Legality
The ban on horse slaughter in the United States has been lifted. Horse slaughter was previously illegal in 2006 but this expired in 2011. So until further notice, horse slaughter is legal across the United States, with three exceptions. Texas, Illinois and California are the states that have state laws against horse slaughter.
Horse meat is legally consumed in: China, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Tonga, Philippines, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Mexico and Chile. This list may not be exhaustive.
The ban on horse slaughter in the United States has been lifted. Horse slaughter was previously illegal in 2006 but this expired in 2011. So until further notice, horse slaughter is legal across the United States, with three exceptions. Texas, Illinois and California are the states that have state laws against horse slaughter.
Horse meat is legally consumed in: China, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Tonga, Philippines, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Mexico and Chile. This list may not be exhaustive.
The map (above) illustrates the list of countries that legally consume horse meat.
Australia and Argentina do slaughter horses but export the meat to other countries rather than consuming it. Poland and the United States export live horses to be both slaughtered and consumed in other countries.
Auctions
People who buy horses at auction in the United States with the intention of exporting them for slaughter are called "killer buyers" as they refer to the horses they buy as "killers." Horses of all kinds are bought for slaughter - healthy and unhealthy, old and young, large and small, working horses, racehorses, companion horses, et cetera. While nearly all horses sold for slaughter are bought at auctions, there are some who are bought directly from the owners.
Transportation
Since horses cannot be slaughtered in the United States, they often have a long journey to either Mexico or Canada. The USDA is responsible for the horses' safety en route to slaughter.
Their policies are:
1) That the stallions and aggressive horses must be separated from the rest of the horses.
2) They must be provided adequate food, water and rest 6 hours before loading onto a vehicle.
3) Horses may not be confined in a vehicle without food or water for more than 24 hours.
4) The driver must be certified to own and ship the horses.
5) During transportation the horses must have adequate floor space.
And lastly, transporting horses under the following conditions is strictly prohibited.
Australia and Argentina do slaughter horses but export the meat to other countries rather than consuming it. Poland and the United States export live horses to be both slaughtered and consumed in other countries.
Auctions
People who buy horses at auction in the United States with the intention of exporting them for slaughter are called "killer buyers" as they refer to the horses they buy as "killers." Horses of all kinds are bought for slaughter - healthy and unhealthy, old and young, large and small, working horses, racehorses, companion horses, et cetera. While nearly all horses sold for slaughter are bought at auctions, there are some who are bought directly from the owners.
Transportation
Since horses cannot be slaughtered in the United States, they often have a long journey to either Mexico or Canada. The USDA is responsible for the horses' safety en route to slaughter.
Their policies are:
1) That the stallions and aggressive horses must be separated from the rest of the horses.
2) They must be provided adequate food, water and rest 6 hours before loading onto a vehicle.
3) Horses may not be confined in a vehicle without food or water for more than 24 hours.
4) The driver must be certified to own and ship the horses.
5) During transportation the horses must have adequate floor space.
And lastly, transporting horses under the following conditions is strictly prohibited.
- If the horse is unable to bear weight on all four legs
- If the horse is unable to walk unassisted
- If the horse is blind in both eyes
- A foal that is under 6 months of age
- A pregnant mare that is likely to foal during transport
Double-Deck Trailers
In addition to the five policies listed above, the USDA has placed a ban on double-deck trailers (see image above). These trailers are used for cattle and pigs in order to maximize space efficiently by loading twice as many animals. While they work well and are safe for the cattle and pigs, horses are generally much taller. With the exception of horses that are young or short enough to fit, the horses do not have enough head room to stand in a normal position.
Risks of Transporting Horses in Double-Deck Trailers:
In the states of Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, the transportation of horses in double-deck trailers for any purpose [including slaughter] is illegal. Other states such as California, Minnesota, and Virginia have state laws regulating the use of these trailers.
Slaughter Methods
Slaughter is the killing of animals for food. Though it does have a negative connotation to it, slaughter in itself is not a terrible thing, unless you practice vegetarianism or veganism. In order to be humane, the method must have or show compassion or benevolence and inflict minimal pain. The method must also be safe for the people working in the slaughter plant (protection from flailing limbs and aggression) and efficient for business. It's just a matter of deciding what the best method is and eliminating the practice of any inhumane methods.
Chemical Euthanasia
This is not a form of slaughter, it's the way our pets are "put to sleep" when we make the difficult decision to euthanize them. It's popularly the way that many people wish for their pets to die - peacefully, painlessly, and surrounded by family. Unfortunately, it is not possible for animals slaughtered for human food to be put to death in this way. The reason is that the chemical euthanasia solution must be injected into the horse's bloodstream. This chemical can poison any creatures that would try to eat the animal.
Stabbing
This is the technique Mexico is famous for, as this is the only country where it is allowed. A "puntilla" knife is used to stab the horses on the top of the head, severing the spinal chord. This paralyzes the animal so that it can be bled out and the meat harvested. Many find this to be the most inhumane way to slaughter horses, which is supported by a strange flavor added to the meat. This flavor is caused by adrenaline, released during the stress of the slaughtering process. This is the only method that produces this taste as a result.
Gunshot
Gunshot is the method that is common in Canadian horse slaughter plants. As with any slaughter, the worker is supposed to be competent and trained in safe, correct handling of the gun (also true for penetrating captive bolt). There is a specific angle the gun must be at and also a specific distance. Those who try several shots before successfully rendering the animal unconscious are not using the correct technique, and this is undoubtedly animal cruelty. The controversy is over whether or not gunshot and other methods are capable of being humane at all, and what policies should be in place and enforced to make sure slaughter is humane.
Penetrating Captive Bolt
First it is important to realize that there are two types of captive bolt pistols. Non-penetrating captive bolt pistols simply knock the animal unconscious. Penetrating captive bolt guns are pointed and go directly through the skull, killing the brain instantly. This is the method that was popular in the US before horse slaughter was made illegal. Its purpose is to induce unconsciousness prior to slaughter. The animal is brain dead, similar to the condition in which organs can be harvested from humans who are organ donors.
These instructions (below) show what angle is best used on three species - cattle, sheep and pigs.
In addition to the five policies listed above, the USDA has placed a ban on double-deck trailers (see image above). These trailers are used for cattle and pigs in order to maximize space efficiently by loading twice as many animals. While they work well and are safe for the cattle and pigs, horses are generally much taller. With the exception of horses that are young or short enough to fit, the horses do not have enough head room to stand in a normal position.
Risks of Transporting Horses in Double-Deck Trailers:
- Head and facial injuries caused by the lack of head room, including torn ears and cuts and scrapes on the head & face
- Eye injuries from the sides of the trailer and lack of head room
- Horses injuring themselves on the steep ramps to the second level
- Fighting injuries such as bites and kicks and injured legs. The fighting is caused by overcrowding and stress.
- Horses losing their balance and causing an automotive accident
In the states of Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, the transportation of horses in double-deck trailers for any purpose [including slaughter] is illegal. Other states such as California, Minnesota, and Virginia have state laws regulating the use of these trailers.
Slaughter Methods
Slaughter is the killing of animals for food. Though it does have a negative connotation to it, slaughter in itself is not a terrible thing, unless you practice vegetarianism or veganism. In order to be humane, the method must have or show compassion or benevolence and inflict minimal pain. The method must also be safe for the people working in the slaughter plant (protection from flailing limbs and aggression) and efficient for business. It's just a matter of deciding what the best method is and eliminating the practice of any inhumane methods.
Chemical Euthanasia
This is not a form of slaughter, it's the way our pets are "put to sleep" when we make the difficult decision to euthanize them. It's popularly the way that many people wish for their pets to die - peacefully, painlessly, and surrounded by family. Unfortunately, it is not possible for animals slaughtered for human food to be put to death in this way. The reason is that the chemical euthanasia solution must be injected into the horse's bloodstream. This chemical can poison any creatures that would try to eat the animal.
Stabbing
This is the technique Mexico is famous for, as this is the only country where it is allowed. A "puntilla" knife is used to stab the horses on the top of the head, severing the spinal chord. This paralyzes the animal so that it can be bled out and the meat harvested. Many find this to be the most inhumane way to slaughter horses, which is supported by a strange flavor added to the meat. This flavor is caused by adrenaline, released during the stress of the slaughtering process. This is the only method that produces this taste as a result.
Gunshot
Gunshot is the method that is common in Canadian horse slaughter plants. As with any slaughter, the worker is supposed to be competent and trained in safe, correct handling of the gun (also true for penetrating captive bolt). There is a specific angle the gun must be at and also a specific distance. Those who try several shots before successfully rendering the animal unconscious are not using the correct technique, and this is undoubtedly animal cruelty. The controversy is over whether or not gunshot and other methods are capable of being humane at all, and what policies should be in place and enforced to make sure slaughter is humane.
Penetrating Captive Bolt
First it is important to realize that there are two types of captive bolt pistols. Non-penetrating captive bolt pistols simply knock the animal unconscious. Penetrating captive bolt guns are pointed and go directly through the skull, killing the brain instantly. This is the method that was popular in the US before horse slaughter was made illegal. Its purpose is to induce unconsciousness prior to slaughter. The animal is brain dead, similar to the condition in which organs can be harvested from humans who are organ donors.
These instructions (below) show what angle is best used on three species - cattle, sheep and pigs.
Consciousness
The following is a quote referring to normal reactions of the body after being shot as opposed to reactions that indicate the weapon was used improperly. This information is valuable as it comes from a consultant for improving slaughter techniques with more than twenty years of experience working in over a hundred slaughter facilities.
"When a standing animal is shot, it should instantly drop to the floor. In cattle, the neck contracts in a spasm for 5 to 10 seconds. Hogs have violent convulsions. Observations by the author indicate that this can occur even when the brain and part of the spinal cord have been destroyed. These are normal reactions. Rhythmic breathing must be absent and the animal must not moan, bellow, or squeal. All eye reflexes should be absent. Gasping or gagging reflexes are permissible because they are signs of a dying brain. Within 10 seconds, the neck and head should be completely relaxed. ln a clinical situation and in a slaughter plant, the animal‘s limbs may make uncoordinated movements for several minutes."
It is a very difficult thing to understand what an animal [or person] feels and thinks in their last moments. It is thought that their stress levels prior to slaughter is no different than any other management handling based on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone released during stress. Cortisol levels are a common tool used to measure stress in an animal. The exception, of course, is when high levels of adrenaline are released due to stress caused by the puntilla method.
Human and Animal Consumption of Horse Meat
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently bans the presence of 379 common equine drugs in animals slaughtered for human consumption. However, there is no procedure in place to ensure that American horses, sold to slaughterhouses and killed for human consumption, are free of these FDA-banned substances." -The Safeguard American Food Exports Act
Compassion isn't the only reason we don't eat horses in the US. Most horses receive veterinary care including medicines and other drugs that aren't safe to eat. If horse slaughter were to remain legal, or if the consumption of horse beef were to be made legal, detailed procedures would need to be put into place. The enforcement of such rules is what keeps our food healthy and safe for the public.
Horse meat is also legal in pet food in the US, though it is not used as a primary meat source as it was in the past. It is popular in zoos though. Veterinarians asked to assess the nutritional value of meats that meet the needs of large cats say that horse meat is the closest in quality to that of their natural prey. Since horse meat is not sold in the US, they must buy it elsewhere in order to feed the large felines. Some zoos have tried switching to beef-based diets and found the cats were not as healthy until they were provided horse-meat supplements. Horse meat can also be mixed into the diet of certain birds of prey.
Companion vs Livestock
Horses fit the criteria for both livestock and companion animals, and have functioned as both throughout history. Particularly on continents where horses roamed wild (North America, Europe and Asia), they have been a primary food source for ancient peoples. Horses were hunted to the extent that are now extinct in the wild on two of those three continents, not including wild mustangs. In civilization, they have been very useful tools for farming, war, transportation, and more recently sport and recreation.
Companion Animal - a pet or other domestic animal
Livestock Animal - farm animals regarded as an asset
A significant difference is that we accept the use of livestock for food but not our companions. However, there are other differences as well. Legally, horses are considered livestock in the United States, though many want this changed because of the horse slaughter issue. In many states, there are two types of animal cruelty laws - livestock, and non-livestock. Changing horses from livestock to non-livestock could also affect the types of protections they have for farm work.
The following is a quote referring to normal reactions of the body after being shot as opposed to reactions that indicate the weapon was used improperly. This information is valuable as it comes from a consultant for improving slaughter techniques with more than twenty years of experience working in over a hundred slaughter facilities.
"When a standing animal is shot, it should instantly drop to the floor. In cattle, the neck contracts in a spasm for 5 to 10 seconds. Hogs have violent convulsions. Observations by the author indicate that this can occur even when the brain and part of the spinal cord have been destroyed. These are normal reactions. Rhythmic breathing must be absent and the animal must not moan, bellow, or squeal. All eye reflexes should be absent. Gasping or gagging reflexes are permissible because they are signs of a dying brain. Within 10 seconds, the neck and head should be completely relaxed. ln a clinical situation and in a slaughter plant, the animal‘s limbs may make uncoordinated movements for several minutes."
It is a very difficult thing to understand what an animal [or person] feels and thinks in their last moments. It is thought that their stress levels prior to slaughter is no different than any other management handling based on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone released during stress. Cortisol levels are a common tool used to measure stress in an animal. The exception, of course, is when high levels of adrenaline are released due to stress caused by the puntilla method.
Human and Animal Consumption of Horse Meat
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently bans the presence of 379 common equine drugs in animals slaughtered for human consumption. However, there is no procedure in place to ensure that American horses, sold to slaughterhouses and killed for human consumption, are free of these FDA-banned substances." -The Safeguard American Food Exports Act
Compassion isn't the only reason we don't eat horses in the US. Most horses receive veterinary care including medicines and other drugs that aren't safe to eat. If horse slaughter were to remain legal, or if the consumption of horse beef were to be made legal, detailed procedures would need to be put into place. The enforcement of such rules is what keeps our food healthy and safe for the public.
Horse meat is also legal in pet food in the US, though it is not used as a primary meat source as it was in the past. It is popular in zoos though. Veterinarians asked to assess the nutritional value of meats that meet the needs of large cats say that horse meat is the closest in quality to that of their natural prey. Since horse meat is not sold in the US, they must buy it elsewhere in order to feed the large felines. Some zoos have tried switching to beef-based diets and found the cats were not as healthy until they were provided horse-meat supplements. Horse meat can also be mixed into the diet of certain birds of prey.
Companion vs Livestock
Horses fit the criteria for both livestock and companion animals, and have functioned as both throughout history. Particularly on continents where horses roamed wild (North America, Europe and Asia), they have been a primary food source for ancient peoples. Horses were hunted to the extent that are now extinct in the wild on two of those three continents, not including wild mustangs. In civilization, they have been very useful tools for farming, war, transportation, and more recently sport and recreation.
Companion Animal - a pet or other domestic animal
Livestock Animal - farm animals regarded as an asset
A significant difference is that we accept the use of livestock for food but not our companions. However, there are other differences as well. Legally, horses are considered livestock in the United States, though many want this changed because of the horse slaughter issue. In many states, there are two types of animal cruelty laws - livestock, and non-livestock. Changing horses from livestock to non-livestock could also affect the types of protections they have for farm work.
Propaganda
As this is an emotional issue for many horse owners, there is a plethora of graphic images and conflicting "facts" to be found on the internet. Finding unbiased, reputable sources is crucial in order to get accurate information. One thing to look out for is media containing misleading graphic videos and images. Often times this footage was used as evidence in a case against criminal animal abuse, and is not standard practice as many are lead to believe. Also keep in mind that some horses are sold to slaughter from abusive or neglectful owners, and their injuries and emaciation is not always at the fault of the horse slaughter industry.
Statistics
-The US domestic horse population went from 5.3 million in 1999 to 9.2 million in 2005, nearly doubling in 6 years.
-90,000 to 140,000 horses from the US are slaughtered annually, which is about 1-2% of the equine population.
-92.3% of the horses slaughtered are healthy
-4% of horses slaughtered are older than 9 years (the average age is 4 to 6 years old)
-80% of Americans oppose horse slaughter
-The top 8 countries that consume horse meat consume 4.7 million horses per year
-In a survey by the USDA, 7.7% of horses arriving at slaughter houses had severe welfare issues (6% due to owner neglect and 1.8% due to transport)
-Approximately 10,000 thoroughbred racehorses are sold to slaughter each year
My Personal View
I strongly SUPPORT the return of horse slaughter to the US, and I hope it remains acceptable so that we will be able to enforce policies that make it as humane as possible. The biggest problem in this industry now is lack of support. There are not enough resources to enforce every policy as strictly as possible, and not enough current research to make informed decisions and clarify fact from fiction. While I do not eat horse beef myself and ride horses as companion animals, I will not deny someone from another culture the right to a different perspective. This is the very core of this issue. I do not believe we should try to eliminate horse slaughter, but instead should try to improve it. I do not support double-deck trailers or the use of a puntilla knife for slaughter, however I do believe gunshot and penetrating captive bolt methods can be humane when performed properly. I also think it's important that horses' medical history be tracked so that horses with chemicals in their system that are unsafe will not be purchased by slaughter plants. I think this would eliminate the possibility of slaughter for many well-cared for horses, though it's impossible for me to predict how an ideal system would work. All I know is that we should try to make it work, for the benefit of both the humans and animals.
As this is an emotional issue for many horse owners, there is a plethora of graphic images and conflicting "facts" to be found on the internet. Finding unbiased, reputable sources is crucial in order to get accurate information. One thing to look out for is media containing misleading graphic videos and images. Often times this footage was used as evidence in a case against criminal animal abuse, and is not standard practice as many are lead to believe. Also keep in mind that some horses are sold to slaughter from abusive or neglectful owners, and their injuries and emaciation is not always at the fault of the horse slaughter industry.
Statistics
-The US domestic horse population went from 5.3 million in 1999 to 9.2 million in 2005, nearly doubling in 6 years.
-90,000 to 140,000 horses from the US are slaughtered annually, which is about 1-2% of the equine population.
-92.3% of the horses slaughtered are healthy
-4% of horses slaughtered are older than 9 years (the average age is 4 to 6 years old)
-80% of Americans oppose horse slaughter
-The top 8 countries that consume horse meat consume 4.7 million horses per year
-In a survey by the USDA, 7.7% of horses arriving at slaughter houses had severe welfare issues (6% due to owner neglect and 1.8% due to transport)
-Approximately 10,000 thoroughbred racehorses are sold to slaughter each year
My Personal View
I strongly SUPPORT the return of horse slaughter to the US, and I hope it remains acceptable so that we will be able to enforce policies that make it as humane as possible. The biggest problem in this industry now is lack of support. There are not enough resources to enforce every policy as strictly as possible, and not enough current research to make informed decisions and clarify fact from fiction. While I do not eat horse beef myself and ride horses as companion animals, I will not deny someone from another culture the right to a different perspective. This is the very core of this issue. I do not believe we should try to eliminate horse slaughter, but instead should try to improve it. I do not support double-deck trailers or the use of a puntilla knife for slaughter, however I do believe gunshot and penetrating captive bolt methods can be humane when performed properly. I also think it's important that horses' medical history be tracked so that horses with chemicals in their system that are unsafe will not be purchased by slaughter plants. I think this would eliminate the possibility of slaughter for many well-cared for horses, though it's impossible for me to predict how an ideal system would work. All I know is that we should try to make it work, for the benefit of both the humans and animals.
31st of October, 2013