JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House has endorsed legislation designed to allow the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
The legislation is intended to get around a federal ban on meat inspectors working in horse slaughtering plants.
The House bill would levy fees on slaughterhouses that the state would then transfer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was approved by voice vote Monday and needs another vote before moving to the Senate.
Congress has barred federal funds from being spent by USDA to inspect horse slaughtering plants.
The horse meat bill also includes a provision aimed at blocking initiative petitions restricting agriculture.