WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2013 – New Mexico’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit in a bid to block the planned opening of a horse slaughter plant on New Year’s Day.
Attorney General Gary King said Valley Meat Co. would be violating state laws related to food safety, water quality and unfair business practices, according to a USA Today report.
“We don’t eat horses in New Mexico, and we think this is an inappropriate use of this plant,’’ King told the newspaper.
Blair Dunn, a lawyer for Valley Meat owner Rich De Los Santos, said the lawsuit was frivolous and that the plans for opening the facility on Jan. 1 haven’t changed.
King’s move followed a federal appeals court decision rolling back a court order that prevented Valley Meat from starting operations this fall. Congress lifted a ban on domestic horse slaughter two years ago.
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