End Horse Slaughter
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It’s time to ban horse slaughter
The slaughter of horses for human and animal consumption is a cruel practice that the UK public and animal protection organisations have been denouncing for decades.
These sensitive and intelligent animals, considered in many cultures as companion animals, continue to be treated as commodities in this global trade. The vast majority of the UK public is opposed to the consumption of horses, reflected in low sales of horse meat, yet these animals continue to suffer in slaughterhouses every year as their flesh is then packaged, shipped and sold abroad.
Horses are being killed across the UK every year because too many are being bred into existence. Expensive to keep and care for, ‘surplus’ horses are often sent to slaughter to become cheap meat, cat or dog food, glue, leather, or fertiliser, allowing breeders to profit from the killing. This money-making scheme cannot continue operating under the radar.
The public considers horse meat too cruel to eat, yet the UK profits from the suffering of these animals by selling products originating from horses to other countries. This is an unacceptable contradiction.
It is time to put an end to this animal suffering.
Join Animal Equality’s international campaign to end the sale, slaughter, import and export of horses.
Horse Meat in The UK: Your Questions, Answered
Horses are much-loved animals in the UK so it’s hard to imagine that these sensitive animals are also killed for human consumption. Many people don’t even know that the slaughter of horses is legal in the UK.
Below, we are answering the most common questions about horse meat in the UK.
Are Horses Slaughtered in The UK?
Yes, every year in the UK horses are slaughtered for human and animal consumption. The number of horses killed has decreased over the years and, as of January 2022, it is illegal to slaughter retired racing horses.
A 2022 survey from the Food Standards Agency found that 99% of horses slaughtered in England and Wales are sent to other countries, as are the vast majority across the UK.
Is Horse Meat Illegal in The UK?
In the UK it is legal to sell and consume horse meat. However, almost all horse meat produced in the UK is exported abroad.
In 2013, a horse meat scandal broke out in Europe, when it was discovered that many products advertised as containing beef actually contained – sometimes entirely – horse meat. For the British public, the idea of eating horse meat is revolting, and so the horse meat scandal has generated disgust and concern among the British population. So much that it is still broadly discussed today.
Are There Any Horses Bred For Meat in The UK?
The vast majority of horses who end up in slaughterhouses in the UK have been bred and abandoned or sold for slaughter. These breeders are often not licensed and may sell their horses to slaughterhouses when they cannot or don’t want to take care of them anymore.
Until January 2022, retired racehorses were also sent to slaughter for human consumption. This is no longer permitted.
How Are Horses Killed?
The UK Government sets certain guidelines on how to kill horses which are similar to those that apply to other mammals like cows.
In the UK, horses are usually killed with a free bullet (instead of a captive bolt), fired from a gun into the brain. Their bodies are then shackled by the hind legs and their throats are cut to bleed them out.
Do Retired RaceHorses Go To Slaughter in the UK?
As of January 2022, the slaughter of retired racing horses for human consumption is no longer permitted.
Between 2019 and 2021, 4,000 retired racing horses were slaughtered in the UK for human consumption.
Is The UK Importing or Exporting Horse Meat to Other Countries?
The UK is the 8th largest exporter of horse meat in Europe, exporting mainly to the Netherlands and Belgium. The export value in 2020 was over £6 million.
By exporting to other countries, the UK has been profiting from the suffering of animals that we don’t dare to eat in our country.
Exposing Animal Abuse Worldwide
ANIMAL EQUALITY INVESTIGATORS FILM PROOF OF US HORSES AWAITING SLAUGHTER IN MEXICO
You Can Help Horses
The public considers horse meat too cruel to eat, yet the UK profits from the suffering of these animals by selling products originating from horses to other countries. This is an unacceptable contradiction.
It is time to put an end to this animal suffering.
Join Animal Equality’s international campaign to end the sale, slaughter, import and export of horses.
Make The Difference Today
Have you ever considered reducing or eliminating meat, dairy, fish and eggs from your diet? Make a positive difference for you and for animals today by trying these delicious plant-based suggestions. Enjoy these free recipes and invite your friends to discover them too. You’ll love them!