ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A temporary order barring companies from resuming domestic horse slaughtering has expired without a ruling from a federal judge on a lawsuit by animal protection groups. And an attorney for plants in New Mexico and Missouri say they are preparing to open. Blair Dunn, who represents Valley Meat Co. in Roswell, N.M., and Rains Natural Meats of Gallatin, Mo., says a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit to block the plants from opening expired Thursday night without a ruling in the case.
Dunn said Friday morning that animal protection groups suing the Department of Agriculture over its permitting procedures are expected to seek an extension of the restraining order, but that he will fight it.
Dunn says the Missouri plant could be up and running on Monday. The Roswell plant is also preparing to open.
