In the US, there is a ban on slaughtering horses for meat. But that doesn't stop the cruelty. The US sends nearly 30,000 horses over its borders for slaughter in Mexico every year. Horses suffer in cramped cages and horrific conditions during the long journey to be killed in inhumane ways.
Take action now!
This month, we ask you to join Animal Equality in their fight against sending horses from the US to slaughter in Mexico. Here’s what you need to know.
Why are horses sent to slaughter?
For meat. While horses may seem more like companion animals to you, in many countries worldwide, particularly in Europe and Asia, horses are farm animals. They are kept for their meat, in the same way that cows, chickens and pigs are.
Are horses slaughtered for meat in the US?
No. While there is no ban on slaughtering horses for meat in the US as such, there is, in a way. That’s because only USDA-approved meat can be sold for consumption in the US. Currently, there is no funding for USDA inspectors to oversee horse slaughterhouses, so none of the meat is sellable within the US. Therefore, there is no need for it. A ban on importing horse meat from other countries is also in place, so horse meat is not something you’ll see on the menu in the US. Thankfully.
The country does support the slaughter of horses in other ways, though. It sends live horses across the border to Mexico.
A journey of suffering
Horses are transported from the US in trucks that are unfit for their needs. They are small, cramped and leave horses without food or water for days. Diseases are rife, with many animals suffering from mental distress, as well as dehydration, weight loss, and injuries from kicks and bites. Having so many horses crammed into such a small space results in aggression and fighting, and there is no way to escape.
No end to the cruelty
Once they arrive at their destination – the slaughterhouse – the cruelty just continues. While attempts may be made to stun animals prior to slaughter, research has shown methods are often ineffective. That means many individuals are conscious during the whole process, while others are shot multiple times.
Time for a ban
In a country that does not allow the slaughter of horses and the consumption of their meat, this is madness. It’s time to wake up and stop this cruel and unnecessary suffering of horses – they deserve our respect, not a life of torture and suffering in horrendous conditions. Sign the petition and join the fight to give horses the protection they deserve.