Advocates Protest Against Horse Slaughter in Nevada

Advocates in Carson City, Nevada, are raising their voices against the state's Department of Agriculture, accusing it of supporting horse slaughter. The protestors, gathered near the legislative building, are determined to protect the wild horses of the Virginia Range. Their efforts are fueled by past discussions within the agriculture board about horse slaughter and the potential market for horse meat overseas.

The protestors assembled in front of the legislative building near noon on Friday in Carson City. This isn't the first time they've been here, and it won't be their last. Their message today focused on Nevada's Department of Agriculture and its handling of the wild horses on the Virginia Range, which they claim advocates for horse slaughter.

“They are headed to slaughter. They go to the Fallon Auction Yard after they have been picked up. Then it's anyone's fair game. And I'm told they are shipped off to Mexico and Canada,” says Lisa Light, an advocate.

“And the Department of Agriculture, which now has purview over them, is refusing so far to release the horses even though somebody wants to buy them,” says Suzanne McMann, another advocate.

The advocates say their position has been bolstered by the revelation of 2011 transcripts from an agriculture board meeting where three members discussed horse slaughter, a market overseas where the meat is a delicacy, and whether there was interest in drumming up public support for the practice.

You may recall two years ago, Congress lifted the ban on horse slaughter in this country—a move that could have had ramifications here in Nevada—and something the AG Board might want to discuss. Which is what they did, says the AG Department's Director.

“There is one applicant that has been made to the USDA for a slaughter plant in New Mexico. But we've never made contact with them or any other facility. Our intention has been to protect public safety,” says Director Jim Barbee.

Barbee says budget constraints and staff shortages prevent his department from entering into cooperative agreements with wild horse advocates at this time. Advocates may have to go elsewhere to make such agreements happen, such as the state legislature or even the governor himself.

Protestors say so far the governor has been unresponsive, but they are hoping that after they hand-deliver 2,000 signatures to his office, that will change.

Originally Posted By KOLO-TV