House expected to vote this week on horse-slaughter ban

Reconvening this week after a month away, the House of Representatives faces a list of issues, including immigration and the budget. Its first priority will be horses. The House is expected to vote on just one bill this week: legislation that would ban the butchering of horses for human consumption. The visceral issue pits animal- rights activists, horse racing associations and celebrities, including Willie Nelson and Bo Derek, against the agricultural industry, the largest veterinarian association and many equine groups. Each side argues it's concerned about the most humane way to treat the icon of the American West. The vote is expected to be close, with more than 200 lawmakers already signing on in support of the ban, and both sides close to claiming victory. "We're very optimistic about what our prospects are going to be," said Brent Dolen, spokesman for Rep. Edward Whitfield, R-Ky., sponsor of the bill. "We're cautiously optimistic we're going to defeat the legislation," said meat-industry lobbyist Charles Stenholm, a former Texas congressman who heads the coalition fighting the measure....