When horses exit the racing industry permanently it is described as 'wastage'. The main reason horses exit the racing industry is due to poor performance, with less common factors including injury, illness or behavioural issues.

Horses typically retire from racing at the age of five, however their natural life span is 25-30 years. On average there are 13,000 foals bred into the racing industry each year. In 2014, only 66% of these foals entered training in Australia, and 5% were exported to other countries. Only 9000 of the nearly 14,000 Thoroughbreds born in 2014 entered training in Australia.

Slaughter

Outlined within the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Livestock at Slaughtering Establishments, are the methods by which horses can be killed. These methods include shooting horses in the head and the use of captive-bolt pistols.

Standard slaughter methods for horses. Source: Model Code.

In 2019, the ABC's 7.30 exposed the dark underbelly of the racing industry. Professor Paul McGreevy, an award winning veterinarian and academic who has been studying thoroughbred racehorses for 25 years, revealed that the racing industry's figure of 1% of ex-race horses ending up in abattoirs didn't add up. McGreevy revealed that of the 8,500 horses exiting the racing industry each year, up to 4000 are unaccounted for and essentially 'disappear.'

Investigation revealed that thousands of thoroughbred racehorses were being slaughtered in Australia. 300 race horses whose prize money equated to $5 million collectively were slaughtered at Meramist abattoir in Queensland in just 22 days.

A study conducted in 2008 examined 340 horses that entered two slaughterhouses in Australia that slaughter equine. 40% of the horses that entered the abattoir were identified to be thoroughbred racehorses and 13% were identified as standardbred. Horse's brands were studied to determine their age and origin; it was found that 60% were younger than 8 years.

Horse slaughtered at Meramist abattoir. Source: ABC

Neglect

For horses exiting the racing industry that don't end up in a knackery, their future still faces uncertainty. There have been several cases of ex-racehorses being found emaciated and neglected on Australian properties. Given ex-racehorses can often be unsuitable to be ridden, they require homes that will offer them care despite them not being 'used' for anything.

A neglected thoroughbred horse. Source: Animal Liberation Queensland

Dead ex-racehorses in a barren paddock. Source: Animal Liberation Queensland

In September 2025, investigators entered the property of disgraced ex-racehorse trainer Maxine Fraser after hearing reports that a mare and her foal had gone missing. They found and filmed two dead horses, both with signs of serious injury. This property has been the location of serious animal cruelty for over 10 years, monitored and reported by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Despite multiple investigations by the RSPCA and Victoria Police, there are no limitations on Fraser's ability to breed horses.

How is this legal? 

There are no compulsory, enforceable standards for the welfare or protection of racehorses which are consistent across all states. This means their legal protection is limited at best.

Relevant animal protection laws in each state have specific exemptions for animals used for consumption. Horses are commonly used in pet food in Australia, and some facilities even kill horses for human consumption. These exemptions mean that it is perfectly legal for horses to be slaughtered in Australian knackeries, and that horses are not afforded the same animal protection laws we afford to dogs and cats.

Exemption for animals slaughtered in accordance with the Meat Industry Act 1993 under section 6 of the Victorian POCTAA.