Welfarm is reporting that a major distributor and importer of horse meat in France will no longer sell horse meat from Canada, Argentina or Australia.

Welfarm is an organization that strives to improve all aspects of farm animals’ lives, from breeding, to transport and slaughter.   

They work directly with the agri-food industry to improve conditions for animals, disseminate research and educational materials on animals’ ethological needs, raise awareness through public campaigns, and influence policy at national and European levels.

Following an investigation in 2021 by Welfarm into how horses are slaughtered in Argentina and Australia, ONE of the major distributors of horse meat in France, Système U, stated they would no longer sell horse meat from Argentina.

Welfarm reports that when they followed up earlier this month (August of 2023), Système U claims to have terminated “all national trade agreements for the marketing of horsemeat originating outside the European Union”.

That includes horse meat from Australia and Canada.

The fact that one of the largest distributors of horse meat in France claims to no longer be selling horse meat originating from outside of the European Union is a HUGE win for Canadian, American and Australian anti-slaughter horse advocates — it is definitely a step in the right direction.  Hopefully, other distributors in France – and beyond – will follow suit.