Horse Slaughter: Welfare at the End of the Performance Career

Thousands of horses are transported long distances to slaughter each year raising significant welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Around 2,000 horses are slaughtered in UK licensed abattoirs annually for human consumption
Many more are exported live to continental Europe for slaughter in less regulated conditions
Horse meat consumption is rare in the UK but exported to France, Italy, and Belgium
Horses are often held in lairage before slaughter creating welfare challenges from stress and unfamiliar environments
The 2013 horse meat scandal revealed the extent of undeclared horse meat in UK food supply

Welfare Considerations

Horse slaughter welfare is complicated by the semi-companion status of horses. Many horses sent to slaughter are not euthanised by vets but transported to abattoirs under conditions designed for cattle or pigs. Horses are prey animals that are highly sensitive to unfamiliar environments and the smell of blood in abattoir settings. Long transport distances add stress. Live export for slaughter subjects horses to journeys of hundreds of kilometres with inadequate rest and water.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for improved horse slaughter welfare standards and end to live export
Advocate for mandatory veterinary euthanasia as the default for unwanted horses
Support World Horse Welfare which works to improve standards for horses at end of life
Report welfare concerns at horse markets and abattoirs to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
Donate to horse rescue organisations that provide homes for unwanted horses