Did U.S. Legalize Human Consumption of Horses?

While it may sound like a war measure act of long ago, the laws that control the slaughter of horses and selling the horse meat for humans to consume, don’t really exist. At one time, eating horses was fairly widespread in the United States, but it has been rare since the end of World War Two. The sale and human consumption of horses was never really illegal in the U.S., but in 2006, Congress cut off funding for all U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) inspections of horse slaughterhouses, which effectively stopped the slaughter of horses and the sale of their meat for human consumption (in the U.S., meat can’t be sold unless it is inspected). The last three U.S. horse slaughterhouses were shut down in 2007.

Equine Tartare

However, the efforts to stop the slaughter of horses for food didn’t necessarily end the practice, as over one hundred thousand horses destined for human consumption are hauled to slaughter plants in both Canada and Mexico every single year. In fact, chef Martin Kouprie at the chic eatery ‘Pangaea’ in Toronto, Ontario, serves up a succulently delicious pan-seared equine tenderloin, served with Saskatoon berries, as well as an excellent equine tartare (horse was the original French tartare, not beef).

Now You Know

Then, in November of 2011, a bill was passed by the U.S. Congress and then signed by President Barack Obama that removed an amendment to discontinue the inspection ban, swinging wide the gates for horse slaughtering plants to reopen in the U.S. despite opponent claims it could cost $3-5 million a year to reinstate the inspections. So, if the next burger from a greasy spoon you sink your teeth into in the U.S. has a little extra ‘kick’ to it, now you know why.

History of Horsemeat Consumption

Prehistoric and Ancient Times

Prehistoric Era

Evidence from archaeological sites indicates that early humans hunted wild horses for meat as far back as 400,000 years ago. Cut marks on horse bones found in places like Europe suggest that horsemeat was an important part of the diet of early Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Ancient Cultures

Horse domestication, which occurred around 4000-3500 BCE in the steppes of Central Asia, likely included the consumption of horsemeat. The Botai culture in Kazakhstan is one of the earliest known to have domesticated horses and possibly consumed their meat.

Historical Contexts

Eurasian Nomads

Nomadic cultures, such as the Scythians, Huns, and Mongols, were known for their use of horses for transportation, warfare, and food. Horsemeat was a significant part of their diet.

Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, horsemeat consumption was common among certain populations, though it became less prevalent after the spread of Christianity. The Catholic Church discouraged the consumption of horsemeat, associating it with pagan rituals.

Modern Times

Cultural Differences

In contemporary times, the consumption of horsemeat varies widely by culture and region. It is a traditional food in many parts of the world, while in others, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, it is less common and often stigmatized due to cultural attitudes towards horses.

Horsemeat Consumption Internationally

Europe

France

Horsemeat is considered a delicacy and is sold in specialized butcher shops called “boucheries chevalines.”

Italy

Horsemeat is consumed, particularly in regions like Veneto and Sicily. It’s used in dishes like “pastissada de caval” and horsemeat sausages.

Belgium

Horsemeat is popular, especially in regions like Wallonia.

Switzerland

It’s part of traditional cuisine and is sold in many supermarkets.

The Netherlands

Horsemeat is used in certain traditional dishes and is sold in some butcher shops.

Asia

Kazakhstan

Horsemeat is a staple of the traditional diet, used in dishes like “beshbarmak” and “kazy.”

Japan

Known as “basashi,” raw horsemeat is a delicacy, often served as sashimi.

Mongolia

Horsemeat is part of the traditional diet, used in stews and other dishes.

North America

Canada

Horsemeat is consumed, particularly in Quebec, where it’s sold in some butcher shops and used in traditional dishes.

South America

Argentina

Horsemeat is consumed, though less commonly than beef. It’s used in some traditional dishes and sausages.

Other Regions

Iceland

Horsemeat is part of traditional cuisine and is used in dishes like “hrossabjúgu” (horse sausage).

Scandinavia

In countries like Norway and Sweden, horsemeat is consumed to a lesser extent but is available and used in certain traditional dishes.

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