New guidelines have set out practical recommendations for improving the welfare of equines before and during slaughter.
These guidelines, developed by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in partnership with World Horse Welfare and the Humane Slaughter Association, will provide industry professionals, welfare organisations and policymakers with a set of humane minimum standards to refer to, both in the UK and internationally.
Despite approximately five million horses and six million donkeys being slaughtered worldwide each year, primarily for meat and by-products, there has been very limited research into this area.
“Millions of equids are slaughtered each year, yet detailed guidance based on empirical research into their welfare during slaughter is limited,” said Professor Troy Gibson, Professor of Animal Welfare Science at the RVC.
“These guidelines bring together scientific evidence to provide practical recommendations for reducing suffering and improving welfare, both in the UK and internationally.”
Equine specific guidelines
Existing guidelines and practices have relied on the experience and studies of other species, and while providing some insights, these studies do not reflect the specific needs of equines, both behaviourally and physiologically, which presents a significant risk to their welfare.
A high proportion of equines are also slaughtered in low- and middle-income countries, where restricted resources and lack of legislation can put their welfare at further risk.
Aiming to improve these practices, the guidelines have been developed based on scientific findings. Dr Kate Fletcher led the project as part of her PhD at the RVC, which was funded by World Horse Welfare, with Professor Troy Gibson, Professor of Animal Welfare Science at the RVC, serving as Principal Investigator.
“We hope that these guidelines will advance international standards, policy and legislation relating to equid slaughter, by offering scientific, species-specific, practical recommendations,” said Dr Fletcher.
“They provide a vital, comprehensive evidence base from which the industry can be motivated and appropriately supported to make sustainable and pragmatic improvements to the welfare of the millions of horses, mules and donkeys slaughtered globally each year.”
Improving welfare
Conducting the study, the team assessed equine welfare before and during slaughter in the UK, Italy, Mexico and Ghana, examining behaviour, brainstem reflexes, electroencephalography and pathology in different contexts.
With these insights, the researchers created new guidelines which outline the minimum standards to help ensure equine welfare is improved at slaughter.
These emphasise species-appropriate handling, clean and dry non-slip flooring, stunning methods to render animals unconscious prior to slaughter and staff being able to recognise and act upon any signs of pain and stress.
“Equines are vulnerable at their end of their lives and each one deserves a good death,” said Dr Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare. “If they are to be slaughtered, it should be done humanely with consideration for their species-specific needs.
“This was one of the founding aims of our charity, and 100 years later, while we have helped to improve conditions in Europe, we knew we could fill critical gaps in evidence and understanding to influence policy and practice around the globe.
“This important research helps to fill those gaps and will go a long way to improve the experience of millions of equines at the end of their lives when they most need more care and compassion.”
Lead image by Shutterstock
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