Survey Shows Texans Strongly Oppose Horse Slaughter

Summary of Findings

• An overwhelming majority (89%) of Texas voters are unaware that horses are being slaughtered in the state for human consumption.
• A substantial majority of voters (72%) are opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
• A greater majority of voters (77%) are opposed to changing state law to permit the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
• In addition, the opposition to a change in law was intense, with 62% of voters stating that they were strongly opposed .
• By an 8-1 margin, Texas voters associate the value of horses with Texas state culture, heritage and economy rather than the horses value as a simple livestock commodity like cattle.

QUESTION: Please tell which one of the following statements comes closest to your view:

• 11%-     Horses, like cattle, are an important livestock commodity and should be treated as such, including slaughter for human consumption.

• 81%-     Horses are an important part of Texas culture, heritage and economy and add tremendous value as companions and recreational animals.  They should be afforded a more humane end of life than slaughter for food.

This poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc. of Washington, D.C. from May 4 through May 6, 2003 for the Animal Welfare Institute, Blue Horse Charities and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.  This survey or any of the information contained herein may not be used without the express written permission of the Animal Welfare Institute.