By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – An Illinois Senate committee revived a measure today that would keep horses from being slaughtered for human consumption.
Actress Bo Derek was among the horse lovers who expressed outrage to the Senate Executive Committee about the pending opening of a DeKalb horse slaughtering plant.
The committee voted nine-to-two in favor of a bill that would ban slaughtering horses so their meat can be sent overseas for people to eat.
The bill now heads to the full Senate.
Cavel International Incorporated had operated for years before it was destroyed in a fire.
The rebuilt plant is slated to reopen this month.
The company says blocking the plant will cost dozens of DeKalb residents their jobs. They also argue that it will remove a way for people to dispose of unwanted horses, leading to more abuse and neglect.