05/06/2026
Yes, it is against federal law to transport horses that are completely blind (blind in both eyes) for the purpose of slaughter.Under the Commercial Transportation of Equines to Slaughter regulations (9 CFR Part 88), horses must meet specific "fitness to travel" criteria before being loaded onto a commercial vehicle destined for a slaughter facility.🐴 Fitness to Travel RequirementsTo legally transport a horse to slaughter, the owner or shipper must certify that the animal:Is not blind in both eyes.Can bear weight on all four limbs.Can walk unassisted.Is older than six months of age.Is not likely to give birth during transit.⚖️ Enforcement and PenaltiesThese regulations are enforced by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).Documentation: Shippers must complete an Owner-Shipper Certificate for each horse, certifying its fitness.Fines: Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per animal.Scope: These rules apply to any commercial transport to slaughter, including trips to "kill pens," feedlots, or auctions that assemble horses for slaughter.🚛 Current Status of Horse SlaughterWhile these transport laws remain in effect, there is currently no horse slaughter occurring on U.S. soil.Congress has consistently blocked funding for USDA inspections of horsemeat, creating a de facto ban.American horses are still legally exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.The SAFE Act (Save America's Forgotten Equines Act) is a proposed federal bill that would permanently ban both domestic slaughter and the export of horses for slaughter.If you suspect a violation or see a blind horse being loaded for slaughter, you can File a Report with the USDA-APHIS.Are you looking for information on how to rehome a blind horse, or do you need help reporting a specific transport violation you've witnessed?