Sponsor of Montana horse slaughter law seeks investor

The sponsor of a state law that aims to promote construction of a horse slaughter plant said Wednesday he is courting Chinese investors after European firms showed a lack of interest in the venture. State Rep. Ed Butcher, R-Winifred, also said construction of such a facility in Montana could come in the distant future - even if he can get someone interested in the project. Farmers and ranchers such as Butcher say plants that slaughter horses and sell the meat overseas for human consumption are a humane and efficient way of dealing with unwanted or aging animals. Earlier this year, the Legislature approved a new law limiting legal action to stop such projects. Butcher said a plant is needed now that lawsuits have closed all other plants in the country. Three Montana towns - Hardin, Conrad and Wolf Point - have expressed interest in hosting a horse slaughter plant, Butcher said...read more