A budget bill pending in Congress would effectively reinstate a federal ban on horse slaughter by cutting funding for inspections at a New Mexico company and other plants.
The legislation released Monday night specifies that no money provided by the bill can be used for salaries or expenses of personnel performing inspections of horses intended for slaughter.
The $1.1 trillion spending bill would pay for operations of the government through October. It awaits House and Senate votes this week.
Meanwhile, Valley Meat Co. awaits a ruling by a state judge on whether the New Mexico company can begin commercial slaughter of horses.
New Mexico Attorney General Gary King has requested a preliminary injunction against the company.
