THE TRUTH ABOUT HORSE SLAUGHTER
Content: ASPCA's HAHD Horse Slaughter Handout 2015
What is Horse Slaughter?
Approximately 150,000 American horses every year are commercially slaughtered for human consumption in other countries.
Americans do not eat horsemeat -- this grisly, profit-driven industry is based solely on foreign demand. Although horse
slaughter plants previously existed in the United States, none presently operate—however, horses are transported in tightly
packed trailers to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada. This gruesome industry typically preys upon young, healthy horses
that may come from any background. Champion racers, accomplished show jumpers, ranch horses and children’s ponies have
all been victims of horse slaughter.
Why Oppose Horse Slaughter? Animal Cruelty
Horse slaughter is especially inhumane because horses, skittish by nature, are extremely difficult to properly render unconscious
before slaughter. They often endure repeated blows to the head and, shockingly, may sometimes be awake during the butchering
process. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors cited rampant cruelty violations at plants previously
operating in the U.S. Additionally, cramped and long-distance transport to plants results in cruelty and neglect. Even when U.S.
plants operated, the average distance a slaughter-bound horse traveled
Content: ASPCA's HAHD Horse Slaughter Handout 2015
What is Horse Slaughter?
Approximately 150,000 American horses every year are commercially slaughtered for human consumption in other countries.
Americans do not eat horsemeat -- this grisly, profit-driven industry is based solely on foreign demand. Although horse
slaughter plants previously existed in the United States, none presently operate—however, horses are transported in tightly
packed trailers to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada. This gruesome industry typically preys upon young, healthy horses
that may come from any background. Champion racers, accomplished show jumpers, ranch horses and children’s ponies have
all been victims of horse slaughter.
Why Oppose Horse Slaughter? Animal Cruelty
Horse slaughter is especially inhumane because horses, skittish by nature, are extremely difficult to properly render unconscious
before slaughter. They often endure repeated blows to the head and, shockingly, may sometimes be awake during the butchering
process. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors cited rampant cruelty violations at plants previously
operating in the U.S. Additionally, cramped and long-distance transport to plants results in cruelty and neglect. Even when U.S.
plants operated, the average distance a slaughter-bound horse traveled
