Horse slaughter raises complex welfare concerns at multiple points from transport to killing. The absence of horse slaughter in the US has created an unwanted horse welfare crisis requiring systemic solutions.
Horse end-of-life welfare is caught between two difficult realities — inhumane slaughter on one hand and neglect from unwanted horses without affordable euthanasia access on the other. The removal of domestic slaughter without adequate alternative systems for unwanted horses has created genuine welfare problems. Systemic solutions require affordable veterinary euthanasia access, expanded retirement and sanctuary capacity, and owner education about end-of-life planning. Transport to slaughter causes significant preventable suffering regardless of where slaughter occurs.