Thank you Animal Justice Canada for submitting a brief on Bill C-355 for the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food.  Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

I write on behalf of Animal Justice – Canada’s leading national animal law organization – to voice our strong support for Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act. Shipping live horses from Canada to Japan for slaughter causes signficant and unnecessary suffering and distress to draft horses, approcimately 2,000 of whom are forced to endure this gruelling journey eveyr year.  The practice is opposed by every major animal protection group in the country, leading veterinary and animal welfare experts, and the majority of Canadians of all political stripes.  A Parliamentary e-petition in support of a ban on horse exports overseas for slaughter presented by MP Alistair MacGregor recently amassed over 36,000 signatories from across the country.

You may not be aware but  in addition to allowing the slaughter of horses within Canada for human consumption — Canada allows for the live transport of horses to other countries for the purpose of slaughter.

Make no mistake about it, the way in which horses destined to be slaughtered are transported, in no way shape or form resembles the great care, when being shipped by air shown to pet or show or sport horses – including racehorses.

Horses destined for slaughter are crammed in crates, often 3 or even 4 in crates designed for one horse – but don’t take our word for it – watch the full CTV W5 report here or a shorter 2 minute video below.

BELOW you will find a 2 minute video that includes a shipper freely admitting that regulations limiting the length of time horses can be in transport without food, water or veterinary care was recently broken  – with permission of the CFIA – the federal agency charged with protecting the safety of livestock being transported within and out of Canada.