Horse slaughter remains a significant welfare issue globally, with millions of horses killed annually for human consumption, often after long-distance transport.
Horses destined for slaughter often endure long-distance transport without adequate food, water, or rest. The mixing of unfamiliar horses during transport leads to fighting and injury. Slaughter facilities using captive bolt stunners must accommodate the flight response of horses, which can result in failed stunning and conscious animals on the slaughter line. Many horses that enter slaughter pipelines have been sold through auction after rescue situations, accidents, or owner surrender. The existence of a slaughter market is argued by some to provide an economic outlet preventing neglect, and by others to create a market that encourages overbreeding.