SULLIVAN — Sixteen of 42 horses en route to an Illinois slaughterhouse died after a crash early Wednesday on Interstate 44 in Franklin County.
The truck overturned about 3:30 a.m. between Sullivan and St. Clair while en route to Cavel International Inc., a horse processing plant in DeKalb, Ill., authorities said.
Cavel said even though the horses were bound for the slaughterhouse, the horses belong to the horse trader who bought them until they reach the plant.
Cavel said the driver was taken into custody on outstanding warrants and that it was disappointed he’d allegedly been in violation of
USDA transportation regulations.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department said the driver, Richard Facinelli, posted a $260 bond and was set free.
The U.S. House three weeks ago voted to outlaw slaughtering horses for people to eat. The measure still needs action by the Senate.