A systematic review of equid welfare at slaughter

Fletcher, Katrina; Limon, Georgina; Whatford, Louise; Grist, Andrew; Knowles, Toby G; Gibson, T. J.

doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104988

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…The concerns for horses being transported by road to slaughter are essentially the same as those for any horse being transported by road. Fletcher et al (2022) recently performed a meta-analysis of the literature on equid welfare at slaughter in the world and concluded that the majority of the studies were performed in high-income countries and focused on welfare of horses during transport, but only few of them were on horses transported to slaughter. These few studies were performed in North America, South America and Europe.…”

Section: B) Concerns Specific To Horses Transported On Long Journeys ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This might also involve short journeys by road in a trailer. If horses are being transported from one EU MS to another for slaughter, they are likely to be brought by truck, or jeep and trailer, to an assembly centre from where they will be officially consigned and transported in an authorised truck (see systematic review by Fletcher et al., 2022). If the horses are to be exported from the EU, they will likely have to spend time in quarantine premises in order to meet the requirements of the relevant health certificate.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Welfare of equidae during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.

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Section: B) Concerns Specific To Horses Transported On Long Journeys ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of equidae during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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“…Every year, millions of equids are slaughtered ( Tatemoto et al, 2021 ). Equine meat consumption is deeply rooted in the culture of certain countries, such as France and Japan, as well as in LMICs like Chile, where it is popular due to its affordability compared to beef ( Rubio Lozano et al, 2020 ; Fletcher et al, 2022 ). However, there is a lack of consistency in equine slaughter guidelines worldwide, and published data on the topic are generally insufficient.…”

Section: Donkey and Mule Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, there is a lack of consistency in equine slaughter guidelines worldwide, and published data on the topic are generally insufficient. This hampers their practical implementation and may compromise animal welfare, particularly in the moments leading up to slaughter ( Fletcher et al, 2022 ). In LMICs, there is a scarcity of published studies that assess the suffering of animals during the slaughter process, especially for donkeys and mules ( Davis, 2019 ; Tatemoto et al, 2021 ; Fletcher et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Donkey and Mule Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

“…This hampers their practical implementation and may compromise animal welfare, particularly in the moments leading up to slaughter ( Fletcher et al, 2022 ). In LMICs, there is a scarcity of published studies that assess the suffering of animals during the slaughter process, especially for donkeys and mules ( Davis, 2019 ; Tatemoto et al, 2021 ; Fletcher et al, 2022 ). This highlights the urgent need for research to establish an evidence base that can provide better guidance in this specific field.…”

Section: Donkey and Mule Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

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The behavior and welfare of neglected species: some examples from fish and mammals

Bukhari,

Parkes,

Sneddon

et al. 2024

PeerJ

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Animal welfare is the state of an animal’s body and mind and the level to which its requirements are satisfied. Animal welfare is affected by human decisions and actions. Numerous decisions concerning animals are driven by human desires to enhance their own lives, and some of these decisions may be influenced by self-interest or a strong emphasis on economic factors. How to assess the welfare state of animals is a central issue in animal welfare science. Two critical questions can be used to address animal welfare: first, is the animal healthy, and second, does the animal have what it needs? Both of these questions can potentially be answered using the study of animal behavior. The development of behavioral methodologies is crucial for evaluating welfare in contexts where concern for animal welfare is often highest, such as on intensive modern farms and sites where working animals are used. Herein, we discuss animal welfare by focusing on some of its major concepts and explanations. Later, to illustrate key aspects of animal welfare, we chose to examine the information that is available for some ‘neglected’ livestock species, which are commercially important on a global basis and found in large numbers: buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), camels (Camelus dromedarius), donkeys (Equus asinus), mules (Equus asinus × Equus caballus), and lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus). We chose these species because there are major ongoing concerns about their welfare, and more research is required to help solve the various problems. Overall, there are strong imbalances in terms of the species that are usually studied in terms of animal welfare research, and we call for greater attention to those that have traditionally been neglected.

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