World Horse Welfare has handed its petition to the European Commission calling for the end of the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter.
More than 130,000 people in Britain and the Continent supported the Make A Noise petition, which was handed in to the EU in Brussels on 30 September.
Currently, 100,000 horses are transported long-distance across Europe to slaughter every year in inhumane conditions, causing exhaustion, dehydration, injury and stress.
The charity’s director of campaigns and communications Jo White said: “The demonstration of public support for this campaign has been overwhelming.
“It’s an issue that people are very passionate about, mainly because it’s a totally unnecessary cause of suffering on a huge scale.
“Every time we undertake a field trip to gather evidence and monitor the practice, we witness many incidents of pain and distress — which must and can be stopped.
“Hopefully, the petition will be the catalyst for change. The regulation urgently needs to be amended if welfare is to improve.”
By NICK RUTHERFORD | Horse and Hound | Story URL
