Horse welfare at slaughter
The slaughter of horses is a very emotive topic but it can be an acceptable end of life option.
The slaughter of horses is a very emotive topic but it can be an acceptable end of life option.
We believe that if horses are to be slaughtered and enter the food-chain, this should be done humanely under robust regulation and their welfare fully prioritise and monitored throughout. Only horses eligible for human-consumption are allowed to enter a licensed slaughterhouse. In order to ensure that these horses are truly protected throughout the slaughter process it is crucial they are fit to be transported and that staff at the slaughterhouse are trained and competent to handle and assess horses to a high standard.
World Horse Welfare has commissioned a research programme focusing on improving horse welfare at slaughter. The key objectives of this research proposal are to undertake a review of available literature and evidence already produced on horse slaughter, identify gaps in research and evidence that may impact on horse welfare at slaughter, address any gaps in evidence and create guidance to promote improved horse welfare at slaughter.
