Horse slaughter raises significant welfare concerns due to transport conditions, handling practices, and slaughter methods. Horses present unique challenges as flight animals with complex behavioral responses to fear.
Horse slaughter involves welfare harms at multiple stages. Long-distance transport on inappropriate vehicles causes exhaustion, injury, and dehydration. Horses who have lived as companions are particularly stressed by feedlot conditions. Pre-slaughter handling of reactive flight animals is challenging, and failed captive bolt attempts result in conscious animals being further processed. The ban on US slaughter facilities has not reduced the number of horses slaughtered but has extended transport distances significantly. Welfare-conscious alternatives include retirement sanctuaries and improved end-of-life veterinary options for horses whose owners cannot provide ongoing care.