Exactly one year since over half of the European Parliament called for an end to abusive transporting of horses in Europe, the charity World Horse Welfare is urging members of the public to take action.  

Needless suffering

Support is urgently needed to stop tens of thousands of horses suffering needlessly on long-distance journeys across Europe to slaughter. WHW is calling on the public to help by contacting their Member of the European Parliament (MEP) who has the power to put pressure on the European Commission (EC) at this crucial stage.  

The EC are due to release a report this autumn examining the impact of the current transport regulation. The already compelling campaign for change was strengthened last month when independent experts recommended a finite journey time of 12 hours for horses destined for slaughter, citing evidence that the majority of these horses show signs of suffering on longer journeys.

Declaration for change

Currently journeys can last for days with limited chance of food, water or rest. In light of this, in February of last year, MEPs from all 27 member states signed a written declaration on horse welfare in support.  

The declaration encourages the EC and member states to review and enforce the current transport regulations.  

Despite these efforts, just last month World Horse Welfare witnessed injury, disease, stress, dehydration and exhaustion along Europe’s slaughter routes, demonstrating the need for urgent action.

Jo White, Director of Campaigns at World Horse Welfare said: “The written declaration was a huge milestone and one we couldn’t have achieved it without the fantastic support of people across Europe. Over the past year we have made progress in building up our case for change. However, we now need everyone who cares about horses to ask the European Commission why this suffering continues and to press them to act, by including positive recommendations for change when it is due to release its report this September. While the current, totally inadequate regulation remains in place, thousands of horses continue to suffer."

It's really easy to help, simply click here to find out how you can contact your MEP - it takes less than a minute and anyone can do it. Or you can contact World Horse Welfare on 01953 497262 or campaigns@worldhorsewelfare.org.