Animals' Angels Investigation at horse slaughter plants in Mexico
Recent Investigation in Mexico Reveals Continuing Non Compliance with EU Standards
Open Roof Trailer
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Emaciated mare with US slaughter tag
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Horse with BLM brand
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Alarmingly, amongst them were BLM branded horses. These mustangs were shipped by Triple Crown Ranch from Meeker,OK. Examination of owner/shipper paperwork by Triple Crown Ranch reveals identical information as to previous certificates, as if Triple Crown has shipped the same group of horses over and over again. This is in clear violation of paperwork intended to track contaminated meat. Investigators left when told by slaughterhouse personnel to cease filming.
The following day, investigators arrived at Carnicos de Jerez slaughterhouse in Jerez, MX observing that a solid block wall and manned security gate had been erected around the premises blocking all view from outside the premises.
Investigators proceeded to Empacadora de Ganadera de Camargo, the newest EU approved plant. The horses were held in open pens at the Carmargo plant, exposed to the hot Mexican sun, with limited access to food and water. Many of the horses were extremely emaciated and investigators found a downed horse that slaughterhouse staff did not check during the time of the observation.
As explained in our full investigative report (Warning - report contains graphic images) , the investigation revealed several areas of concern.
Council Directive 2002/99/EC states that third countries importing meat into the European Union have to comply with Community Legislation.Obviously this is not happening. Specifically, animal welfare requirements at slaughter must be met in accordance with Council Directive 93/119/EC.
Observations at the Camargo plant show that horses slip and fall during movement to the plant due to slippery surfaces. Additionally, one horse panicked after being showered and tried to escape over the concrete
Horses are transported to the plant in open roof trailers that offer absolutely no protection from the desert sun. Loaded trailers are parked for an extended time at border crossings and checkpoints, causing overheating.
Evidence obtained by Animals' Angels shows that the paperwork used to identify the horses in the individual shipment is often falsified and therefore not reliable. The information regarding sex, breed and age of the horses in different shipments is identical on multiple owner/shipper certificates. Consequently, it can't be determined where the horses in such shipments originated.
Slaughterhouses and suppliers are in clear violation of EU standards yet the violations continue unabated with no repercussions. Animals' Angels investigations are used to educate consumers in the EU, citing mistreatment and possible contamination of the American horse meat they pay a premium for.
Link to the full investigation report...
(Warning - report contains graphic images)
Watch the undercover video from the Camargo plant investigation..
(Warning - video contains extremely graphic images that might the disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised)