Overview of New York Statewide Public Opinion Survey Report on Horse Slaughter

This brief survey summary reveals that most New York voters are unfamiliar with the practice of slaughtering horses for food, and that the majority (57%) are opposed to the practice and feel that it should be outlawed.

Most New York State voters are unfamiliar with horse slaughter for human consumption, with nearly two-thirds (64%) thinking it is illegal, 10% perceiving it as legal, and 26% who said they do not know.

Voters do not consider horses livestock animals:

• Recreational & sporting animals (57%)
• Companion animals (34%)
• Livestock animals (6%)
• Don’t know (3%)

85% consider horses as companions, 12% consider them as livestock and 4% didn’t know.

More than half (57%) of NY voters oppose horse slaughter as a cruel and inhumane practice that should be outlawed. Another 24% are opposed to horse slaughter, but believe the government shouldn’t intervene. 10% support horse slaughter and do not mind the export of horses for food. 6% are unconcerned and 2% do not know.

The top reasons given to ban horse slaughter:

• Cruel and inhumane (73%)
• Horses should be humanely put to sleep (67%)
• Dogs and cats are protected, horses should be too (59%)