Horses slaughtered for meat face welfare concerns from long-distance transport to slaughter facilities, often crossing international borders in conditions that cause significant suffering.
Horse slaughter transport welfare is particularly concerning because horses are large, strong social animals that become highly stressed in crowded, moving vehicles over extended periods. Journey times exceeding 24 hours without food, water, or rest cause dehydration and exhaustion. Mixing unfamiliar horses during transport leads to aggression and injury. Slaughter methods vary between facilities. World Horse Welfare's documented monitoring of horse transport has identified systemic welfare failures in the live export trade. Consumer preference for domestic slaughter over live export applies relevant pressure.