Are Horses Livestock? Missouri DNR Considers Horse-Slaughter Permit

WASHINGTON — The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is set to decide on a permit application for a proposed horse slaughter plant in Gallatin. This decision has sparked a debate over whether horses should be classified as livestock. Rains Natural Meats, the company behind the proposal, is concerned about political influences affecting the outcome.

Rains Natural Meats claims that the DNR has misinterpreted Missouri regulations regarding horse slaughter. However, Gena Terlizzi, a DNR spokeswoman, insists that the agency has followed state procedures and noted that Rains initially indicated they would not slaughter horses at the facility.

In November, the DNR granted Rains a general operating permit to slaughter livestock, excluding horses. Rains' attorneys argue that horses have always been considered livestock under Missouri law and object to their exclusion.

Blair Dunn, an attorney for Rains, suggests the decision is politically motivated, influenced by the Humane Society of the United States. Meanwhile, Scott Holste, a spokesman for Governor Jay Nixon, referred questions to Terlizzi, who confirmed the matter is being handled according to regulations without the governor's involvement.

Bruce Wagman, representing Front Range Equine Rescue, supports the DNR's distinction between horses and other livestock, citing that horses are often given drugs not intended for animals raised for consumption.

Rains Natural Meats counters that they will test horses for drugs, following federal guidelines, ensuring no pharmaceuticals are present in the meat.

Rains has amended its application, requesting a permit without exclusions. The state has until January 26 to make a decision. If the permit excludes equine processing, it may indicate political opposition from state leaders, according to Dan Erdel, another attorney for Rains.

David Rains anticipates a significant market for horse meat, both domestically and internationally, with interest from zoos as well.

If approved, this would mark the first time horses are slaughtered for human consumption in the U.S. since 2007, following Congress lifting a ban in 2011. Animal-rights groups argue against the practice, while supporters see it as a viable option for unwanted horses.

Rains is also awaiting a federal permit from the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service. The USDA has not commented on the status of this application.

Originally Posted By Springfield News Leader