Horse Protection
 |
A
horse slaughterhouse where callous
treatment often results in the horses'
prolonged suffering. |
Horse Slaughter: A Shocking Practice
Approximately 90,000 horses - most of them racehorses, work
horses or pets - were slaughtered in this country in 2005, according
to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tens of thousands more
were shipped live to Canada and Mexico for slaughter there.
Fact
Sheet on Horse Slaughter
FAQ
about Horse Slaughter
American horses are slaughtered for human consumption in Europe
and Asia where the meat is considered a delicacy. There are
just three horse slaughter facilities in the U.S., and all are
foreign-owned. Two are in Texas, the other is in Illinois.
This is Not 'Humane Euthanasia'
Supporters of the practice refer to horse slaughter as “humane
euthanasia”, but there can be no mistaking it –
horse slaughter is not humane. Poll after poll show that Americans
want the cruelty to end.
Most horses arrive at the slaughterhouse via livestock auctions
where, often unknown to the seller, they are bought by middlemen
working for the slaughter plants. These so-called "killer
buyers" collect young, old, sick and healthy animals until
their trucks are full.
Callous treatment of horses at the slaughterhouse often results
in their prolonged suffering. Panicked horses are prodded and
beaten off the truck and into the kill-chute. Improper use of
stunning equipment results in horses enduring repeated blows
to the head and remaining conscious during their own slaughter.
The Solution: Passage of Permanent Ban
The only permanent solution to end this cruel trade is passage
of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act to prohibit the
transport of horses for slaughter here or abroad.
More Horse Protection Issues
The number of horses slaughtered could rise dramatically, given
negative amendments to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro
Act. more...
Often shipped for more than 24 hours without food, water or
rest, horses suffer horribly on the way to slaughter. more...
This booklet developed by DDAL offers practical advice for
operating an equine rescue or retirement facility. more...
