Several states have passed legislation banning the transport of horses in double-deck trailers, but there is currently no federal prohibition so this inhumane practice continues. The Horse Transportation Safety Act (S. 1459) would fix this.
Double deck livestock trailer not fit for horses
The Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2013 sponsored by Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), would prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another.
© 2013 by C. Goodwin
The Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2013 (S. 1459), is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), would prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another, more commonly known as double-deck trailers.
Hauling horses in double deck trailers is potentially dangerous and is inhumane. These trailers do not provide sufficient headroom for horses to stand upright. The animals often endure long journeys in cramped positions and suffer serious injuries as a result.
In the past horrific accidents involving double deck trailers have resulted in injuries and the deaths of numerous horses. However, It is not merely the potential for catastrophic accidents that make these trailers inhumane.
These trailers can lead to serious injuries of horses while being transported, a point on which humane organizations, veterinary associations, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agree.
According to the USDA:
Double-deck trailers do not provide adequate headroom for equines, with the possible exception of foals and yearlings. We do not believe that trailers that have two or more permanent levels that are not collapsible can be adequately altered to accommodate adult equines, especially tall equines. A tall equine can be 8 feet tall to the top of its head when standing on all four legs and close to 12 feet tall when rearing.
In addition, many bridges and tunnels on highways will not accommodate altered trailers because of the low overhead of many bridges and tunnels.
The Horse Transportation Safety Act would provide protections covering the movement of all horses, not just those bound for slaughter.
Horse owners are encouraged to contact their congressional representatives to show support for the Horse Transportation Safety Act.