Progress Along the Way…

While it is incredibly frustrating that we’ve yet to end the slaughter of American horses our efforts thus far have resulted in tangible improvements in their lives. We will be ready to care for our horses here on US soil when horse slaughter finally does come to an end.

Slaughter bound horse at the New Holland Livestock Auction in Pennsylvania.

Our Investigations and pressure that began almost twenty years ago shed light on the horrors of livestock auctions which is how we first learned horse slaughter existed in the US. To see a downed animal moved by backhoe to the “kill pile” was sadly all too common as was horses drugged to mask serious injuries. Today, conditions for horses at auction are noticeably improved with better provision of water and hay, increased air circulation and vets on hand. Though we should be clear although there have been improvements, the conditions for all animals, including horses, at livestock auctions is deplorable.

Horses used to be hauled from auction on double deck trucks designed for cattle, sheep, and hogs. Shipped for more than 24 hours at a time with no food, water or rest, the journey was brutal. Thankfully, the use of double deckers to move horses is now banned. Congress is currently considering the Horse Transportation Safety Act which will even ban the use of these trailers when hauling non-slaughter bound horses.

Intense scrutiny of the horse racing industry that sends so many of its unsuccessful and spent horses to slaughter has caused significant change. The Thoroughbred racing community has made real progress in taking care of its horses after their days on the track. It has created aftercare programs and established funds to provide for the lifelong care of retired racers. The Standardbred industry has made like moves. While there is still a long way to go, elements of the equine industry have been responsive. Sadly, the same cannot be said if the Quarter Horse industry, the largest contributor of horses to slaughter; it continues to breed bountifully and relies on the slaughter industry to absorb its discarded animals. When we ban horse slaughter they will no longer have a dumping ground and will be forced into more responsible ownership.

Improved communication between the racing, breeding and welfare communities has arisen out of our move to ban horse slaughter. Some of the earliest supporters for ending the slaughter of American horses came from within the industry; breed associations, owners, jockeys and racetrack owners have come together to improve the welfare of our regal horses. Once we end horse slaughter, we can work focus on improving these lines of communication even more.

The Homes for Horses Coalition, a national coalition of horse rescues, sanctuaries, activists and national animal welfare groups was formed out of the effort to end horse slaughter. Together the coalition has built an incredible network of rescue and rehab facilities, knowledge and resources to care for our horses in need. Today there are standardized guidelines for the care of our equines in rescue facilities.

Please consider donating to In Our Hands Action Fund so we can increase awareness among the public and legislators. Every donation makes a big difference and we want to make sure everyone knows what is happening to American horses every day across the country.

Also, be sure to visit our Action Center to send an email to your Representative and both Senators. Bookmark the page and come back regularly to send a new email. Thank you for your efforts.