Meat company sues federal government to resume horse slaughter operations
Valley Meat Co., headquartered in Roswell, N.M., is suing the federal government in order to begin horse slaughter operations. The company is alleging inaction in its application to resume inspections was driven by emotional political debates and has cost it hundreds of thousands of dollars, reports the Associated Press.
The company and its owner, Rick de los Santos, is also suing the Humane Society of the United States, Front Range Equine Rescue, and Animal Protection of New Mexico, accusing the organizations of defamation during a yearlong dispute. Valley Meat Co. is attempting to become the first new horse slaughterhouse in more than five years.