"Horses are friends". Brambilla presents anti-slaughter bill
Deputy Michela Vittoria Brambilla introduces a bill aimed at banning the slaughter of horses in Italy, advocating for their recognition as companion animals rather than livestock.
Deputy Michela Vittoria Brambilla, president of the Italian League for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, has put forth a legislative proposal that aims to prohibit the slaughter of horses and the consumption of their meat. During the presentation of her bill, Brambilla emphasized that her initiative addresses the cultural aspects of the issue by clarifying that equines should be classified as animals of affection rather than of economic utility. She asserts that this legal change will put an end to the ambiguity surrounding horse treatment in Italy.
In her proposal, Brambilla also focuses on enhancing regulations surrounding the transportation of horses and ensuring their welfare during transit. She states that "horses are our friends, and friends should not be eaten or exploited," calling for a shift away from outdated practices such as horse racing and illegal races. Her stance reflects a growing sentiment for animal rights, highlighting an urgent need to end what she describes as inhumane practices, including the suffering inflicted upon horses before slaughter.
Brambilla is advocating not just for a legal change but for a substantial cultural transformation regarding how society views horses. The implications of this bill, if passed, could signify a major shift in animal welfare legislation in Italy, potentially inspiring similar movements in other countries as public awareness grows regarding animal rights and humane treatment of animals in culture and economy.