Vilsack: New Mexico Horse Slaughter Plant Set to Open Soon

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the southern New Mexico plant, which has been seeking permission to slaughter horses for over a year, is set to open soon unless Congress reinstates a ban on the practice. This development marks the potential opening of the first domestic horse slaughterhouse in six years.

Vilsack emphasized that the department is committed to ensuring the process is handled correctly. “We are going to do this, and I would imagine that it would be done relatively soon,” he stated.

Valley Meat Co. had previously sued the Department of Agriculture, arguing that the delays in processing its application were due to emotional political debates, costing the company significant financial losses. The USDA conducted a re-inspection of the plant last week.

“It will open unless Congress restores the ban on horse slaughter that they had in place,” Vilsack reiterated. “If that doesn’t happen, then we are duty-bound to do what needs to be done to allow that plant to begin processing.”

The Obama administration has expressed opposition to horse slaughter, proposing a budget that eliminates funding for inspections of horse slaughterhouses, effectively reinstating a ban. Congress had previously eliminated this funding in 2006, leading to the shutdown of domestic slaughter facilities. However, funding was reinstated in 2011, prompting Valley Meat Co. and other businesses to seek permission to open plants.

Originally Posted By Courier-Journal