S.D. commissions feasibility study for equine slaughter plant

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota lawmakers want a new study to examine the feasibility of establishing an equine-processing plant in the state.

Federal regulators opened the door to domestic equine slaughter for human consumption late last year, but no states have opened any facilities yet.

House Bill 1102 proposes that South Dakota's Office of Economic Development study the feasibility, viability and desirability of establishing and operating an equine-processing facility in the state. The study would address the socioeconomic impacts related to the design, financing, construction, completion, equipping, operating and maintaining of an equine-processing facility in South Dakota. The bill, introduced Jan. 23, budgets $100,000 for the study and asks the governor's economic development department to report its findings back to the legislature.