For most people, the term "horse auction" conjures up images of elite Kentucky sales rings where racehorses may be sold for tens of thousands of dollars. But there is a darker side to horse auctions. In the United States, the local horse auction is the primary place where people buy and sell horses. Generally held at county livestock markets on a weekly or monthly basis, horse auctions are the place where people conduct the commercial trade in equines.

Where do these horse auctions take place?

Horse auctions are held in virtually every state. There are hundreds of horse auctions each year, with the largest number of horses being auctioned in Texas, California, Kansas, and New Mexico.

What kinds of horses are auctioned at these sales?

Thousands of horses are auctioned each year, including healthy pleasure horses and ponies, racehorses who didn't make it at the track, draft horses, donkeys, mules, and others.

Who buys all these horses?

While some people looking for inexpensive riding horses and ponies do purchase them at auction, the majority of horses sold at auctions—at least those auctions attended by HSUS staff—were purchased by "killer buyers" who represent federally licensed horse slaughterhouses in the United States.

Do most unwanted horses go directly to the slaughterhouse?

Most do, but not all. Some horses are purchased by middlemen who take them home, fatten them up, and send them to slaughter weeks or months later. Some horses end up traveling from state to state, from one auction to another, changing hands numerous times before they ultimately end up at the slaughterhouse. A large number of horses are shipped to Canada for slaughter. Because killer buyers are paid by the pound for the horses they deliver, they look for healthy horses in good body condition, as well as horses in poor condition who can be fattened up.

What conditions are auction horses in?

Their conditions vary greatly. Some horses are in excellent health, with beautiful coats and hooves, and manes that are well-maintained. Sometimes their owners are present, fussing over them and looking for buyers who will provide good homes. Others have been trucked to auction by anonymous haulers from farms where they received little to no care. Often, these horses suffer from extreme neglect.

What common afflictions can be seen at horse auctions?

Starvation is the most common and obvious affliction. In fact, it is difficult to visit a horse auction and not discover horses with hip bones and ribs so visible that the animals look like skeletons. Also seen are horses with systemic infections such as pneumonia and strangles, and serious foot problems—such as overgrown hooves and founder—that make it exceedingly difficult and painful for them to walk.

How do horses end up in this condition?

The reasons are varied. Some people do not realize the responsibility, cost, or time involved in caring for horses. Owners may not be aware of the horse's specialized requirements, nor can they afford proper veterinary care. The winter months are particularly bad for neglected horses because they are not able to graze on pasture. Denied necessary sustenance and in a weakened condition, these horses are often just loaded onto trailers and shipped off to auction for sale to the killers.

Are horses treated inhumanely at auctions?

Some auctions are better than others, but a visitor is almost guaranteed to see horses being whipped and prodded as they are driven to and through the auction ring. Because horses at auction seldom receive even water, they may be severely dehydrated. Crammed together inside unbedded, dirty stalls and pens, with no consideration given to their compatibility, horses often kick and bite one another. And although a veterinarian's presence is required at all Virginia horse auctions, for example, HSUS investigators have never once seen a veterinarian tend to or treat a seriously ill or dying animal.

Aren't auctions regulated in some way?

There are no federal laws specifically addressing horse auctions. While many states have vague laws regulating the operation of livestock markets, few address the care or treatment of horses at auction. In fact, even though horses often remain at auction for several days, very few states even require that these animals be provided food or water. In Virginia, the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established, and is responsible for enforcing, the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of Livestock Markets." These rules require the state inspector to be present at each livestock auction to inspect all animals and then "make proper disposition of all sick and diseased livestock." Despite this stipulation, HSUS investigators have never seen any action taken when seriously ill horses were found at auction.

Why is there so much emphasis put on auctions when it's the owners who neglect their horses?

Cruelty happens before and after auctions, with the auction providing the only public place where humane agents can observe the horses' conditions. In addition, auctions indirectly promote neglect by providing outlets for the sale of abused or simply unwanted horses. Without auctions, irresponsible horse owners and unscrupulous dealers would have no place to sell their horses.

Is there any way to improve the conditions of horses at auctions?

Yes. With the adoption of better state regulations and upgraded enforcement, the trade in these pitiful animals will eventually dry up. Owners will realize that they can no longer neglect their horses and then expect to sell them for a profit at auction. Without a way to market these horses, unscrupulous dealers and owners will be driven out of the trade. Cracking down on auctions is the first and vital step toward ending the many abuses to which horses are subjected.

What steps should owners take to protect their horses from such cruelty?

Every horse owner needs to plan for the entire life of his or her horse. Carefully locate a caring home for your horse, if you can no longer keep him. A horse who can no longer live comfortably due to age or illness should be humanely euthanized, rather than suffer the hardships of auctions and a trip to the slaughterhouse.