Source: MEATINGPLACE, 1/7/14

The fiscal 2014 budget bill that Congress sent to President Obama on Thursday night contains a provision that prevents USDA from funding inspections at U.S. horse slaughter plants.

Companies in New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa have tried to open horse slaughter facilities after Congress in 2011 failed to renew an earlier ban on funding inspections at horse plants.

Animal rights groups including the Humane Society of the United States filed lawsuits that succeeded in temporarily blocking those companies from opening the facilities.

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) have said they will introduce standalone legislation to reinstate inspections at U.S. horse plants.

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