Transport of Horses to Slaughter

Government Regulations on Horse Transport Allow Cruelty

The USDA concluded that using these double decker trucks to ship horses is inhumane.

In February, 2002, the federal government implemented regulations for the commercial transport of horses to slaughter, but they offer little real protection for the horses. The regulations continue to allow killer-buyers and slaughter houses to ship horses on double-deck trucks (pictured at right) through the end of 2006.

These trucks are designed for shorter-necked species such as cows and pigs, which forces many horses to travel in a bent position the entire journey. The U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded that the trucks are inhumane, yet allows for their continued use.

The regulations also allow for horses to be transported for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest. Horses who are missing eyes or suffering broken limbs can also be shipped under these "humane" regulations. Not only are the regulations weak on paper, but there is real concern that they are not being effectively implemented.

What We Are Doing

DDAL is attempting to gather details on enforcement (or lack thereof) of the regulations under the Freedom of Information Act, but is still awaiting information, despite more than a year having passed since our original request was submitted.

The only way to ensure that slaughter-bound horses are truly protected is to ban their slaughter. Urge Congress to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption.