police urging them to step up enforcement of 
>NY law prohibiting the use of double deck cattle trailers. The increased 
>enforcement has resulted in numerous guilty convictions and $8000.00 paid 
>in fines.
>
>Indiana is now following PA's lead and introducing legislation modeled 
>after Act 64 to ban the use of double deckers in IN, home to the infamous 
>Shipshewanna horse auction.
>
>Equine Protection Network
>equineprotectionnetwork.com
>
>End Horse Slaughter Now!
>hoofpac.com


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