Oregon could be the site of the latest proposed horse processing plant since Congress lifted its ban on USDA funding for horsemeat inspections, according to the project’s organizer Dave Duquette. In February a Wyoming-based group announced its intention to develop a horse slaughter plant in Missouri. Feasibility and site selection studies for that plant are currently under way, despite the fact the initial proposed plant site was abandoned earlier this week.
Duquette said the Oregon plant would be located on a 250-acre parcel in Hermiston. When operational, the plant would process more than 100 animals per day and employ between 50 and 100 workers, he said. The $3 million project would be developed by private investors with possible participation by Native American tribes in the region.