Horses Are Still Dying on Canada-to-Japan Slaughter Flights
A new investigation by animal rights advocates has documented that horses being transported by air from Canada to Japan for slaughter continue to suffer injuries, illness, and even death during the long-haul journeys, reigniting calls for Canada to ban the shipments entirely.
The investigation adds to years of documented concerns about the welfare of horses in this trade, and raises pointed questions about whether the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the regulator responsible for overseeing live animal transport, is adequately informed about what's happening on these flights.
What the Investigation Found
Advocates documented multiple incidents of horses experiencing severe distress during the flights, which can run 12-16 hours from Canadian airports to Japan. The horses are typically transported in cramped, temporary stalls in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft, often sedated but still subject to the stress of confinement, noise, and turbulence.
Some horses have been unable to eat or drink during transport. Others have arrived in Japan in such poor condition that they required immediate veterinary attention. And some have died.
The Regulator's Response
Perhaps the most alarming element of the investigation is the suggestion that the CFIA appears to be operating without full awareness of the welfare incidents occurring on these flights. If confirmed, that represents a significant regulatory gap.
Canadian animal transport regulations require that animals be fit for transport and that appropriate care be provided during the journey. Whether those standards are being met, and whether the regulator is positioned to enforce them, is now under scrutiny.
The Case for a Ban
Animal rights organizations have long argued that live horse transport for slaughter is inherently inhumane and should be prohibited, as several countries have done. The investigation's findings give that argument renewed urgency, and renewed political relevance.
Source: CBC News
