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It is only days away from a congressional showdown over what some call America’s dirty little secret -- the slaughtering of horses for human consumption.

KHOU-TV

Supporters of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act rallied in the streets of the nation's capital Tuesday.

Texas will be a major part of the debate because two of the nation’s three slaughter houses operate in the state.

The 11 News report last week about what goes on in one Texas slaughter house drew international response from people appalled at the practice.

It is a cherished American icon, and yet it’s ending up on the dinner tables of Europe.  The meat is considered a delicacy in Europe and Asia.

Nearly 100,000 horses are slaughtered and sent overseas each year -- thanks, in part, to places like the Dallas Crown slaughter plant in Kaufman, Texas.

During a recent visit to the Belgian-owned plant, 11 News showed how horses are slaughtered each week by having a steel bolt driven into their brains.

“It’s a dirty little secret that doesn’t benefit the city of Kaufman, the state of Texas or the United States,” said Mayor Paula Bacon, Kaufman, Texas.

Mayor Paula Bacon said her city has been battling to shut the plant down for years.  But now, “every single member of congress must be reminded the overwhelming majority of Americans opposes horse slaughter.

The battle has shifted to the nation’s capital, where supporters of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act rallied in the streets.  

Amy nelson was there on behalf of her father Willie Nelson.

“Horses have always been good to me and my family,” she said.

But some in Washington argue the bill, HR-503, would not be good for horses, including the American Veterinary Medical Association.  It contends a slaughter ban would have unintended consequences for the horse population.  Slaughter, it says, is an acceptable form of euthanasia.

“It’s a lie,” said Nelson.  “It’s not true.  That is not euthanasia.  When we take our dogs to get put down, we’re not taking them to slaughter houses.  It’s not euthanasia.  It’s blood money.”

The House will vote on the measure this Thursday. 

It is the only bill on the floor that day, which currently has 203 cosponsors.

Supporters of the bill have declared Wednesday a national day for constituents to call their representatives, urging them to pass it. 

People definitely have an opinion on the topic.

A national public opinion survey found 69 percent of Americans are against killing horses for human consumption.

It also found that 71 percent of people polled by Public Opinion Strategies believe that horses are part of America’s culture and deserve better treatment.

But 64 percent felt it was important not to pass judgment on the eating habits of other cultures.

The bill, HR 503, is sponsored by Reps. John E. Sweeny (R-NY), John Spratt (D-SC) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY).