In a move that will likely halt the first horse slaughterhouse from opening in his state, New Mexico attorney general Gary King recently ruled that horse meat from horses treated with drugs is an adulterated product unsafe for human consumption. “Our legal analysis concludes that state law does not allow for production of meat that is chemically tainted under federal regulations,” Attorney General King said. “New Mexico law is very clear that it would be prohibited and illegal.” New Mexico state senator Richard C. Martinez had requested the review of the issue.
Temperatures rose when Valley Meat Company placed a bid in Roswell, New Mexico, to open the first horse slaughterhouse in the United States since the horse slaughter ban in 2007 when Congress withdrew funding for inspections of horse meat plants. Now that the ban has expired, horse slaughter is once again legal and some are looking to capitalize on it.
Though not popular stateside, horse meat is widely consumed in Europe and parts of Asia.
While horses may not be slaughtered in New Mexico, one must question the hypocrisy of allowing cows, pigs, chickens, and other farmed animals, who are also treated with chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones, to enter the human food supply.
The idea of eating horse meat provokes an emotional response from many people, as evidenced by the horse meat scandal that rocked parts of Europe this past winter. The truth remains, however, that all animals suffer just the same when they are violently slaughtered.
Whether chickens, cows, pigs, or horses, all animals have the capacity for fear and pain. The best way to prevent the needless suffering and death of animals raised for food is to adopt a humane vegan diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com today for more information.
