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Summit of the Horse Addresses SlaughterBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · April 1, 2011
At the initial Summit of the Horse held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada, speakers addressed the idea of reopening equine slaughterhouses as a method of dealing with the huge population of unwanted horses, stimulating local economies, and preventing extended shipment time and inhumane treatment at existing slaughterhouses outside the United States. Proposed U.S. legislation to ban shipment of slaughter-bound horses to Mexico was never voted on, and horses headed to this destination are said to suffer hunger, thirst, and overcrowding as they travel for many hours. Since the ban on slaughter went into effect, many horse rescue facilities have become overcrowded, and there are scattered reports of horses being abandoned in parks and national forests. Proponents claim the slaughter option fills a need, while opponents say the process is inhumane at best and could be avoided if horse lovers would adopt and care for animals that need a home.
