For years we’ve been told that horses shipped to Japan for slaughter were “purpose-bred.” But according to the publication ‘Ontario Farmer’, Kevin Wilson described Japan as “a great export market, adding value to farmers for Canada’s surplus horses.”

This distinction matters because it undermines a common justification for the trade.

If these are “surplus” horses, then they are not purpose-bred meat animals at all.

They are horses from other sectors — animals routinely treated with equine medications such as wormers and phenylbutazone (BUTE), drugs that are not permitted in animals raised for human consumption.

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

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: 

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?

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.

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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – the federal agency charged with protecting the safety of livestock being transported within and out of Canada.

(IATA: International Air Transport Association is the global trade association representing the world’s airlines. IATA sets standards for airline operations, ticketing, cargo transport, safety protocols, and live animal transport regulations used by many carriers worldwide.)

The Bouvry slaughter plant in Alberta is currently closed, though whether that closure is temporary or permanent remains unclear. The plant in Quebec continues to operate.

In British Columbia, independent butchers report receiving requests to slaughter horses alongside other livestock. To some, money is money — and an animal is simply meat so slaughter continues to thrive in the west.

Ban Horse Slaughter continues to intervene directly — purchasing horses from kill buyers and from pens operated by First Nations Bands before they are shipped for slaughter. With the help of a foster network, we place horses into safe, permanent homes.

The costs extend well beyond purchase — transport, feed, veterinary care, and ongoing support.

Ban Horse Slaughter is 100% volunteer-run.

0% goes to salaries.

If you would like to help us continue this work:

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!