EVIDENCE OF EUROPE'S BIGGEST ABUSE OF HORSES

EVIDENCE OF EUROPE'S BIGGEST ABUSE OF HORSES PRESENTED TO EUROPEAN COMMISSION On 18th November 2008, World Horse Welfare presented a dossier of evidence to Commissioner Vassilliou in Strasbourg, citing multiple cases of unnecessary and abhorrent horse abuse during the long-distance transportation of horses and donkeys to slaughter across Europe.  The dossier has been produced to evidence the suffering of horses and donkeys during these journeys, with the aim of bringing an end to this totally unnecessary practice, which results in the suffering of many thousands of animals.

Around 100,000 horses are transported for thousands of miles each year, from Poland, Romania, Spain, Lithuania and other European countries.  Most of them end their journey in Italy (some as far as Sardinia and Sicily) where they're slaughtered for their meat. On their journey across Europe they pass many approved slaughter houses where they could be humanely slaughtered and their meat transported chilled to its destination - on one major route from Poland to Southern Italy, the horses pass over 180 approved slaughter houses¹.  Instead they are made to endure days of miserable suffering, in cramped and squalid conditions, before they meet their end.

World Horse Welfare's dossier is comprised of field research undertaken by the charity in European Member States; seven years worth of desk research into all aspects of long distance transportation to slaughter; and ground-breaking scientific research, developed by a team of experts lead by Dr David Marlin, looking in to the health and welfare of horses being transported to slaughter in Europe. 

Around 100,000 horses are transported for thousands of miles each year, from Poland, Romania, Spain, Lithuania and other European countries.  Most of them end their journey in Italy (some as far as Sardinia and Sicily) where they're slaughtered for their meat.  On their journey across Europe they pass many approved slaughter houses where they could be humanely slaughtered and their meat transported chilled to its destination - on one major route from Poland to Southern Italy, the horses pass over 180 approved slaughter houses¹.  Instead they are made to endure days of miserable suffering, in cramped and squalid conditions, before they meet their end.

World Horse Welfare's dossier is comprised of field research undertaken by the charity in European Member States; seven years worth of desk research into all aspects of long distance transportation to slaughter; and ground-breaking scientific research, developed by a team of experts lead by Dr David Marlin, looking in to the health and welfare of horses being transported to slaughter in Europe. 

World Horse Welfare has been campaigning on this issue since its foundation 81 years ago.  It aims to see a total end to the trade.  Its dossier is the first report of its kind, pulling together all available evidence to provide the most comprehensive and compelling case for changes to EU Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. World Horse Welfare's dossier demonstrates how the legislation has failed to protect the welfare of horses and donkeys.  The dossier cites many examples where the Regulation is not robust enough, such as journey times, space allowance, welfare provisions and inadequate vehicle design, as well as the frequent instances where the legislation fails to be enforced resulting in significant suffering.

The compelling evidence detailed in the dossier supports eight practical recommendations set out by World Horse Welfare such as a short finite journey limit and adequate space allowance taking into account the differing size of horses and donkeys. A number of other measures are outlined to improve welfare, prevent suffering and provide better disease spread precautions.

"In 1882 the first shipment of frozen meat was transported 12,000 miles reaching its destination in perfect condition," comments Jo White, director of campaigns and communications at World Horse Welfare.

"We therefore know that a carcass-only trade is not only possible, but was happening 126 years ago. It's staggering to think that live horses are still having to suffer during long-distance transportation today when there is a viable alternative. Injury, extreme dehydration, disease and exhaustion, as well as the untold stress these horses face, are regular occurrences and are entirely needless. Quite simply, this trade must be stopped, There is no justification for this type of senseless mass horse abuse to be allowed to continue."

The dossier examines all the different aspects of horse welfare during transportation and its scientific research results confirm the all too many instances of suffering.  It shows that of shipments totalling 1519 horses, 4 out of every 5 were considered unfit for transport and had one or more clinical signs of disease before they started their journey in Eastern Europe.  Of 1271 horses arriving at abattoirs in Italy, 9 in every 10 were considered unfit for transport, with more than one clinical sign of disease².

There is also a clear indication from the research undertaken that diseased horses are being slaughtered and entering the human food chain. There is also a real threat to domestic animal health and, according to Jo White, this issue should be addressed as a matter of urgency: "It's a ticking time bomb that could have disasterous consequences," she says.  "These horses are carrying any number of diseases and the potential for the spread of these during their journeys is of massive concern, not only within the Member States involved but also to the UK.  Many prized competition and leisure horses are transported to and from Britain to Europe every day and disease can be easily spread to them by animals whose paths they may cross."

World Horse Welfare's dossier presents evidence of multiple cases of horses suffering from extreme fatigue and dehydration after totally unacceptable journeys lasting for days on end.  The dossier shows specific cases of horses so weak with exhaustion they had collapsed and those with too little space to be able to get back on their feet. World Horse Welfare's scientific research shows that an unacceptably high number of horses arriving in Italy had injuries that resulted directly from transport².

Evidence is also presented of horses being transported for many hours without rest, food or water, contrary to the Regulation. Pictorial and case study evidence of severe injuries caused to horses as a result is presented. 

World Horse Welfare has already achieved 70,346 signatures on its petition but needs more in order to show the European Commission the strength of public feeling on this important issue.  For information and to add names to the petition on-line, visit: www.makeanoise.co.uk

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