Skip to main content
Top

Protecting Horses, Burros, and Other Equines

by HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC

Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, is a global leader in animal protection, working to prevent cruelty, rescue abused animals, and advance compassionate policies. We are dedicated to defending horses, burros, and other equines from neglect, abuse, and exploitation while creating a world where every animal can thrive.

At our Black Beauty Ranch sanctuary in Texas, rescued horses, burros, and other equines receive refuge and lifelong care. Equines like Sam Elliott, who arrived emaciated and broken, now thrive with proper nutrition, veterinary care, and companionship in spacious pastures. Our sanctuary provides the time, care, and environment these animals need to recover from trauma and live dignified, fulfilling lives.

Across the United States and Canada, thousands of horses are sold each year at auctions, where many are purchased by “kill buyers” and sent to slaughter in Canada and Mexico. During transport, horses can endure more than 24 hours without food, water, or rest, and in slaughterhouses they are often handled roughly, repeatedly stunned, and killed in facilities designed for cattle—making their deaths terrifying and painful.

Humane World for Animals works to end this cruelty by advocating for the federal SAFE Act, which would permanently ban the sale and transport of horses for slaughter. We also fight horse soring—the intentional infliction of pain to a horse’s legs or hooves to force an exaggerated gait in competitions. Despite being outlawed decades ago, soring remains widespread. We push for stronger federal rules and enforcement of the Horse Protection Act to stop this abuse and protect Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and other gaited breeds.

We also work closely with law enforcement, regulators, and communities to strengthen oversight of horse auctions, educate horse owners about responsible care and rehoming, and promote public policies that prevent cruelty. By addressing both immediate suffering and systemic causes of abuse, we reduce neglect, abandonment, and exploitation nationwide.

Your donation to Black Beauty Ranch supports:
- Rescuing horses, burros, and other equines from auctions, neglect, and abusive situations
- Lifelong care at Black Beauty Ranch, including food, veterinary care, safe pastures, and social companionship
- Rehabilitation programs that help abused or neglected equines recover physically and emotionally
- Advocacy for laws and enforcement to end horse slaughter and soring
- Education for owners, trainers, and communities to promote humane equine care
- Law enforcement collaboration to prevent abuse and hold violators accountable

Every horse, burro, and equine deserves a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. Your support helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these animals while fighting the systemic cruelties that threaten them. Together, we can give equines a second chance—and build a more humane world for all animals.

– Support equine protection today and help end suffering, one life at a time.

Share this Cause Project
How Donations Work
Click any 'Donate Now' button and then decide your donation amount. You will then be forwarded to your payment processor of choice. Once your donation has been processed it will be sent to your charity of choice.

Need Some Help?