Equines

Every horse has intrinsic value and deserves compassion at all stages of their life. Caring for a horse or burro is a significant, time-consuming, and long-term commitment that is not to be entered into lightly. The horse industry, including equine veterinary professionals, has a responsibility to promote responsible horse breeding, ownership, and care. Equines should be cared for with respect and consideration for their natural behaviors, and their use by humans, whether for work, recreation, or competition, should not compromise the well-being of these animals. AWI is strongly opposed to soring of walking horses for shows and competitions and supports the implementation of rules and regulations to better protect racehorses. Additionally, it is essential to prioritize equine welfare in the modern world and protect horses from dangerous transport and work.

All horses deserve a humane end of life, and the slaughter of wild and domestic horses is neither humane nor acceptable. Horses bound for slaughter may be transported long distances to facilities in Mexico and Canada without food or water. At slaughterhouses, they are subjected to brutal treatment and a terrifying end of life. In addition to leading the campaign to end the slaughter of American horses, AWI heads the Homes for Horses Coalition, a network of equine rescues and sanctuaries dedicated to protecting horses and burros and ending horse slaughter. Our wild, companion, and working equines in the United States and internationally deserve protections that will ensure a life without cruelty, abuse, or neglect. Take action for horses via the AWI Action Center.