A Perspective on Equine Slaughter from the Field

Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Colorado State University

The following is a summation of Dr. Grandin’s remarks that were delivered via videoconference on April 19, 2005. 

Perspectives on How People View the Issue

One important point to consider at the outset of the discussion of the slaughter issue is the recognition of the existence of a cultural disconnect between people who live in cities and those that live in rural areas. Many times individuals who formulate opinions about controversial issues pertaining to slaughter or other agricultural topics do not have first-hand exposure to the reality of the situation in the field. It seems that the more people are isolated from the field experience, the more extreme are their opinions, either for or against the issue. People who are directly involved in the field experience tend to be more moderate in their point of view. There is a need for increased education of the general public, particularly in the areas of biology and animal science. People who have extreme views on slaughter need to visit processing facilities in order to get a first-hand understanding of what goes on there. Most people who do visit these processing facilities find that while they may not enjoy the visit, the conditions there are not nearly as bad as they imagined. Legislators need to be in touch with the reality of conditions of sale, transport and processing facilities. Education is the key to reducing the degree of disconnect between legislators and the realities of the field.

 Unintended Consequences to the Elimination of Slaughter There are alternatives that are worse than slaughter. Horses that are shipped out of the country to Mexico or other Central American countries are often placed in an environment where people are often faced with severe economic constraints. If an individual must choose between feeding his family or his horse, the horse will come out on the short end of the stick. Many of the horses exported to these countries from the U.S. pull a cart or are ridden to death while suffering from severe malnutrition. Some of these horses are shipped to Mexico where their condition deteriorates and then they are returned to slaughter plants in Texas . Legislation designed to eliminate slaughter is well intentioned, but there are significant consequences that need to be considered. Throughout the United States the potential for neglect or abandonment will increase if slaughter is banned without provision for dealing humanely with the horses that would ordinarily be sent to slaughter. In my opinion, equine slaughter represents a desirable alternative to abuse, neglect, or being worked to death in a state of malnutrition

POSITION ON THE TRANSPORTATION AND PROCESSING OF HORSES

T he AAEP advocates the humane treatment of all horses and believes the equine industry and horse owners have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse. However, a small percentage of horses are ultimately unwanted because they are no longer serviceable, are infirm, dangerous, or their owners are no longer able to care for them.

The AAEP recognizes that the processing of unwanted horses is currently a necessary aspect of the equine industry, and provides a humane alternative to allowing the horse to continue a life of discomfort and pain, and possibly inadequate care or abandonment. The AAEP encourages, fosters and provides education regarding responsible ownership and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses. In addition, the AAEP supports and commends the efforts of equine retirement facilities and adoption groups.

Regarding the care of horses destined for processing, the AAEP’s position is that these horses should be: · Treated humanely and with dignity;

· Transported to the production facility according to the guidelines approved by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2002;

Euthanized in a humane manner in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In addition, the AAEP recognizes that the human consumption of horsemeat is a cultural and personal issue and does not fall within the purview of the association, whose mission is the care of the health and welfare of the horse throughout its life.

APPROVED BY AAEP BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MAY 2002