The Oklahoma legislature recently voted to allow the operation of horse slaughtering facilities, ending the state's 50-year ban on the practice, according to news reports.
The state Senate passed the measure in a 32-14 vote. Gov. Mary Fallin is expected to sign the bill. The legislation allows horse meat to be exported but continues an existing ban on domestic sales of horse meat. Exported products would be labeled as horse meat. No one in Oklahoma has applied for permission to open a horse slaughter facility, according to news reports.
State Rep. Skye McNiel authored the legislation. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating threats against the legislator over the bill, according to news reports. She has received threats via telephone, mail and social media.
Horse slaughter bans remain in California, Texas and Illinois.
