Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., was joined by actress Bo Derek and the daughter and granddaughter of Willie Nelson in Washington D C on April 25, to build support for her legislation that would prohibit inhumane killing of American horses for food. Actress Bo Derek, known for the romantic comedy, "10," and speaking for the Animal Welfare Institute, pushed for passage of the bill. Amy Nelson, singer Willie Nelson’s daughter, and Raelyn Nelson, his granddaughter, told reporters and lawmakers that they were speaking on Nelson’s behalf and that he supports the Landrieu bill because of his love for horses.
Bo Derek noted supporter of horses
Actress Bo Derek, known for the 1979 romantic comedy,"10," and speaking for the Animal Welfare Institute, pushed for passage of the Mary Landrieu's bill prohibiting horse slaughter.
Landrieu’s American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would also stop the transport of horses across the border to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.
“We must continue to open people’s eyes about this appalling practice that is so often hidden from the public,” Derek said at a news conference, surrounded by Landrieu, other lawmakers and citizen lobbyists.
In November 2011, Congress opted not to renew a ban on funding federal inspectors at horse slaughter plants in the United States and Landrieu and other lawmakers opposed to the practice worry it will spur a return to what they say is brutal treatment of horses.
“There are viable, affordable alternatives to slaughter,” Landrieu said. “When a horse is old, sick, or can no longer be productive, its owner should provide humane euthanasia.
A horse lover and riding enthusiast since childhood, Bo Derek owns Andalusian horses and is a spokesperson for the Animal Welfare Institute's campaign to end horse slaughter through passage of federal and state legislation. Her autobiography entitled "Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses," speaks of her commitment to horses.