In a state where horses outnumber people in many rural areas, farmers and ranchers are celebrating the passage of federal legislation that allows for the funding of horse processing facilities.
“This eliminates a major hurdle for the resumption of domestic horse processing,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
The legislation, H.R. 2112, is contained in the fiscal year 2012 agriculture appropriation bill. It does not include any language prohibiting funding for the inspection of horses at processing plants.
“There never was a federal law banning processing, “Spradling said. “The government just prohibited funding USDA inspection.”
During the two-year funding void, there was little or no option for horse owners. The economic downturn resulted in many horses being abandoned or left with owners who could no longer afford to properly care for them.
“Our farmers and ranchers compassionately care for their horses,” Spradling said “Well cared for horses need proper nutrition as well as regular veterinary, dental and farrier services. Without any domestic horse processing facilities, many horses needlessly suffered,” Spradling said.
Spradling recently sent a letter to the White House, expressing Farm Bureau’s appreciation to the President for signing the legislation.
