Horsemeat has historically been used by zoological institutions as the base red meat in numerous carnivore diets. In the mid 1990’s, members of the Nutrition Advisory Group worked closely with slaughter houses and the USDA to ensure the humane treatment of the horses as well as improve the quality of horsemeat products produced for exotic carnivores.
The attached information provides some background information for those who may not be familiar with the use of horsemeat by zoos or the historical events leading up to the discontinuation of USDA inspection of horsemeat.
- 2015
- Letter from NAG to AZA providing context and information about zoos’ use of horsemeat (August 13).
- 2003
- The report of the 2003 AZA Washington legislative session includes summaries of many political issues related to zoos, not only nutrition (May 7-8)
- 2002
- Horse slaughter plant litigation in Texas (January 22)
- Horse meat plants seek ruling (October 5)
- Legislative debate grows on processing horse meat in U.S. (October 3)
