Grandin is correct. But more so, what we've done by ending slaughter is sending horses to die in places like Mexico in a much more cruel manner with insufficient equipment. There are too many horses. Slaughter is a natural part of the deal here whether people like it or not.
"Their brains are similar to pigs and cattle,” she said, “although they’re a bit more flighty. As long as you use the right equipment, it can be as humane as any other kind of slaughter. I don’t see any reason why a horse can’t lead a happy life and be slaughtered and not suffer.” The vast majority of welfare issues Dr. Grandin witnesses aren’t due to slaughter but to owner neglect. If given the choice between being a horse and a commodity pig or chicken, Dr. Grandin says, “I’d rather be the average horse.”
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