Horse Meat Slaughter Facilities Inspection Update

Front Range Equine Rescue et al v. Vilsack et al, Docket No. 1:13-cv-00639 (D.N.M. 11/01/13) 

The controversy about horse meat slaughter facilities has resurfaced again in the United States. Here is a recent update. On November 1, 2013 the federal District Court ruled against Front Line Equine and reopened the door to horse meat slaughter and packing facilities in the United States. According to U.S. District Court Judge Christina Armijo, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not required to conduct an Environmental impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment. The District Court in New Mexico dismissed the case. Front Range Equine Rescue had  challenged USDA inspections in horse meat facilities.

However, Front Range Equine Rescue filed a motion for a temporary injunction with the Court of Appeals  for the 10th Circuit. The Court of Appeals  granted the motion which stayed  the district court’s November 1  ruling.  The Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay of the  lower court opinion over USDA inspections of horse meat slaughter and packing facilities.

What is Next…

Stay tuned for  more to come as this case continues to unfold. In the meantime, check out the earlier blog on this topic in April 2013.