‘Once-in-a-generation’ chance for horse welfare across Europe

The EU is in the process of reviewing its animal transport legislation for the first time in 17 years. With the topic being discussed at the highest level, we believe that this offers the best chance for change in decades. No other organisation is dedicated to advocating for horses at this level and donations to our appeal will mean that we can continue to ensure that horses have a voice at EU level.

With evidence that around 20,000 horses are still being transported long distances across Europe to slaughter each year, we recently launched a report – years in the making – with key recommendations which we believe will dramatically improve the welfare of horses being transported.

We are calling for:

• A maximum, finite 12-hour journey limit for horses intended for slaughter.
• Any journey over four hours being defined as a long journey.
• Compulsory and species-specific training for anyone involved in transporting horses.
• A review of the minimum space given to each horse.
• Changing the definition of ‘fit or transport’ to include that the horse must arrive at their destination in a fit state.
• For horses to have access to forage and constant drinking water for at least six hours before the start of their journey.
• For all of these rules to be properly enforced to ensure horse welfare
• A requirement for horses to be taken to their nearest slaughterhouse.