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According to the Humane Society of the United States approximately 100,000 horses are slaughtered, and processed for human consumption, in the United States every year; many more are transported to Canada for slaughter. The meat is then processed and shipped to Europe and Asia for human consumption. These poor horses are forced to endure inhumane environments during shipping as well as during the actual slaughter process.

Many people believe that selling their old, injured, lame, or sick horses for slaughter is an acceptable, and even humane, alternative to veterinary euthanasia; they are unaware of the fear and pain these animals must endure both in transit to the slaughter house and upon arrival at their final destination. During transportation to the slaughter houses, these horses are shipped by truck (frequently in double-deck cattle trailers which are not designed for horses). The floors in these trucks are slick and falls resulting in broken bones and injuries are common. It is not uncommon for horses to arrive at the slaughter plant injured or dead.

When they arrive at the slaughter plant, these horses find that their terror is only just beginning. Although federal law requires that horses be rendered unconscious - by use of a stun gun - prior to slaughter, some horses are incorrectly stunned and are still conscious when they are hoisted upside-down by their hind leg. These horses are still alive when their throat is cut. The conditions that horses are forced to endure at the slaughter houses are very terrifying and stressful.

Consider the conditions and events that slaughter bound horses must endure, before their final death; how could this process be considered a humane and respectful end for an animal that at one time was loved and wanted by their owner? There are many alternatives to slaughter for old, injured, lame, or sick horses.

If the horse is unable to live a pain-free life for the remainder of their days, due to injury, humane euthanasia performed by a vet is the most humane alternative. This service is usually offered by most veterinarians for a relatively inexpensive price. This allows the horse to be painlessly and calmly put down and ends their suffering with their dignity intact.

There are also numerous equine (or horse) rescues across the United States that offer both sanctuary for unwanted or neglected horses, and also offer horses for adoption if the animal is able to adjust to a new family and home. Most rescues are there to prevent unwanted or problem horses, from winding up at a slaughter house. They keep tabs on the horses even after they are adopted out, and most will not allow the horse to ever be sold, given away, or bred. This precaution prevents these rescued horses from ending up in a slaughter plant later down the road while giving the animal the chance to have a normal and productive life.

With the many options available to horse owners, it is hard to understand how they could consider sending a horse to slaughter as being a humane or dignified death for a beloved animal.

The Humane Society of the United States can provide more in-depth information on this subject. The facts and figures presented in this article were retrieved from their website.

Learn more about this author, Mary Hale.
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