Horses face unique end-of-life welfare challenges, including long-distance transport to slaughter facilities and limited access to humane euthanasia options, particularly in low-income contexts.
End-of-life welfare for horses is shaped by economics, geography, and access to veterinary care. Horses transported to slaughter endure conditions that violate their behavioral needs: overcrowding, unfamiliar companions, noise, motion sickness, and eventual slaughter in facilities not designed for equine temperament. Expanding access to low-cost humane euthanasia and supporting horse rescue networks can significantly reduce suffering at the end of equine lives.