Take Care of Our Horses

Commercial Transportation of Equines to Slaughter

Transport Requirements

Prior to the commercial transportation of horses to a slaughter facility, you—the owner or shipper—must:

• Give each horse an opportunity to eat and drink for a period of not less than 6 consecutive hours immediately before loading onto the truck or trailer.

• Apply a backtag to each horse in your shipment. (Backtags are available from recognized slaughtering establishments or from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [APHIS] personnel.)

• Complete and sign an owner/shipper certificate that includes the name, address, and phone number of the shipper and receiver (slaughter plant), and the transporting vehicle’s license and registration number.

• Certify that each horse is able to bear weight on all four limbs, is not blind in both eyes, is able to walk unassisted, is not a mare that is likely to foal during the trip, is older than 6 months, and has had access to food, water, and rest for 6 consecutive hours before being loaded into a vehicle.

• Document identifying marks (brands, tattoos, scars, etc.).

• Document breed, color, and sex.

• Document any preexisting condition of the horse prior to shipment to prove the condition did not occur during transport.

Falsification of any certificate or document is a criminal offense and may result in a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both.

For complete transportation instructions, contact your nearest U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, Veterinary Services (VS) office. A list can be found on our Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs. Click on “Area Offices” in the box at the top of the page.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Program Aid No. 1726
Issued October 2002

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