Paws of War Launches Equine Rescue to Counter Slaughter Pipeline

The initiative addresses a persistent gap in animal welfare. While domestic horse slaughter has been effectively shuttered within the U.S. since 2007, the industry persists by rounding up animals for export to Canada and Mexico. These horses are processed for meat destined for markets in Europe and Asia, a trade driven by the lucrative potential of animals valued at up to $1,000 each. Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, stated that the organization is committed to protecting these animals from a cycle he describes as disgusting, inviting public support to scale their rescue operations.

Beyond direct intervention, the program integrates rescued equines into the Frontline Heroes and At Ease wellness projects. These efforts provide veterans and active-duty personnel with equine-assisted therapy, a practice supported by decades of research in Frontiers Psychiatry for its efficacy in treating psychological distress. The organization has already successfully transitioned several horses into these programs, including a recent placement with a veteran named Chris in upstate New York. While legislative battles continue in Congress—pitting the proposed SAFE Act, which seeks a total ban, against concerns over potential provisions in the upcoming farm bill—Paws of War is positioning its grassroots rescue model as a necessary immediate response to the ongoing export of American horses.