EU citizens support stronger equine welfare protections
Over 5,000 respondents across five EU countries took part in our poll about equine welfare.
Over 5,000 respondents across five EU countries took part in our poll about equine welfare.
EU citizens support stronger equine welfare protections
Over 5,000 respondents across five EU countries took part in our poll about equine welfare.
Citizens across five EU countries (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Poland) place importance on the welfare of horses in all roles and support stronger welfare standards for equines, as shown by a YouGov survey we commissioned in February 2026.
The figures shown below represent average responses across the five countries surveyed. Country-specific summaries, along with their translations, can be downloaded further down the page.
Key findings
Stronger welfare standards
- 67% of people surveyed support minimum welfare standards for all horses, regardless of whether they are used for sport, leisure, companionship or slaughter.
- 58% support species-specific legislation for equines.
Transport of horses
- 60% believe transport poses a risk to equine welfare.
- 55% support a maximum journey limit of nine hours for horses transported for slaughter in the EU, while just 16% oppose this measure.
Awareness of current standards
- Only 5% believe current equine welfare standards in the EU are very good.
- 45% are unsure whether current standards are good or poor.
Background
Between 5 and 25 February 2026, World Horse Welfare commissioned YouGov to conduct nationally and politically representative polls of 5,250 people across five EU countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Poland. The survey explored public attitudes towards equine welfare in Europe, including during transport.
Respondents were asked about key proposed revisions to Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 (the Transport Regulation) under the EU Farm to Fork Strategy. These included the introduction of minimum welfare standards and species-specific legislation for all horses, as well a maximum nine-hour journey limit for horses transported for slaughter within the EU.
Country factsheets
EU
Public attitudes to horse welfare within the EU [English]
France
Public attitudes to horse welfare in France [English]
Perceptions du public concernant le bien-être des chevaux en France [Français]
Spain
Public attitudes to horse welfare in Spain [English]
Actitudes del público hacia el bienestar de los caballos [española]
Italy
Public attitudes to horse welfare in Italy [English]
L’opinione pubblica sul benessere dei cavalli in Italia [Italiano]
Germany
Public attitudes to horse welfare in Germany [English]
Die Einstellung der Öffentlichkeit zum Tierschutz bei Pferden in Deutschland [Deutsch]
Poland
Public attitudes to horse welfare in Poland [English]
Postawy społeczne wobec dobrostanu koni w Polsce [Polski]
