What Happens to Unwanted Horses in Alberta?

There is no single destination for an unwanted horse in Alberta. Horses may change homes privately, be surrendered to a rescue, sold through an auction, sold to a dealer, remain within the horse industry or enter a slaughter pathway.

Private sale or rehoming

Many horses move successfully between private owners. Horses may be sold or rehomed as riding horses, companions, breeding animals, working horses or pasture companions.

Rescue or sanctuary

Some owners surrender horses to rescues or sanctuaries. Space is limited because horses require substantial amounts of feed, land, shelter, veterinary care and often farrier care.

Livestock auctions

Horses can also be sold through livestock auction marts. Buyers may include private owners, trainers, ranchers, dealers, resellers and buyers purchasing horses for commercial purposes.

Once a horse is sold at an open auction, the previous owner may have limited control over what happens to it afterward unless a separate enforceable arrangement exists.

Slaughter is one possible pathway

Horse meat is produced in Canada, and horses intended for food must meet applicable federal food-safety and slaughter requirements.

Not every horse at an auction is destined for slaughter. It is equally important not to pretend that the slaughter market does not exist.

Humane euthanasia

For an elderly, seriously injured or suffering horse, humane euthanasia may sometimes provide greater certainty about the animal’s final outcome than sending it through an uncertain resale chain.

Plan before a crisis

Owners facing financial hardship, loss of land, illness or other major changes may have more options when they begin looking for a solution before the horse becomes an emergency placement.