Livestock expert could support new equine slaughter project
06/03/2012
Dr Grandin, who teaches at the University of Colorado, has used expertise in autism to interpret animals’ reaction to stress. Based on this, she has talked about the importance for horses in particular not to have sight of any people involved in their slaughter.
Slaughter statistics for horses in the US dipped to zero towards the end of the last decade as abattoirs began to fear a backlash from campaign groups if they handled the slaughter of even old and infirm horses. Abattoirs in Mexico and Canada have taken delivery of horses from neighbouring US states. Horse meat is still in demand for human and animal consumption and horse hide is highly prized by tanneries, who use the raw material to make valuable cordovan leather.
Dr Grandin has told media in the US that her name has been linked to the Mountain Grove project because some years ago she gave advice on how to manage equine slaughter to the people behind it. However, she said she would not rule out becoming involved if the plant operates in accordance with her recommendations.
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