Why Do Horse Kill Pens Exist?

The Bastrop Louisiana Kill Pen generally has two purposes: Selling horses bought from auctions to give them a second chance at life, and shipping those that don’t sell to slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada for their meat.

Why are horses sent to the kill pen?

There can be many reasons a horse ends up there: bankruptcy, sudden hardship on the farm, death in the family, etc. The horse is taken to the auction usually because it’s highly time consuming to sell a horse privately.

What is the kill pen?

Kill pen buyers that participate in bail-outs are defined as those who acquire horses, then market them to the public as crisis cases, claiming they will be sent to slaughter by a specified date if they are not “rescued” through payment of a fee, commonly referred to as “bail.”

Are horses still slaughtered in the US?

Thousands of American horses are sent to slaughter every year and the vast majority would be rehomed; not every horse going to slaughter needs to go to rescue. The USDA documented that 92.3 percent of horses sent to slaughter are in good condition and are able to live out a productive life.

How do horses end up in the slaughter pipeline?

While a handful of horses are purposely sold into slaughter by irresponsible owners, most arrive at the slaughterhouse via livestock auctions, where unsuspecting owners sell the animals to slaughterhouse middlemen known as “kill buyers.” Such buyers keep a low profile as they purchase as many horses as they can from

How much do kill pens buy horses for?

sold….to the highest bidder, whoever that is. The kill pen brokers scour the auctions and internet looking for horses to fill a weekly quota they receive from processing plants in Mexico and Canada. Horses are sold at action by the pound. In general, the average horse sells for about $400-$500.

How much do kill pens pay for horses?

We’re here to assist. Kill pen buyers will pay $ 100 – $ 250 per horse. A true sanctuary will do the same. Call HOOFPRINTS for more information 24/7 toll free at 877.819.

How are horses slaughtered in Mexico?

Some of the horses that go to Mexico are slaughtered in an EU inspected plant, but many others to local abattoirs. In their plants, they are killed with the puntilla. The puntilla is a short knife that is used to sever the spinal cord in a fully conscious animal.

Why do donkeys go to kill pens?

There can be multiple reasons that a rescue mule or rescue donkey ends up in a kill pen. Some animals have major anatomy issues, like injured or deformed hooves and feet. Some have had bad or no training, so they are reckless.

Who eats horse meat?

In many other nations, however, eating horse meat is no big deal – and in some cultures, it’s even considered a delicacy. Mexico, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Japan, Germany, Indonesia, Poland and China are among the nations where many people eat horse meat without a second thought.

Why are horses shot and not euthanized?

When the horse is shot the effect is instantaneous although you need to expect some reflex limb movements. Two advantages of shooting are cheaper disposal and euthanasia. It is sometimes a better and more dignified end for a horse that is very needle shy.

What does horse meat taste like?

Horse meat is widely reported to be somewhat sweet, a little gamey, and a cross between beef and venison, according to the International Business Times. While meat from younger horses tends to be a bit pinkish in color, older horses have a darker, reddish-colored meat.

Why do horses go to the slaughterhouse?

Horses that wind up in the slaughter pipeline are usually purchased from unsuspecting owners by “kill-buyers” or industry middlemen who profit from selling the animals to foreign slaughterhouses. These horses typically endure long, overcrowded journeys without adequate food, water, or rest.

Why do people shoot horses?

Horses were commonly shot after breaking their legs because they had a small chance of successful recovery. Even today, horses are often euthanized after a leg break. Here’s why: It’s difficult for a horse’s leg to heal due to a combination of factors.

Is blood drained during slaughter?

Blood is removed from beef during slaughter and only a small amount remains within the muscle tissue. Since beef is about 3/4 water, this natural moisture combined with protein is the source of the liquid in the package.

Why do horses get euthanized at track?

Horses do not handle surgery well, as they tend to be disoriented when coming out of anesthesia, and they may fight casts or slings, possibly causing further injury. Many are euthanized in order to save the owners further veterinary fees and other expenses for horses who will never race again.

How do kill buyers kill horses?

Horses are dragged and whipped into trucks and endure long journeys without food, water, or rest. Many die or sustain injuries during transport, including broken legs and punctured eyes. The idea of providing veterinary care to an animal about to be slaughtered is unthinkable to these profiteers.

What is horse meat used for?

For years, there’s been horse meat in hamburgers, lasagnas, raviolis, tortellinis, sausages, prepared spaghetti bolognese, bottled bolognese sauce, chili con carne, shepherd’s pie, moussaka, many other “meat dishes,” frozen and not, cheap and expensive.

How much does it cost to save a horse from slaughter?

True, your new horse might cost you only a nominal adoption fee to acquire–typically from around $200 to $600 for a rehabbed horse, though a specialty breed with training could come with a fee of up to $2,000 or more.

Does the government pay to keep wild horses?

American taxpayers pay for the costs of the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. This program has continually increased in costs over the years, even as the BLM removes fewer and fewer horses and burros from the rangelands.

Can you sell horses for slaughter?

Slaughtering horses for food is illegal in the U.S., but a market exists beyond our borders, in Europe, Japan and Russia. This is why brokers called “kill buyers” send trailers full of horses, both wild and domestic, into Mexico and Canada, where slaughter is legal.