SAFE Act seeks permanent U.S. ban on horse slaughter

A bipartisan proposal in Congress would permanently prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the United States and stop their transport or export for that purpose. But the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act—better known as the SAFE Act—is still a legislative proposal, not a nationwide ban already in force.

What the SAFE Act would change

House lawmakers introduced H.R. 1661 and senators introduced S. 775 on February 27, 2025. The legislation would amend federal law to prohibit possessing, shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering or receiving horses and other equines when the animals are intended to be slaughtered for human consumption.

That wording matters. The proposal is designed not only to prevent domestic slaughter for human food, but also to close the export pipeline that can send American horses across a border for slaughter.

Two horses calmly leaving a trailer with handlers at a sanctuary — Illustrative image: humane transport and careful handling are central to equine welfare.

The measure has advanced, but it is not yet law

The standalone House and Senate bills began the congressional process in 2025. Supporters continued pursuing the policy through broader legislation in 2026. An amended version prohibiting transport of equines intended for slaughter for human consumption was included in the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act when the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved that package on May 22, 2026.

Committee approval is a meaningful step, but it is not final enactment. As of October 8, 2026, Congress had not completed the process required to make the SAFE Act’s permanent nationwide prohibition federal law.

Temporary border restrictions are a separate issue

Current border rules can make the picture confusing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Mexico is presently prohibiting slaughter-horse exports from every U.S. state because of New World screwworm detections. That is an animal-health restriction, not enactment of the SAFE Act.

USDA guidance for Canada still describes designated ports and certification requirements for feeder and slaughter horses entering from the United States, although additional screwworm-related restrictions apply to animals from or moving through affected states. Those changing health measures are different from the permanent federal policy Congress is considering.

Healthy horses grazing in a spacious sanctuary pasture while a caretaker checks water — Illustrative image: long-term protection also depends on safe placement, care and support for horses.

What comes next

For a permanent national ban to take effect, matching legislation must clear both chambers of Congress and be signed by the president, whether as a standalone bill or as part of a larger package. Until then, the SAFE Act represents a bipartisan campaign and an evolving legislative effort—not a completed federal ban.

If the proposal becomes law, implementation will also require clear enforcement, safe alternatives for owners, support for rescues and sanctuaries, and responsible placement options. Ending a slaughter pipeline addresses one part of the welfare problem; protecting horses over the long term requires capacity and care after the policy changes.