A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to prevent the opening of horse slaughtering facilities.

As a result, the facilities in New Mexico and Iowa could open as early as this week, according to news reports. The facilities have received permits from the Department of Agriculture.

The National Congress of American Indians, the Mescalero Apache Nation of New Mexico, the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota and the Yakama Nation of Washington have supported the issuance of permits for the plants.

The Navajo Nation originally supported the permits but President Ben Shelly changed his mind after hearing complaints from elders and animal rights activists.

Get the Story:
Federal judge clears the way for horse slaughter in US; plants in NM, Mo. prepare to open (AP 11/1)
New Mexico judge dismisses lawsuit, OKs horse slaughter to resume (The Los Angeles Times 11/2)
Ex-N.M. governor vows to halt horse slaughters (USA Today 11/3)

Related Stories:
Navajo Nation leader no longer supports horse slaughtering (10/08)
Yakama Nation struggling to deal with wild horse population (09/11)
Navajo Nation president explains support for horse slaughter (08/12)
Judge requires bond of nearly $500K in horse slaughter lawsuit (8/9)