Journeys, Journey Conditions, and Welfare Assessment of Broken (Handled) Horses on Arrival at Italian Slaughterhouses.
Authors: Felici Martina, Nanni Costa Leonardo, Zappaterra Martina, Bozzo Giancarlo, Di Pinto Pietro, Minero Michela, Padalino Barbara
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Long-distance horse transport to slaughter presents significant welfare challenges, yet detailed documentation of journey conditions and their direct effects on individual animals has been limited in the literature. Researchers in Italy assessed 613 draft and light-breed horses across 32 separate journeys to two slaughterhouses, recording journey parameters (duration, vehicle specifications, handler competency, environmental conditions) alongside standardised welfare indicators—both animal-based measures (behavioural signs, injuries, discharge) and environmental-based measures—upon arrival. Despite most transport operations meeting EU Regulation 1/2005 requirements, nearly a quarter of horses showed reluctance to unload, over a quarter sustained transport-related injuries, and significant proportions displayed nasal and lacrimal discharge (11.6% and 10% respectively), with longer journey durations (averaging 26.5 hours), multiple vehicle changes, extended stationary periods, temperature extremes, and handler experience all significantly influencing welfare outcomes. These findings underscore that regulatory compliance alone is insufficient to protect equine welfare during commercial transport; practitioners involved in pre-transport assessment, handler training, and animal health evaluation should recognise that journey duration, environmental management, and skilled handling during loading/unloading are modifiable risk factors that directly correlate with measurable welfare deterioration. For those working across veterinary, farriery, and coaching sectors, this research emphasises the value of pre-transport conditioning and the importance of advocating for shorter journey intervals and competent handler involvement when transport is necessary.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Transport duration, frequency of stops, vehicle changes, and handler expertise directly impact whether horses arrive at destination injured or distressed—minimize journey time and ensure experienced handlers
- •Environmental factors like temperature and seasonal conditions significantly affect transport outcomes, suggesting need for climate-controlled transport or adjusted scheduling during extreme weather
- •High prevalence of discharge and reluctance to unload indicates systemic welfare concerns in current horse transport practices that require attention to handler technique and vehicle design
Key Findings
- •22.2% of horses showed reluctance to unload, 24.6% had injuries, and 11.6% had nasal discharge on arrival at slaughter
- •Journey duration, unloading duration, vehicle changes, long stops, handler/driver skills, temperature, and season were significantly associated with welfare and health outcomes (p < 0.05)
- •Horses traveled in single bays perpendicular to direction of travel for average 26.5 ± 14 hours with mostly compliant vehicle and driver standards per EC 1/2005
- •Handler skills and appropriate journey conditions are critical for safeguarding welfare of transported horses over long distances