NM AG Gary King sues to block horse slaughter facility

New Mexico's attorney general sued on Thursday to block a horse slaughter plant scheduled to open next month from becoming the first facility of its kind to operate in the United States in more than five years. The move is the latest in an ongoing legal battle that has pitted animal protection groups and their allies against an industry fighting to regain a foothold in the United States. "Commercial horse slaughter is completely at odds with our traditions and our values as New Mexicans," New Mexico Attorney General Gary King said in a written statement. "It also poses a tangible risk to consumers and to our environment." The lawsuit and an accompanying request for a temporary restraining order target Valley Meat Co., which plans to convert its cattle slaughterhouse in Roswell, New Mexico, to one processing horse meat starting on January 1. The suit further alleges that because many horses are administered scores of drugs while alive, their meat is likely adulterated, unsuitable for human consumption and in violation of state food safety laws. An attorney for Valley Meat called the lawsuit an inaccurate portrayal of the company's environmental history and an act of political grandstanding by King, a Democrat who has announced plans to run for governor of New Mexico in 2014. "The idea of suing someone for an anticipated violation of the (New Mexico) Food Act is crazy," said Blair Dunn, an attorney for the company. "This amounts to nothing more than a frivolous and harassing lawsuit going after a lawful business."...more

Gary King & Gov. Martinez agree on one thing:  If they don't like the business you're in they'll come after you with the full apparatus of the state.  That to me is scary.

Thinking of starting a business in NM?  Better check with G&G (Gov. & Gary) first.  If it doesn't meet with their personal likes or conflicts with any future political plans, your start up could be costly, lengthy and at the mercy of a politically connected lawyer, otherwise known as a judge.  

This could be why NM is dead last of all the states in economic freedom.