Horse slaughter raises distinct welfare challenges compared to cattle and sheep, including transport stress, inadequate stunning for equine anatomy, and the welfare implications of slaughtering working and companion animals.
Horse slaughter creates welfare challenges specific to the species. Horses are highly sensitive, social animals that respond strongly to novel, stressful environments. Slaughterhouse lairage causes significant fear stress. Correct captive bolt placement for horses requires greater operator skill than for cattle due to anatomical differences, and placement errors cause botched stunning and conscious slaughter. Horses transported long distances in mixed groups experience social stress from unfamiliar individuals. The emotional valence of slaughtering companion and working animals raises additional ethical questions beyond technical welfare standards.