Well, back in the late 80s, early 90s, there was a west coast meat packing plant that had a contract to supply US Military bases with beef - they substituted horse on several occasions, and finally got busted for it.
Speaking as one of the GIs who ate horse, and didn't realize it, I have to say that I never noticed a difference.
Ok, found Cavel listed with active licensing at the USDA. They just reopened in April after they place was burned down.
15849 E --- Cavel International --- 108 Harvestore Drive --- DeKalb, IL 60115 --- Slaughter/ Cutting --- Equine --- 15, T
So they are not in business illegally.
I also saw they are listed on a 'Eligible Plant List for Mexico'.
I would guess, our regulations in the slaughter industry is MUCH MORE HUMANE than if they went to Mexico.
I'm not sure if I could eat a horse.
Wild herds have to be managed thought, right?
Did you ever have the urge to count by moving your foot?
(sarcasm)
I guess if they mixed the horsemeat with beef, you probably wouldn't have noticed the difference. But then you can the say the same with most any kind of meat.
I heard about them selling loosing greyhounds for meat years ago. They showed it on TV on a news show. A truckfull of dead greyhounds being shipped off for food.