LACOMBE—Disturbing drone video capturing the abuse of horses being loaded for transport in Lacombe has prompted Animal Justice, Canada’s leading animal law organization, to file complaints with the Alberta SPCA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, calling for an investigation into the treatment of horses at the Flewelling Ranches feedlot.
The October 18 drone footage appears to show terrified horses being jabbed and struck with sticks, at times on their faces, while being loaded onto trucks. The horses were bound for the Edmonton Airport, to be flown to Japan to be fattened and slaughtered for meat.
In one clip, an individual appears to repeatedly and violently strike a horse near the face with a stick while the horse is trapped between a gate and another horse. The other horse is then repeatedly struck in the face. As horses are moved into the trailer, the individual continues to aggressively prod and hit them.
This treatment captured in the drone video appears to violate Section 144 of the federal Health of Animals Regulations, as well as Alberta’s Animal Protection Act and Animal Protection Regulation.
“This behaviour is deeply troubling, and the apparent treatment of these horses is not only shocking, but also likely unlawful,” said Jessica Schwarz, Edmonton-based staff lawyer with Animal Justice. “These sensitive animals already have a long, terrifying journey ahead and it’s heartbreaking to see it start with such cruel treatment.”
Earlier this year, Flewelling Ranches withdrew a court case, which attempted to keep records about apparent transport violations hidden from the public.
Each year, thousands of horses are flown from Edmonton and Winnipeg to Japan, where they are fattened and slaughtered to be eaten as a luxury delicacy.
Investigations by Animal Justice and Japan-based Life Investigation Agency have repeatedly shown that the shipments regularly exceed the 28-hour legal limit for transporting horses without food, water, and rest.
Horses regularly collapse on these gruelling flights and even die during transport or in the hours and days after. Exporters regularly fail to report deaths and injuries during transports despite legal requirements to do so.
The federal Liberals promised in 2021 to ban live horse exports for slaughter, but a bill to do so died when the last election was called. The government committed to following through on the promise during the 2025 election, but the flights continue.
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