WINNIPEG—Early this morning, yet another shipment of horses left Winnipeg for Japan, where the animals will be fattened, slaughtered, and eaten as a raw delicacy for the wealthy. This most recent shipment comes on the three year anniversary of the Prime Minister’s December 16, 2021 mandate letter to the Minister of Agriculture committing to finally banning this cruel and controversial practice. The mandate letter commitment followed a promise made to Canadians during the last federal election.
Since the December 16, 2021 mandate letter, more than 7,700 horses have been exported from Canada for slaughter overseas. Liberal MP Tim Louis introduced Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act last year. The Bill passed the House of Commons in May but it has been stalled at second reading in the Senate for more than seven months with little progress, raising concerns about whether the promised ban will pass before the next federal election.
“Canadians want to see this horrific and shameful practice end once and for all,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, Winnipeg-based director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice. “The suffering that these gentle horses are forced to endure is absolutely heartbreaking. I am appalled that after three long years, the government has not made good on its promise and horses continue to be sent on stressful and dangerous flights to their death.”
Nearly 80% of Canadians support banning the export of horses for slaughter. Tens of thousands of Canadians have called and written to Senators urging them to work quickly to pass this lifesaving bill. A group of prominent Canadian celebrities —including Jann Arden, Bryan Adams, Robert Bateman, Chantal Kreviazuk, and the CFL’s “Most Outstanding Player” Brady Oliveira—have also written to Senators, urging them to do the right thing and stop delaying Bill C-355.
Government of Japan data recently released by Animal Justice and Japan-based Life Investigation Agency underscores the urgent need to pass Bill C-355. The new data shows that a staggering number of horses exported for slaughter suffer injuries, illness, and even death during transport and in the hours and days following. Horses are dying of dehydration, stress, untreated injuries, and even painful miscarriages, among other conditions.
Between June 2023 – May 2024 alone, at least 21 horses died due to the conditions of transport and more than 50 others suffered serious injuries and illness. Data released last week from June 2024 shows that another horse died due to injuries from transport that month, with several others suffering painful injuries and illnesses. None of the newly uncovered deaths, injuries, and illnesses are reflected in Canadian Food Inspection Agency records.
“Conservative Senators are playing political games that are costing horses their lives,” said Ms. Mitchell. “Enough is enough: It’s time to stop delaying Bill C-355 and finally vote to send it to committee for study. It is absolutely imperative that the Senate vote on Bill C-355 before adjourning for the holidays this week.”
Conservative Senators, including the Bill’s critic Manitoba Senator Donald Plett, have a well documented history of using delay tactics to kill private members’ bills. Animal protection bills have received particularly troubling treatment, including the “creative” use of parliamentary procedure to delay bills’ passage for years. The Senate’s dismal record of delay and obstruction of private members’ bills has been called out by political commentators and Senators alike. Animal Justice, along with a coalition of animal protection groups, has written to all Senators urging them not to adjourn for the holidays until they vote on Bill C-355.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Kaitlyn Mitchell
Director of Legal Advocacy
[email protected]
