Horses & Donkeys

Slaughter of horses and donkeys is done mainly by shooting them from helicopters. The most humane way to kill an animal is by a bullet to the brain at close range. However such a shot is impossible from a helicopter - especially when the target is a moving and panicked horse. A shot for the heart may immobilise the animal, leaving it to a lingering death. A further concern is that mother and foal become separated, or one of them may be killed. There is also a high risk of broken legs as the exhausted and terrified animals run away from the helicopter.

In the 1980s scenes of threshing dying horses were broadcast on European television and caused considerable adverse international comment. People relate to horses, and horrified viewers perceived helicopter slaughter for what it is - a lingering and cruel end.