When was horse slaughter banned in the United States? Every year, tens of thousands of equines from the United States are slaughtered for human consumption to satisfy the taste for horse meat in Europe and Japan where it is considered a delicacy. These horses sent to slaughter come from auctions, private owners, and captured wild horse herds or even stolen pet horses. Drafts don't fit the bill for a #1 because they carry too much weight in bone. . A scientific poll conducted in California showed that 70% of those polled support a ban on horse slaughter. In 2006 when all three plants in the U.S. were operating, It has nothing what-so-ever to do with horse welfare or providing any assistance to the horse industry. Myths and Facts Regarding Horse Slaughter Myth: Ending domestic horse slaughter has destroyed the U.S. horse market and led to fewer options . Horse slaughter, whether in U.S. or foreign plants, was never and cannot be humane because of the nature of the industry and the unique biology of horses. - A greater majority of voters (77%) are opposed to changing state law to . Compared to the same period last year: Live horse exports for slaughter (section outlined in red)- 2231 horses which is 140 fewer than in 2018, a decrease of 5.9% See below for more information about why horse slaughter needs to be banned in Canada. 443-821-3343. [email protected]. The government Veterinarian works on site with the staff whenever the plant is operational to ensure that all laws and regulatory protocols are followed. (Statistics Canada) Most equine establishments were located in Ontario with 252, followed by Alberta with 122. Webster's defines euthanasia as "the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.". Thankfully, the facts are very easy on this cruel and . The only thing different then is that a fat slaughter horse was worth $900.00 to $1000.00 so people kept them fat and well-cared for and did not starve any of them to death. Horse slaughter businesses in Canada have grown by 75 per cent since laws were passed in the United States in 2006 making it illegal to kill horses for food, according to figures from the Canadian . If a horse weighs less than 1000 pounds they sell for less money even if they are in good flesh. Current year to date as of September 15th, 20,188 horses were exported for slaughter and 4,057 cattle were exported for slaughter. This was the second time that such a large number of horses are to be butchered. - A substantial majority of voters (72%) are opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Another result of the 'supply and demand' cycle that is happening now. 10. No. 2 the number of horses slaughtered in canada also dropped from 113, 334 in 2008 (when the us defunded meat inspectors at horse slaughter plants) to 54,100 in 2016. Euthanasia is a gentle, peaceful death provided to prevent suffering. In late February 2010, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) received hidden camera footage of horse slaughter practices at Quebecs Viandes Richelieu and Albertas Bouvry Exports - the latter known as North Americas largest . Expensive to feed, expensive to own and very expensive to have euthanized by a veterinarian. October 2018 data obtained from AgriFood and Agriculture Canada/StatCan show that 92,992 equines were imported to Canada from the U.S. for slaughter between 2015 and 2018. " Slaughter of our wild horses is just not an option! No. Between 2015, and 2019, over 350,000 horses were exported for slaughter from the United States to Mexico. March 29, 2010. The terror, trauma and pain that horses endure in transport to slaughterhouses and on the killing floor - where they have been documented to have their throats cut while they are fully conscious - is unacceptable. As you can see, horses are the main livestock exported for the purpose of slaughter outside of the United States. Horses are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest in crowded trucks. Because killer buyers are paid by the pound for the horses they deliver, they look for healthy horses in good body condition, as well as horses in poor condition who can be fattened up. The W5 piece will include interviews with both sides - the people who sell the horses for meat and the activists trying to stop them. Although horse slaughter became illegal in the United States in 2008, it is not illegal to transport horses across the Mexican and Canadian border to be slaughtered. There is a clash of cultures involved when it comes to slaughtering horses for consumption. in 2008, around 134,000 horses were reported for slaughter in the U.S. and Canada. Post published . Canada-Wide Horse Industry Statistics. Horse Slaughter in the United States The last three U.S. slaughterhousestwo in Texas and one in Illinois, all foreign-ownedwere shuttered in 2007. Due to an ongoing movement by small . The term refers to the process of slaughtering horse for meat. Horse slaughter is a brutal and terrifying death full of pain and suffering. Horse Slaughter Abroad. Less fat. In the United States, horses have never been raised for human consumption, yet for decades, our horses have been bought and slaughtered by a predatory, foreign-owned industry for sale to high-end diners in Europe and Asia. Despite claims to the contrary, most of the slaughtered horses are in good-to-excellent health, yet they are inhumanely killed and their meat shipped overseas to satisfy the demands of foreigners for "American Horse Steaks.". How many horses are sent to slaughter each year? In the past, it has been a popular practice in many parts of the United States, but has diminished over the years. More adults participate than children, with a breakdown of 59% and 41%, respectively. Slaughter is a brutal and terrifying end for horses, and it is not humane. Arguably it's we humans that are non-native, invasive and feral and not the equines. With nearly 72,000 horses slaughtered in 2013 alone, Canada's horse slaughter industry is among the largest in the world, and a shameful betrayal against our loyal companions. Horse meat is exported to Japan and other countries from facilities that are licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.The CFIA provides inspection services as required for horse slaughter as it does . Fossils unearthed have shown that equines originated in North America about 4,000,000 years ago. This barbaric practice is currently banned in the United States, so horses from the United States are shipped to Canada, and to Mexico, to be slaughtered. However, in 2014 approximately 146,000 American horses were shipped across the border to Mexico or Canada where they were brutally butchered and sold for human consumption in Europe and Asia. Facts on Horse Slaugter. Nothing about the process is humane. In 2021 . Because horses' instinctual flight response makes them ill-suited for stunning, they often endure repeated blows and sometimes remain conscious during dismemberment. Horse slaughter is a predatory industry that is profit driven. In 2009, when the European economy got hit hard by the crisis and their governments came to the rescue of the bankers, demand of horse meat decreased a little, with 106,542 horses slaughtered, but still more than what were killed in 2004 (102,656), when the three US-based plants were open and thriving. Many were young healthy horses that were sold at auction to the highest bidder - a "killer buyer" working for a slaughterhouse. The horse slaughter industry is demand driven. He chose the fish without hesitation. In 2015, 84,907 US horses were shipped to Mexico to be slaughtered while 45,629 US horses were shipped to . 6) banning horse slaughter for human consumption passed, with 60 percent of the vote. Animals' Angels has documented transport times of more than 35 hours - and at no time were the horses ever given food or water, or provided a . Canada is home to approximately 500,000 horses, with 855,000 people active in the equine industry. Horse slaughter is the practice of killing & butchering horses for human consumption or animal foods manufacturing. revenue from horse meat exports decreased from $76 million in 2016 to $31 million in 2018. Other findings from that study were: - An overwhelming majority (89%) of Texas voters are unaware that horses are being slaughtered in the state for human consumption. 9. Aprilswissmiss. 12. Most of the horses are brought to slaughter houses by contract buyers, who collect . A #1 is in very good flesh. There are only four federally registered establishments that perform horse slaughter, and most of this meat is exported. 74.8% of these businesses were considered micro-businesses that employed five or fewer employees. Double iron. When enough people speak out, politicians will be forced to act. around 100,000 horses each year are, to this day, still being transported for slaughter to either Canada or Mexico. The horse slaughter industry and its supporters are working very hard to mislead the public and members of Congress. Currently, there are no horse slaughterhouses in the U.S., but the cruel and predatory industry continues to court states in an effort to convince them that slaughter is somehow good for communities and horses. In the late 80s, 350,000 horses were sent to slaughter per year. The SAFE Act was re-introduced by Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) in January 2019. Association of phenylbutazone usage with horses bought for slaughter: Sixty-seven million pounds of horsemeat derived from American horses were sent abroad for human consumption last year. The proposed SAFE Act (Safeguard American Food Exports), or H.R. Share the shocking and disturbing facts of this industry with others, and please write your MP and the Prime Minister. facts. Horses we adopt out cost us a minimum of $1,500 to rescue and get ready for adoption. In fact, 99% of the horse industry manages just fine . In 2020, there were 4,633 equine business establishments in Canada. Slaughter is not euthanasia. Over 92,000 horses were imported to Canada for slaughter between 2015 and 2018. End cruelty and crime and hold accountable the neglectful even the American Quarter Horse Association and horse racing organizations, which dispose of horses they . They are transported across the border to slaughter facilities in Mexico and Canada and their meat is exported to foreign countries for human consumption. The horse slaughter industry in Canada is highly regulated to ensure proper animal welfare is observed and the safety of the meat that is being processed is protected. Horses have served mankind since 3600 B . Horse ownership is expensive. In addition, Canada allows for the transportation of live horses to Japan to be slaughtered for human consumption, and unfortunately, the transportation of horses destined for slaughter . Looking at data from 2012 to 2016, an average of 137,000 American horses were trucked over our borders each year to slaughter facilities in Mexico and Canada. Call for the immediate closure of Canada's horse slaughter plants. In addition, the economic situation in Canada is The road to the slaughterhouse is also rife with cruelty and suffering. The Canadian Horse Defence Coalition is a collective of people, and national groups, who have joined forces in order to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in Canada. Horse slaughter is NOT a humane death or euthanasia. In most countries where horses are slaughtered for food, they are processed in a similar fashion to cattle, i.e., in large-scale factory slaughter houses (abattoirs) where they are stunned with a captive bolt gun and bled to death.In countries with a less industrialized food-production system, horses and other animals are slaughtered individually outdoors as needed, in or near the village . In 2007, all facilities in the U.S. that slaughtered horses for consumption were closed. The Thoroughbred-racing industry sends an . Because of the anatomy, behavioral patterns and strong survival instinct of the horses, it is very difficult for the untrained slaughter plant workers to accurately use a captive bolt gun to render the horse unconscious. Slaughter is a brutal and terrifying end for horses, and it is not humane. The trailer shows how the horses are kept in cruel, cramped conditions before being shipped live overseas for slaughter. Animals' Angels works to fight cruelty against horses, dogs and farm animals in the US, Canada and Mexico. Horses are not raised as food animals in the United States and, mechanisms to ensure the removal of horses treated with banned substances from the food chain . In 2006, . Plan to spend between $2,400 and $3,876 per horse, per year. No; horse slaughter is a brutal and terrifying death for these animals, full of pain and suffering. Help horses by educating yourself on horse slaughter. Horse slaughter is the way by which irresponsible people get rid of their unwanted horses quickly and for a profit. Dr Stange's research on the subject of horse slaughter appears to have been limited, in my view, to watching old Kirk Douglas movies, reading Oren Dorell's earlier USA Today article "US shelters . EDITOR: I am writing to you today to voice my opinion on positively banning horse slaughter in America and across the borders of Mexico and Canada. Horse slaughter is the way by which irresponsible people get rid of their unwanted horses quickly and for a profit. Here are the facts. Horse meat is considered to be the healthiest meat with a lot of health benefits. In 2012, more than 82,000 horses were slaughtered in Canadathat's nearly 1,600 horses killed each week. Due to an ongoing movement by small . Meaning it is based on the demand for horsemeat and not a service provided to deal with horses no longer wanted. FACTS ABOUT OUR FOOD ~ HORSE SLAUGHTER ~ ----- OVERVIEW Horse slaughter is a serious concern in Canada because of the pain and suffering caused to horses during transport and slaughter. In 1971 a law was signed giving free roaming wild horses full legal protection. The cruelty that was documented in the US plants, is no different than that which has been documented in Canada and Mexico. 11. Sponsored by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), this important legislation will prevent the horse slaughter industry from re-establishing operations in the U.S. and prohibit the export of US horses for slaughter in Canada and Mexico. Slaughter should in no way be equated with humane euthanasia. in 2008, around 134,000 horses were reported for slaughter in the U.S. and Canada. The terrifying road to slaughter. Horses are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest in crowded trucks. The Reality Of Banning Horse Slaughter: Reuters claims that around 130,000 horses are slaughtered each year in Canada and Mexico and nearly as many in the United States. 3 however, as of 2017, the canadian government refuses to release horse slaughter statistics A large number of horses are shipped to Canada for slaughter. Every week, our team conducts undercover investigations at auctions, kill pens, feedlots and slaughter plants to document the abuse animals face every day. Just over 100,000 horses were slaughtered in the US 2008. The term refers to the process of slaughtering horse for meat. Second, in Canada, the potential use of horse meat as a substitute for beef would be unlikely. Horse meat is eaten in Canada and various countries in Europe, Asia and South America. The slaughter pipeline More than 1.5 million American horses were trucked to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada from 2001-20. Should any irregularity . (Equestrian Nation) 550,000 of these individuals live in horse-owning households, while 350,400 people have reported using horses that are owned by someone else. STATEMENT. Get the Facts On Horse Slaughter 2003 The Humane Society of the United States. - When horse slaughter was stopped in 2006, horse welfare drastically decreased. First, Canada does not currently permit beef imports from Europe. By selling a horse to the slaughter market, an owner could save some money on a euthanasia injection but also contribute to feeding people in France, Canada, etc. A 2012 national poll confirms that 80 percent of Americans oppose the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Please take action, contact your representatives and urge them to co-sponsor . Horse Slaughter Statistics. FACTS ON HORSE SLAUGHTER Every year tens of thousands of American horses are slaughtered for one reason - to supply the demand for horse meat. 1. Horse slaughter, whether in U.S. or foreign plants, was never and cannot be humane because of the nature of the industry and the unique biology of horses. In fact, over 50% of horses sold at rural auctions go to slaughter. Horse slaughter is inherently cruel. We need to get HR 3355 passed. 961, will end the international export of horses over the U.S. border and prohibit the export of horses for slaughter. Sept. 7 . According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, 2,800 horses were shipped in 2019. Upon their arrival at the slaughter plant, some horses will already be "down," unable to rise due to exhaustion, dehydration or injuries. The slaughter pipeline. were operating in the U.S., thousands of American horses were sent to Mexico and Canada for slaughter by these same methods every year. Horse Slaughter Facts. Slaughterhouses in Operation. After a horse is bought by a kill buyer, she is shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico or Canada. Until 2007, three horse slaughterhouses . The terror, trauma and pain that horses endure in transport to slaughterhouses and on the killing floor - where they have been documented to have their throats cut while they are fully conscious - is unacceptable. As well, the CHDC is lobbying to ban the inhumane transport and export of live horses to other countries for the same purpose. 443-821-3343. [email protected]. A staggering 130,000 American horses were slaughtered in Mexico and Canada in 2015, yet the rodeo, racing, and show industriesalong with other irresponsible breederscontinue to churn out hundreds of thousands of horses annually.. The vast majority of horse owners (as high as 99% in some States) already exercise humane euthanasia of elderly, sick or injured horses conducted by a licensed veterinarian. . More vitamin B. Healthier than Beef. Horse Transport: After being bought by a "kill buyer" they are loaded onto a double or single deck trailer and transported to their final destination, one of the slaughter plants in Canada or Mexico. Approximately 920,000 horses die annually in this country (10 percent of an estimated population of 9.2 million) and the vast majority are not slaughtered, but euthanized and rendered or buried without any negative environmental impact. There's less "yield" (usable meat) to skinny horses and it's . That is why slaughter numbers have been almost as high as 400,000 and low as 47,000 in the mid-2000s. In the past, it has been a popular practice in many parts of the United States, but has diminished over the years. Between 2015 and 2019 a total of 355,821 equines were exported from the US to Mexico for slaughter, per USDA Market News data. Horses are slaughtered in Canada primarily to provide horse meat to European and Asian countries. The suffering of equines is unimaginable, with the actual transportation sometimes lasting more than 24 hours. For instance, these are the health benefits of horse meat: Less cholesterol. Animals' Angels works to fight cruelty against horses, dogs and farm animals in the US, Canada and Mexico. It is also why slaughterhouses in the United States were closing on their own. Slaughter is anything but it is a brutal and terrifying end for . Animal lovers must fight to enforce the new Horse Protection Act and stop the wholesale roundup and slaughter of healthy wild mustangs. Your friendly neighborhood kill buyers are still doing business at the auctions and 134,059 US horses went to slaughter in Mexico and Canada last year. Every year, tens of thousands of equines from the United States are slaughtered for human consumption to satisfy the taste for horse meat in Europe and Japan where it is considered a delicacy. That predates Homo sapiens, us humans, by several million years. My brother-in-law took a trip to Iceland recently; when he visited a restaurant the waiter announced that the two options for the day were "fish or young horse". More than 1.5 million American horses were trucked to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada from 2001-20. They are tightly packed, with no water, and they are exposed to extreme temperatures. If our adoption fees make you squeamish, think about whether you can afford the first vet bill for an accident or illnessbecause they happen. Two-thirds of horses set to slaughter are quarter horses, and many are castoffs from the rodeo or racing industries. A #1 meat horse is about 1300 to 1500 lbs, and looks like a warmblood. This was the second time that such a large number of horses are to be butchered. More protein. Tens of thousands of horses are sent to Canada and Mexico for slaughter every year. The United States has banned the slaughter of horses for human consumption which means many horses are shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. Americans are firmly opposed to the slaughter of horses." said Manda Kalimian, founder of CANA . Fact: Horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia. The Burns Amendment repealed the prohibition of the commercial sale of wild horses and burros for slaughter. Live horse exports to Japan - Know the facts. Every week, our team conducts undercover investigations at auctions, kill pens, feedlots and slaughter plants to document the abuse animals face every day. Though exports have been dropping in recent years, tens of thousands of American equines continue to be shipped to slaughter across our borders annually. HORSE SLAUGHTER STATS - SEPT. 2019 The most recent horse slaughter statistics have been released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , ending in September 2019.