BC SPCA: New report on horse slaughter practices released

New report on horse slaughter practices released

May 7, 2010

The BC SPCA and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies have presented federal authorities with a report of concerns regarding horse slaughter in Canada. The Report on Horse Slaughter Practices in Canada (link opens pdf document) is based on a review of recent video footage depicting inhumane practices at two of Canada's largest horse slaughter plants, one in Alberta and one in Quebec.

Approximately 100,000 horses are slaughtered in Canada each year to produce meat for human consumption, most of which is exported to European countries. This figure has doubled since operations at American horse slaughter plants were suspended in recent years.

In a letter sent April 23, 2010, the BC SPCA and its national partner, the CFHS, have asked the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to provide an assurance that the documented concerns will be addressed promptly to ensure no further animals suffer in these plants.

Please write a personal letter or email to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. Gerry Ritz, asking him to ensure that the CFIA adequately monitors the slaughter of all animals at federally registered processing plants in Canada.

The BC SPCA is British Columbia's leading horse welfare agency and has cared for more than 100 neglected horses in the past year, at a cost of over $200,000.

To have the greatest impact, use our background information to prepare your letter, and express your concerns in your own words. No postage is required to send letters to the Federal Government.

Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Fax: 613-995-7080
Email: Ritz.G@parl.gc.ca

Please also send copies to the BC SPCA, to your own MP and to the federal Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food:

Mr. Larry Miller and Committee Members
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agrifood
Sixth Floor, 131 Queen Street
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6

Fax: 613-995-2106
Email: agri@parl.gc.ca

For more information, please email Geoff Urton, animal welfare coordinator or call 604-647-6404.

May 17. Update: CBC's The National aired an indepth look at horse slaughterhouses, including interviews with leading animal biologist Dr. Temple Grandin and BC SPCA's animal welfare coordinator, Geoff Urton. Visit their website to watch the story.

You can help the BC SPCA continue to advocate for higher standards of animal welfare for horses. Please donate to the BC SPCA's Monty Fund for Community Education & Outreach today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.