On March 28th, 2007 a DC Circuit Court Judge ruled that the 'fee for services' program created by the USDA was a violation of procedure and also violated the NEPA. This lawsuit was regarding the independent inspectors' 'fee for services' only.
The Humane Society of the United States issued a press release which was misinterpreted by many. At the end of the release it states: "Because the Congressional Act cutting funding for horse slaughter expires in September, The HSUS is calling on Congress to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503 and S. 311) to settle the matter permanently."
Although Cavel has been forced to close, horses can still be exported to Mexico and Canada. Beltex has been exporting horses to Mexico for months. As the amendment that defunded the USDA inspectors expires on September 30, 2007, there is nothing preventing Beltex and Dallas Crown or even Cavel from setting up operations in another state.
Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) will most likely attempt to open a facility in Virginia. Given that the legislation in Congress is progressing at a snail's pace, Goodlatte could help a slaughterhouse become operational before Congress acts on the legislation.
HR 503 has 138 cosponsors as of March 28, 2007. S. 311 has 23 cosponsors as of March 13, 2007.
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Founder & President
Manes and Tails Organization
