As horses are transported further distances to be slaughtered, it becomes increasingly important to ensure their physical condition will be able to endure the demands of traveling.

USDA-APHIS established the Slaughter Horse Transport Program (SHTP) in 2001 to assess the welfare of slaughter horses during travel and enforce compliance when issues are detected, thus helping to ensure horses travel in a safe and humane manner.

The commercial transportation of horses destined for slaughter is federally regulated as described in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Information about the SHTP is also available on the USDA's website at:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/horses/horse_transport.shtml