USDA: Humane transport for horses to be slaughtered

USDA: Humane transport for horses to be slaughtered    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has amended its regulations to better ensure the humane treatment of horses during their transport to slaughterhouses, effective Oct. 7.
   The regulations cover the food, water and rest provided to these horses before their transportation to slaughter, transport equipment standards, and certain paperwork required to accompany them during transport. The regulations also require the owner/shipper of the horses to take certain actions to ensure the safety and humane treatment during loading and transportation for slaughter, including seeking immediate veterinarian care for any horse in obvious physical distress.
   APHIS considers inhumane treatment to mean actions that result in the infliction of pain, discomfort or distress on horses for slaughter. 'There is a sizeable body of evidence, including studies in peer-reviewed journals, showing that significantly more equines are injured during transport in double-deck trailers than in single-deck trailers,' the agency said.
   View the Federal Register notice here.