Horse Transport Welfare: Long Journeys and International Trade

Horses transported for slaughter across international borders face some of the most severe welfare conditions of any farmed animal, with journeys lasting days without adequate rest or water.

Key Facts

Horses from Eastern Europe are transported to Italy for slaughter — journeys exceeding 30 hours are common
EU Regulation 1/2005 permits horses to travel 24 hours before rest, then continue after 24 hours rest
Live horse exports from Ireland to Turkey have been documented with journeys exceeding 100 hours total
Horses in crowded transport show elevated cortisol, respiratory disease, and wounds from fighting
Several MEPs have called for maximum 8-hour transport times for all equines going to slaughter

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance horse transport for slaughter is among the most egregious welfare failures in animal agriculture. Horses — highly reactive flight animals — suffer acute stress in crowded transport for 24+ hours. Dehydration is common as horses frequently refuse unfamiliar water sources. Respiratory disease from shared air in crowded trucks is near-universal on long journeys. Wounds from kicks and bites accumulate as stressed horses fight for space. The welfare case for an 8-hour maximum transport time is overwhelming and well-evidenced.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for an EU 8-hour maximum transport time for equines going to slaughter
Raise awareness of live horse exports to slaughter with your network
Contact your MEP or equivalent to advocate for stronger equine transport welfare enforcement
Choose horse welfare charities that specifically campaign on transport conditions
Support local horse slaughter at origin over long-distance live transport where slaughter is practiced