With hightened awareness in the humane community and expanded media coverage, the public has become concerned with the plight of equines. During the last five years hundreds of individuals and organizations have become actively involved in the prevention of abuse. In most states livestock dealers are required to be registered with the Department of Food and Agriculture.
Most states require dealers to be bonded.
The list of all licensed livestock dealers is a matter of public record and available to you. These required registrations become very important if you have a complaint about illegal activity including cruelty involving a livestock dealer or killer buyer. It is advisable that you research the laws regarding equines bound for slaughter and livestock dealers that apply in your state. If you are not sure which public agency regulates livestock dealers, auctions, etc., you may want to start with your State Veterinarian. The killer buyer usually purchases horses from local private parties or from livestock auctions.