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First published August 31, 2022 – UPDATED December 14, 2024.
Have you ever wondered who is behind exporting horses from Canada to Japan for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption?
According to an article from Ontario Farmer magazine titled:
HORSES STILL HEAD TO JAPAN
(Print Edition) Tuesday, Aug 30, 2022
Page: B13
Section: Livestock
“Kevin Wilson‘s diversified farming operation at Vankleek Hill [Ontario, Canada] facilitates the majority of these exports.”
By “these” exports the article means horses exported from Canada to Japan for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption.
The article goes on to say:
“Thinly sliced horse meat, called basashi, is a sought after product in Japan and is a great export market, adding value to farmers for Canada’s surplus horses, he [Kevin Wilson] said.”
You may be surprised to learn that according to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts and various articles in the press, Kevin Wilson not only breeds and raises Percherons, his farm business owns 300 Percherons and he shows Percherons at fairs and events in Canada and the USA.
Are you shocked that someone who shows horses would facilitate the shipment of horses to slaughter?
We found the use of the word “surplus” in the article from Ontario Farmer interesting.
For years we’ve been led to believe that horses shipped to Japan for slaughter were specifically bred for that purpose, yet according to the article Kevin Wilson stated…
“Japan…” “is a great export market, adding value to farmers for Canada’s surplus horses…”
Could it be that at least some of the “surplus” horses were not purpose bred and that some of those shipped to Japan are treated with drugs typically used on horses – for example wormers and BUTE – drugs known to be toxic to humans?
Scroll down to learn more about Kevin Wilson.
Kevin Wilson features the picture above on his farm’s Twitter account.
With the caption…
“Something special about a girl and her horse”.
We found that an interesting quote from someone who ships his “surplus horses” to Japan by air to be slaughtered for human consumption.
From an article titled “Busy, successful show season for Wilson Farms Percherons” published by THE REVIEW . CA
“A full schedule of horse shows and agricultural fairs is back across Canada and the United States this year, and that has meant a busy, successful show season for Percheron draught horses from Wilson Farms of Vankleek Hill.
Draught horses have been in our blood for the last three to four generations,” says Kevin Wilson, who co-owns and operates Wilson Farms with his father, Ian Wilson. The main business of Wilson Farms is grain storage and elevation, and they also have beef cattle.
According to Kevin Wilson, the farm has around 300 Percheron draught horses, mostly being raised in Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. Out of those 300, 11 geldings are used for shows across Canada and the United States. Many of the horses are raised for purchase by Amish farmers in the Midwestern US.”
Further down the article goes on to state:
“So far in 2022, Wilson horses have consistently been in the top five in their classes at draught horse shows locally and in the United States. At the TLA Classic Show in Topeka, Indiana, they placed fourth out of 16 entries in the Classic Series Cart Class, third out of seven teams in the Percheron Six Horse Hitch, first out of 16 teams in the Junior Cart Class, and second out of five teams in Percheron Pair Class.”
Okay, so if you are not aware, 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 these horses are transported in no way shape or form resembles the way show and sporting horses are transported.
Horses 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.
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.
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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.
We are 100% volunteer & crowdfunded.
0% goes towards salaries. Yes, ZERO.
You do NOT need a PayPal account to donate through PayPal.
You may make a one time donation or if you prefer set up a monthly donation.
EMAIL for e-transfer or PayPal:
donations@banhorseslaughter.com
If asked for a security answer please use horses
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Help spread the word by sharing this email campaign with friends and family! You can also support the cause by donating—your contribution will help fund advertising efforts to raise awareness and push for change. Every action makes a difference!
Remember the petition that we shamelessly flogged and promised had clout because it was sponsored by a Member of Parliament?
Well it closed, and thanks to you, it’s been presented in Canadian Parliament and again thanks to you and your support it’s brought about all kinds of coverage in major publications (Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun, The National Post) and on for example CBC THE NATIONAL, the CTV & GLOBAL networks — and now the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (Canada) has responded – in writing.
Here’s part of what she has to say…
Horses are then transported by air to the importing country, notably Japan, and horses that are exported from Canada for slaughter are subject to the same regulations as horses shipped for other uses, such as breeding or international sporting events. For every shipment, all participants are required to meet all Canadian and international standards. [Read her full response here.]
Really? Seriously?
Do the wooden crates used to transport horses from Canada to Japan (and other markets) for slaughter look anything like the carefully crafted metal, padded "stalls" used to transport show and other horses by air?
Does how horses destined for slaughter are loaded onto flights look anything like how show and other horses are carefully led onto flights?
Seriously? Minister Bibeau, please watch the short videos that show otherwise.
All one has to do is look at footage provided by the CBC National News, or footage from CTV's W5 expose/documentary to realize that is NOT the case.
In no way shape or form does the way in which horses are transported to slaughter resemble how horses exported for other purposes are handled.
AND as covered recently on the CBC National News and as freely admitted by those who transport horses from Canada to Japan for slaughter...
(AGAIN, watch the CBC National news coverage)
National and international shipping regulations ARE being broken. Again, listen to the shipper of horses on the CBC National News admit that the CFIA is turning a blind eye.
How dare the Minister say in her response that the poor draft horses are subjected to the same requirements that all horses being shipped internationally by air are!
Are other horses being shipped in rickety wooden containers, unsegregated? NO!!
They are shipped separately from one another in proper horse containers which are usually made of metal and are very well padded.
And in the recent shipment in Dec. departing from Winnipeg, transport times well exceeded the legislated required maximum of 28 hrs without food, water and rest, leading to the downing of 3 horses on arrival in Japan.
There were no consequences to all involved. Simply the “cost of doing business” in their eyes!
And the newly implemented animal transport regs now only require that incompatible animals be segregated.
It is impossible for any CFIA vet to determine compatibility on the spot at the time of loading the horses.
Regardless, compatibility can quickly change due to the stress of the flight.
I wrote the Minister well over a month ago and have yet to receive a response from her.
So much for her engaging in consultation with all concerned parties.
This is despite my meeting with two Liberal MPs here in Brampton.
My question remains, why is she even consulting anyone?
The PM campaigned on banning these shipments and he issued a directive to the Minister to do so in his mandate letter dated Dec. 16, 2021. Yet these inhumane shipments continue, and horses continue to be injured on these flights.
Canadians should be outraged!!!
Imagine this: Cute little dogs being bred on farms for the sole purpose of being shipped overseas to be slaughtered and fed as a delicacy to the rich.
But before they reach their final destination, before they are killed and butchered, they are stuffed into small wooden crates (up to four animals crowded in the tiny enclosure) for the often bumpy, terrifying 8,000 km journey – going without food and water for up to 25 to 30 hours.
Imagine if Canadians found out this practice was taking place.
We would collectively go ballistic and demand it be immediately shut down. And any government that hoped to get re-elected would act instantly. They wouldn’t take months or years. It would be shut down overnight. [read the full article here...]
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Quotes are taken from a review published January 26, 2023, titled
A review of horses sent to slaughter for human consumption: impact of horsemeat consumption, residual banned drugs, and public health risks
…the exportation of American horses across both borders for the sole purpose of slaughter for human consumption must end.
Surely if more people in North America and the rest of the world realized that horses and other equines are slaughtered for human consumption in Canada and Mexico, the slaughter of all equines would be banned.
Horses slaughtered in Canada and Mexico include horses exported in leg-breaking trailers from the USA for as long as 3 days without food or water or vet care.
The horses slaughtered include a small percentage raised specifically for meat but the vast majority are pet horses, rodeo and racing “stock”.
In other words, horses that have at the very least been treated with wormers and, in many cases, other drugs that are not meant ever to enter the human food chain.
And before you think it doesn’t matter to you because you don’t eat horsemeat…
In 2015 a study at the University of Guelph, sponsored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found that horsemeat shows up on Canadian grocery store shelves marked as other than horsemeat.
In other words, if you are Canadian and eating meat you may be eating toxic horsemeat without knowing it.
Perhaps even more disturbing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was quoted as saying, they were NOT surprised horsemeat is being sold in Canada marked as other than horsemeat.
Food prices have risen dramatically since 2015, so it makes sense that food fraud may also be on the rise. Purchasing a horse not raised for slaughter, a discarded pet or racehorse for example is far cheaper than buying beef cattle raised under strict protocols.
Keep reading to learn why millions of pounds of horsemeat produced in Canada is toxic.
Previous work showed that 18 Thoroughbred racehorses purchased by rescues that would have otherwise been sold for export for the sole purpose of slaughter to produce meat for human consumption were administered [highly toxic to humans] phenylbutazone.
“Horses are prone to developing musculoskeletal injuries due to their various roles including pleasure riding, hunter/jumper, racing, and other performance-type work.
The most common drug to treat musculoskeletal injuries in horses is phenylbutazone.
Based on the annual sales of phenylbutazone [commonly known as BUTE] in the United States, our group estimated that every adult horse receives at least 1 dose of phenylbutazone during its lifetime.
There are 500 pounds of dressed horsemeat per horse.
The number of American horses exported to Canada for slaughter in 2019 was 10,486; this translates into 5,243,000 pounds of dressed horsemeat.”
Given that the US Department of Agriculture does not have a system to remove horses administered banned substances from the slaughter pipeline, more than 5,000,000 pounds of dressed horsemeat sent to the EU and non-EU countries in 2019 were likely contaminated with banned substances.
“The FDA considers American horses as companion animals and as such all approved drugs can be administered.
The “administration” of phenylbutazone or any other banned substance is not allowed in food-producing animals.
Both EU and non-EU governments have published a list of banned drugs and drugs with withdrawal periods.”
The magnitude of the issue is further complicated by the fact that Canadian residue testing represents less than 1% of the total carcasses tested.
You can read the full review from the American Veterinary Medical Association here.
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Very special thanks to Maggie Hinton of Canadians Against Horse Abuse who writes:
Many Canadians and Americans do not realize that even though horse slaughter is currently not allowed in the United States, horses from both countries are slaughtered in Canada for human consumption.
Additionally, since 2012 draft horses have been shipped by air from Canada to Japan to be slaughtered for consumption, including for sushi.
The Canadian Meat Council, a member of the *Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) coalition worked on a **deal with the Canadian Government and Japan to eliminate tarriffs on the export of horses from Canada to Japan for slaughter.
Since that time individuals and organizations including the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition(CHDC) have been lobbying the Canadian government to stop the shipment of live horses for slaughter to Japan.
CHDC issued the first press release on the subject of live horse exports to Japan for slaughter in 2012, and were quick to point out how shipping horses live to Japan is economically feasible, because the CFIA is turning a blind eye to their own shipping regulations…
“Footage taken of Alberta horses being shipped live to Japan for slaughgter shows that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is violating their own standards set forth in the Health of Animals Regulations. The regulations prohibit the transportation of all animals under conditions that would expose the animals to undue injury or suffering.”
More recently CHDC sued the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is a Canadian Federal Government agency for blatantly ignoring international shipping regulations.
So again, like many others, you may be wondering how shipping horses by air to Japan could possibly be economically feasible.
Eliminating tariffs helped keep costs down. In addition, kill buyers and producers get away with keeping horses in crowded, wet, dirty, cold, feedlots without adequate shelter, including in winter — and we all know how cold Canadian winters can be. Horses are transported in crowded trailers to the airport.
Then because the Canadian Food Inspection Agency turns a blind eye, horses are shipped by air to Japan in flimsy, wooden crates, with as many as possible crammed into each crate. (Shipping regulations allow for one draft horse per crate, but that regulation is consistently ignored.)
When shipping by air, horses are denied basic nutrition and water, pushing the limit to what the horses can tolerate. Horses destined for slaughter travel to Japan without the watchful eye of a trained equine specialist. After all, that would mean an added expense.
Pictures of horses in a holding pen in Alberta, Canada and destined for slaugher -- are courtesy of Christine Gallant.
*The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional organizations that support a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food. CAFTA’s members: Canola Council of Canada, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Pulse Canada, Soy Canada, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Meat Council, Canola Growers Association, Grain Growers of Canada, Cereals Canada, Canadian Sugar Institute, Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, National Cattle Feeders Association, Barley Council of Canada. Based on domestic exports data for 2015, CAFTA’s members account 48 billion dollars of exports, representing 80% of the total value of Canadian agricultural and agri-food products exports.
**In 2012 Canada and Japan announced the launch of negotiations towards a comprehensive and high-level economic partnership agreement (EPA). The agreement known as the Canada-Japan Economic Partnership seeks to reduce and in some cases eliminated the non-tariff and tariff barriers that limits trade between the two nations.
CAFTA seeks expanded market access in Japan through the removal of import tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers.
CAFTA supports Canada’s participation in the EPA and believes it will significantly contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.”
The following is page 2 of a 1,134 page report – a spread sheet:
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/assets/pdfs/tpp-ptp/2-D.Japan-Tariff-Elimination-Schedule.PDF (Global Affairs Canada)
“TARIFF SCHEDULE OF JAPAN (HS2012)
(Year 1 – 21 and subsequent years)
LIVE ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS – (NO TARIFFS with exception of 010121.290)
01.01 Live horses, asses, mules and hinnies
Horses
0101.21 Pure-bred breeding animals
010121.100 Certified as being those other than Thoroughbred,Thoroughbred-grade, Arab, Anglo-Arab or Arab-grade horses (hereinafter referred to as “light-breed horses”) in accordance with the provisions of a cabinet order
2 Other
010121.210(1) “Light-breed horses” certified as being those used for purposes other than horse-race and as being not pregnant in accordance with the provisions of a cabinet order
010121.290(2) Other 3,400,000 yen/each
0101.29 Other
010129.1001 Certified as being not “light-breed horses” in accordance with the provisions of a cabinet order
2 Other
010129.210(1) “Light-breed horses” certified as being those used for purposes other than horse-race and as being not pregnant in accordance with the provisions of a cabinet order “
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Once again we’d like to thank Jann Arden for all she does to help support the banning of horse slaughter for human consumption.
American horses are routinely exported to Mexico and to Canada to be slaughtered.
Horses raised in Canada, including pet horses and discarded race horses, are slaughtered in Canada and horses are also shipped live from Canada to Japan to be slaughtered there.
The Canadian Horse Defence Coaltion is currently suing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for blatantly ignorning international shipping regulations and allowing horses to be shipped in conditions that are inhumane.
You can save horses’ lives with one of these T-shirts @ban.horse.slaughter help stop beautiful horses from being shipped overseas for human consumption. It’s awful…
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Help spread the word by sharing this email campaign with friends and family! You can also support the cause by donating—your contribution will help fund advertising efforts to raise awareness and push for change. Every action makes a difference!