Horse Slaughter Continues

A new report issued by the US Government Accountability Office says that roughly the same number of horses from the US are still being slaughtered for human and animal consumption as in 2006. Because the last domestic horse slaughtering plant closed roughly five years ago, the horses now must be exported on long, cruel journeys to slaughterhouses, indicating an overall decline in their welfare. Last year, nearly 138,000 horses were shipped from the US to Mexico and Canada for slaughter. The GAO’s report says that many veterinarians have reported an increase in abuse and neglect cases since the cessation of domestic slaughter. The report suggests that Congress should reconsider appropriating funds to ensure horse welfare.