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.

Katherine Minthorn Good Luck, the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s representative for the Northwest Tribes, was not available to comment on tribal participation the project.

In addition to the processing plant, the project includes the development of an algae farm to treat plant-related waste water and an onsite equine “Rescue and Rejuvenation Program.” The program would have its own staff and would accept horses seized by authorities in animal cruelty cases, abandoned by their owners, or given to the program by overburdened rescues. Horses in the program would be evaluated by a college-affiliated equine professional for soundness and trainability. Those suitable for rehoming would be retrained and placed in new permanent homes or provided at low or no cost to equine assisted therapy programs, youth groups, or other equine-focused nonprofit groups, Duquette said. Horses deemed too old, too ill, too dangerous, or otherwise unsuitable for rehoming would be processed, he said