Sea Coast Online - Local Student Fights Against Horse Slaughter

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Heronfield Academy student Declan Gregg, a Greenland resident, visited Washington D.C. last week to help Congressman Frank Guinta, R-N.H. introduce the SAFE Act -- Safeguard American Food Exports Act -- of 2015.
This bipartisan bill would permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. and stop their export abroad for that purpose, addressing the inhumane and dangerous process of transporting horses outside of the United States, according to the bill's proponents.

In 2011, then 9-year-old Declan created Children 4 Horses and started his own blog (www.children4horses.blogspot.com), and a page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/children4horses) to spread the word about horse advocacy issues.

Declan's dedication to horse advocacy brought him to the New Hampshire State House in January 2012, when he testified at a hearing in support of a bill opposing horse slaughter. He has traveled to the nation's capital twice to represent over 1,000 children from the United States and abroad by presenting their letters and drawings to legislators in the House and the Senate and three more times to lobby and meet congressmen and senators to raise awareness of horse treatment.

"Declan is a nationwide leader in the fight against horse slaughter made all the more impressive by his youth," said Guinta. "I first met Declan in 2011, when he was 9 years old, and I continue to be impressed by his knowledge and commitment towards protecting our nation's horses. For centuries, horses have embodied the spirit of American freedom and pride. I am honored to stand alongside my friend and fellow horse advocate, Declan Gregg, in the fight to end this injustice."

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