New Mexico Horse Slaughter Plant to Open Jan. 1 with 20 Horses from Nevada

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico horse slaughter plant is scheduled to open on January 1 after a federal appeals court lifted a previous court order that had prevented the Roswell facility from starting operations. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over horse slaughter in the United States.

According to KOB-TV, Valley Meat Co. owner Rick De Los Santos stated that the plant will commence operations slowly but has already secured multiple meat contracts. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an emergency order on December 13, which had blocked the opening of the Roswell plant, as well as facilities in Gallatin, Missouri, and Sigourney, Iowa, the latter of which has converted to beef processing.

Animal protection groups have been actively working to prevent the slaughtering of horses, citing ethical and humane concerns. Despite these efforts, De Los Santos confirmed that Valley Meat has employees ready to work and 20 horses from Nevada prepared for slaughter.

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