Last year, thousands of horses — more than 50 horses every day — were trucked over our borders, destined for slaughter. It’s a brutal journey and a devastating end of life for incredible animals who were once someone’s trusted companions, athletes and work partners. Horses deserve better, and they need our help.

National Horse Protection Day on March 1 is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the threat of horse slaughter and actions people can take to keep horses out of harm’s way.

On National Horse Protection Day, celebrate your love for horses with a few simple but impactful actions to make the world a safer place for them.

The Issue: Horse Slaughter

Horses are slaughtered for human consumption in Canada, Mexico and other countries around the world. Horse slaughter is not synonymous with humane euthanasia. While euthanasia is a gentle, painless death that prevents suffering, slaughter is as nightmarish as the term suggests.

No horse is safe from slaughter. The tens of thousands of American horses who are slaughtered each year include pregnant mares, foals, injured or blind horses, children’s favorite trail riding buddies and award-winning racers. They are frequently and legally shipped in crowded trucks without food, water or rest. What awaits them is even more gruesome and painful.

The Solution: Passing the SAFE Act

Your actions today can keep horses safe tomorrow. Members of Congress recently reintroduced the SAFE Act (H.R. 1661/S. 775), federal legislation that would prevent the horse slaughter industry from reestablishing operations in the U.S. and prohibit the export of American horses for slaughter. Americans overwhelmingly oppose horse slaughter, and this bill offers horses the same protection from slaughter that we give cats and dogs. Right now, with only a couple of clicks, you can help advance the SAFE Act. Please use our easy online form to send a pre-drafted email urging your members of Congress to co-sponsor this bill.

P.S. Have You Heard About Equine Adoption?

When given another chance, horses can find great homes and live long, happy lives. If you are considering purchasing a horse this year or know someone who is, opt to adopt instead! There are thousands of equines — including mini horses, mules and donkeys — available for adoption across the Unites States. Our adoption website is the perfect place to find them, and we offer resources to help you welcome them home. Scroll through adoptable horses tall and small, young and … wise. Our search tool even lets you filter by their breed and location.

Other benefits of equine adoption include:

1. Matchmaking: Quality adoption organizations are knowledgeable and transparent about the medical and training history of every horse in their care, and they’ll help you find the right match.
2. Support: Adoption organizations offer guidance and encouragement throughout the adoption process, as you and your new horse get settled, and in the years that follow.
3. Savings: Adoption fees are typically lower than the prices of purchasing a horse from the general market. As a bonus, your adoption fee provides the shelter with critical funding to help other at-risk horses.
4. You can transform a horse’s life: Read the stories of Mama and Twister, Journey, Phoenix, and Camille who were headed for slaughter before miraculously escaping that horrific fate.

Even with adoption, we still need Congress to make the SAFE Act law. Horse slaughter exists because there is an international market for their meat that financially incentivizes individuals to continue this devastating practice, and it’s not yet illegal to export American horses for slaughter. Regardless of how many great homes exist for horses, all equines are at risk of being slaughtered until Congress passes the SAFE Act. Don’t be fooled: Slaughter is not necessary as a means of ‘population control’ or because these horses lack other options. Use your voice: Urge your members of Congress to pass the SAFE Act.

TAKE ACTION

Stay Informed

As we celebrate National Horse Protection Day, we recognize that horses need protection 365 days per year — our work won’t end until every horse is safe. Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and use your voice to help horses all year long. We’ll keep you informed of the SAFE Act’s progress, breaking news and urgent actions you can take to help horses.