Horse meat still on US menu

2006-02-07 21:13

Washington - Horse slaughter for meat will continue in the United States, despite votes in congress to halt the practice, the agriculture department announced on Tuesday.

American horse meat is sold mostly for human consumption in Europe and Asia, although some goes to US zoos.

Congress didn't ban horse slaughter outright.

Instead, lawmakers used a tactic that is common in spending legislation.

Horses must pass inspection by department veterinarians before they are slaughtered, so lawmakers voted to yank the salaries and expenses of those inspectors.

Department officials maintain the law requires inspections regardless.

They announced on Tuesday they would pay for live horse inspections by charging fees to slaughter plants.

John Sweeney denounced the decision, saying that "commerce and greed have ruled the day".

"To end this practice, congress, with widespread public support, passed this amendment by a landslide vote in both the house and the senate.

This action is a direct defiance of congressional intent," said Sweeney

The department acted on requests from slaughter plants, two in Texas and one in Illinois, which said their communities could be facing $41m in losses.

Compared to the huge beef, pork and poultry industries, horse meat is a tiny business: Three plants slaughtered about 58 736 horses for meat in 2004, according to the department.

- AP