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In 2005, horse slaughter inside the U.S. was shut down.  Unfortunately, horsemeat is fetching a high price in Japan, France, Italy and Belgium.  As a result, horses are being transported long distances, often without food or water, to slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada. 

The long arduous journey is hard on the horses, but their treatment inside the slaughter house is truly cruel.  According to the Anti-fur Society

Once inside the horse slaughterhouse, each horse is jabbed repeatedly
with a puntilla knife with the idea this will somehow render the horse
senseless before slaughter. But of course it doesn’t. After a dozen or
so jabs, the terrified animal may fall, stunned. Usually still
conscious or at least  alive, the horse is then shackled and hoisted
upside down and its throat is slit.

There are several groups working to end these barbaric practices.  The Anti-Fur Society is attempting to bring pressure against Mexico, and shut down the San Bernabe Plant.  You can access the petitions and take action here

Stop Horse Slaughter has information on bills currently in congress to prevent the transport of horses for slaughter.

To get a feel for the scope of the problem,  go to the facts and figures compiled by Barbara Reeves.

The Animal Welfare Institute has more information on the bills and how you can support them