OSBI Investigates Threats Against Sponsor Of Oklahoma Horse Slaughter Bill

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says it's been investigating "allegations of threats" made against a public official.

The OSBI says the public official is Oklahoma Representative Skye McNiel, a Republican from Bristow.

According to the OSBI, the threats are in reference to House Bill 1999 which McNiel authored this session. HB 1999 is known as the Oklahoma Horse Slaughter Bill.

The bill would make it legal for a horse slaughter facility to be built in Oklahoma. Animal rights groups strongly oppose the bill, while supporters say it will help create a humane way to handle sick, neglected or otherwise unwanted horses.

Read the bill summary.

The OSBI says agents are tracking leads on the people communicating the possible threats, which it says have come in varying formats including telephone, mail and social media. It says threatening, harassing or intimidating an individual can be a felony and that it's one of the few crimes OSBI does not need a request to investigate from a law enforcement agency.

We have not yet received the bill in our office. We expect to later today and the gov has 5 business days once she does to either sign or veto it. She has not committed on it one way or another. She will not take action on it today. thanks

The bill has been approved by both the House and the Senate and now goes to Governor Mary Fallin's desk.  

3/26/2013: Related Story: Aide: Governor 'Inclined' To Sign Horse Slaughter Bill

Alex Weintz, communications director for the governor, said Wednesday afternoon that the governor will not take action on it today, March 27, 2013. She has five days to either sign it or veto it. 

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