Slaughter Pipeline
This final destination is the primary reason rescues work to take in unwanted horses, often buying them at auction for as little as $300.
What is slaughter?
Rescue organizations often find horses that are severely underweight, requiring specialized care for this condition.
What is starvation/Thinness?
Defined by the AAEP, this term describes horses that are old, sick, or no longer match the performance or breeding expectations of their owner.
What is an unwanted horse?
While banned in the US, many horses are shipped across borders to Canada or Mexico for this final, brutal, and ultimate destination.
What is slaughter?
When a horse's health declines and the owner can no longer afford veterinary care, the horse is often considered this.
What is chronic/injured?
USDA surveys state that 92% of horses headed to slaughter are actually in shape enough to lead this type of life.
What is a productive life?
In cases of severe cruelty, this type of specialized, non-for-profit professional will be brought in to help evaluate the horse's condition.
Who is an equine veterinarian?
A major reason for rescue is when an owner faces this type of hardship, often resulting from a lost job or a change in circumstances.
What is financial hardship?
These specific, unwanted horses are often seen as "surplus" or "culls" from a popular, fast-paced industry.
What are thoroughbreds (or racehorses)?
This common behavioral issue, often caused by lack of training or proper care, can cause a horse to be rejected by its owner.
What is food aggression (or fear)?
Many of the horses in the slaughter pipeline are not just old or sick, but are often victims of this, which can include starvation or lack of proper shelter.
What is neglect/abuse?
This common form of neglect involves hooves that have not been trimmed or cared for, resulting in extreme difficulty walking.
What is overgrowth?
Often, a horse is sent to a rescue after failing in this specific sport or industry.
What is racing (or breeding)?
These "3-letter" areas are where horses are sold, often to "kill buyers" if not purchased quickly by rescue groups.
What are kill pens?
A common health issue, this condition involves inflammation of the laminae in the foot, creating chronic pain.
What is laminitis/founder?
A major goal of rescue organizations is to provide a "second" one of these to horses who were once someone’s trusted partner.
What is a second chance?
Often caused by owner ignorance or financial hardship, this "3-letter" term describes the failure to provide basic water, food, or shelter.
What is neglect?
A major reason for owner surrender is this, which often includes horses acting out and becoming unsafe to handle.
What is unmanageable behavior?
Often, this action is taken to protect horses and identify them when they are in danger of being sold for slaughter.
What is a freeze brand?
This type of anxiety is common in rescued horses that have been abruptly separated from herd mates.
What is separation anxiety?
The term for individuals who purchase horses at auctions, often under false pretenses, to sell them to slaughterhouses for meat by the pound.
What are "kill buyers"? (or "killers")?
In cases of severe cruelty, this type of specialized, non-for-profit professional will be brought in to help evaluate the horse's condition.
Who is an equine veterinarian?
This "3-F" need is often violated, leaving horses in dangerous, isolating conditions without friends, forage, or freedom.
What are friends (or social needs)?
This term describes when horses are repeatedly bought and sold quickly, often while malnourished or injured.
What is flipping?
When transporting horses to a new facility, this process helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
What is quarantine?