Some people are concerned that, once we set a precedent protecting horses specifically, the next step may be to ban the slaughter of horses.
Culturally, many people in the country value this animal more than other animals, but that doesn't mean people don't care about other animals. However, there are also cultural differences. For example, I know that people in French Canada, especially in Quebec, consume more horsemeat than people elsewhere, although it is consumed everywhere.
How would you respond to those concerns?