How are they killed?
According to federal law, horses must be rendered unconscious prior to slaughter, usually with a captive bolt pistol. However, some are improperly stunned and still conscious when shackled, hoisted by a rear leg, and have their throats cut. Slaughter is NOT an alternative to humane euthanasia by a qualified veterinarian as some would like you to believe. Euthanasia, according to an article written by Dr. Sean Bowman in the February 22, 2003 issue of Blood Horse, “is an induction to anesthesia, just like for surgery, but the veterinarian continues to overdose. The horses are not afraid; there is no fear of anticipation.
