Mont. governor backs horse-slaughterhouse bill, except section that would limit suits by Montanans

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer has partially vetoed a bill that would allow construction of a house slaughterhouse in the state. He removed a section that would have limited the power of Montana citizens "to bring a legal challenge to a license approving a horse-slaughter facility," reports the Helena Independent Record.

"Supporters have said a slaughter plant not only would bring needed investment and jobs to Montana, but also would provide a place for people to dispose of unwanted horses, which most Montanans consider livestock," writes Mike Dennison of the Billings Gazette. "Opponents argued that a horse-slaughter plant is not the type of development Montana needs, noting that such plants have been shut down in other states across the nation." (Read more)

"My proposed amendments do not prevent the licensing and operation of a horse slaughter facility in Montana,” wrote Schweitzer, a Democrat. “My amendments retain those aspects of HB 418 that clarify existing law to ensure that a horse slaughter facility, if licensed to operate in Montana, conforms to Montana’s current laws pertaining to all livestock slaughter facilities. My amendments are focused on eliminating what I believe is the unnecessary and potentially harmful special treatment that would be granted to one particular industry." (Read the letter)

If a legislative majority rejects the governor's amendments, as the sponsor wants, Schweitzer will get the original bill "for an up-or-down veto," the Independent Record reports. (Read more)