The New Mexico Horse Council has sent Gov. Susana Martinez a letter urging her to support a proposed horse slaughterhouse in Roswell, saying the closing of domestic facilities five years ago has caused "needless suffering under the cruelest of conditions."
The council, which represents more than 200 horse owners and 30 horse clubs, said an informal survey of its members showed 94 percent favor humane slaughter to help with an overpopulation crisis that has left many horses starving and abandoned.
Martinez has been a vocal opponent of the plan. Martinez spokesman Scott Darnell said the governor received the letter, but her position is unchanged.
An application to convert Valley Meat Co. in Roswell to a horse slaughterhouse is pending with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.