Commission registers new ECI that aims to end the slaughter of horses in the EU
The European Commission has registered a new European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) that aims to ban the slaughter of horses in Europe. The initiative calls for a law that would prohibit the slaughter of horses and all other equines for human consumption, as well as their breeding and export for the production of fur, leather, meat, or other substances. The initiative also wants to protect workhorses from non-accidental abuse and stop long-distance transportation of horses across Europe for slaughter.
If this initiative is successful, it would have a significant impact on livestock farmers who rely on the horse meat industry for their livelihoods. Currently, around 5 million horses are slaughtered for human consumption globally every year, with Italy being the first nation in Europe for the number of horses slaughtered and for the quantity of meat imported from abroad.
Livestock farmers who raise horses for slaughter would be directly impacted by this initiative. They would have to find alternative ways to make a living or transition to raising horses for non-slaughter purposes such as riding, breeding, or racing. This would require a significant shift in their business model and could lead to financial hardship.
The initiative could also have a broader impact on the livestock industry as a whole. If the ban on horse slaughter is successful, it may inspire similar initiatives aimed at ending the slaughter of other animals. This could ultimately lead to a decrease in demand for meat, which could impact livestock farmers and related industries.
Furthermore, the initiative calls for the protection of workhorses from non-accidental abuse. While this is a laudable goal, it could pose challenges for farmers who rely on horses for work, such as plowing fields or hauling goods. The initiative does not provide alternative solutions or funding for farmers to make necessary adjustments to their practices.
The call to end long-distance transportation of horses for slaughter also poses challenges for farmers who may need to transport horses for various reasons. This could limit their ability to sell horses to other regions or countries and could increase the cost of transportation for other purposes.
More information on this ECI can be found here, in the draft legal act, and also on its official website.