A recent report by animal welfare organizations in Canada and Japan has shed light on the controversial practice of exporting live horses for slaughter. The study, conducted by Canada’s Animal Justice and Japan’s Life Investigation Agency, revealed that the number of horses who have died during the journey between the two countries is significantly higher than what has been reported by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). According to the report, flights transporting the horses often exceed legal limits of 28 hours without food, water or rest, leading to deaths from injuries and illnesses. The report also highlighted that the CFIA’s stats vastly underestimate the actual number of horse deaths during transport.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, the director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice, emphasized the risks that these horses face, including shipping fever, compromised immune systems, and injuries. The report also stated that Japanese government records show that up to 21 horses have died in a single year due to stress, dehydration, and other conditions, in stark contrast to CFIA’s reported figure of only five deaths since 2013. Mitchell expressed concern over the discrepancy in reported numbers and called on the CFIA to take the matter seriously and follow up on the findings of the report. The report also highlighted that the industry is not being transparent with regulators about the actual conditions faced by horses during transport.
Ren Yabuki, director of Life Investigation Agency in Japan, called for an immediate ban on the transportation of live horses overseas by both countries. Yabuki criticized Japan’s lack of awareness and laws protecting animal welfare, urging the Canadian government and people to prohibit the practice of exporting live horses for slaughter. A bill aimed at banning the air export of Canadian horses for slaughter, Bill C-355, has been passed by the House of Commons and is awaiting second reading by the Senate. The Canadian Equine Exporters Association has disputed the claims of the welfare organizations, stating that the horse meat industry is highly regulated and that horses are inspected thoroughly before and after transport.
In response to the allegations raised by Animal Justice, the CFIA stated that it takes the concerns seriously and has begun taking immediate steps to address the issues. The agency will be reviewing the Japanese government documents included in the report once they are translated. The CFIA also stated that it will revise its information if additional deaths or serious injuries related to air transport are confirmed. Additionally, the agency will be reminding air carriers of their reporting obligations under the Health of Animals Regulations and will be requesting a meeting with the primary air carrier of horses to Japan. The CFIA has assured that it will communicate with all stakeholders involved in the transport of live horses to ensure the welfare of the animals.
Overall, the report by animal welfare organizations in Canada and Japan has brought to light the harsh conditions and risks faced by live horses during transport for slaughter. The discrepancies in reported numbers between the CFIA and the Japanese government records highlight the need for greater transparency and oversight in the industry. The call for a ban on the air export of Canadian horses for slaughter reflects growing concerns about animal welfare and the need for stricter regulations to protect these animals. It is now up to the Canadian government and regulatory agencies to take action based on the findings of the report and ensure the safety and well-being of horses being transported for slaughter.
