USDA might approve first horse slaughtering plant since 2007

Friday, March 1, 2013  

The Department of Agriculture could approve the first horse slaughtering plant in response to a lawsuit, The New York Times reports.

Congress inserted a rider in an appropriations act that prohibited the USDA from inspecting horse slaughtering plants that intended to sell meat for human consumption. But the provision lapsed in 2011 and a New Mexico company sued to force the agency to restart inspections.

The lawsuit hasn't been resolved but attorney for the company said the Department of Justice asked for a 60-day extension to file a response. That would give the USDA time to inspect the facility and issue a license.

The last horse slaughtering plant closed in 2007.

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U.S.D.A. May Approve Horse Slaughter Plant (The New York Times 3/1)