From Gary King

Dear Equine Advocates,

Today I announced that I have filed a lawsuit asking for a temporary restraining order to prevent Valley Meat Company, the proposed horse slaughter plant in Roswell, from opening in two weeks.

Valley Meat has a very poor track record of compliance with environmental and safety laws, racking up literally thousands of violations over the years, and we have no reason to believe they plan on improving their practices. These violations pose serious dangers to public health and safety. For example, the company has requested a state permit that is required before it can discharge wastewater, but has now stated publicly that it will begin operating on January 1, 2014, whether or not it receives the permit.

The slaughter of horses, no matter how it’s done, presents a genuine risk to New Mexicans’ health and to our natural resources. Horses in the US are not raised to be eaten, and therefore are administered drugs that are banned for use in food animals. These drugs are either harmful to humans or their effects are unknown. Combined with the risks to our groundwater, I simply cannot stand by and let this plant open.

Thank you for standing with me on this important issue. Please visit my website to find out how you can help in this continuing fight. Together we can do what’s right for New Mexico.

Best,

Gary King