Target: Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Goal: End the cruel live horse export industry in Canada and enforce strict penalties for violations of animal transport laws.
Every year, thousands of horses are allegedly subjected to harrowing conditions as they are exported from Canada to Japan for slaughter. Reports indicate that these horses endure long, grueling journeys cramped in wooden crates, deprived of adequate food, water, and rest. Disturbing account suggest that injuries and deaths are tragically common during transport, with at least nine horses dying, and many others suffering severe injuries and illnesses, including dangerous fevers and bleeding wounds. Such apparent suffering must not be overlooked, and immediate action is required.
The incidents cited are particularly troubling, highlighting the apparent disregard exporters have for welfare laws designed to protect these animals. Furthermore, investigations have shown that numerous shipments have allegedly violated Canada’s animal transport laws, with at least five shipments exceeding the legal limit of 28 hours without food, water, or rest. These topics merit thorough examination and accountability, yet the lack of transparency in the live horse export industry has historically allowed these violations to go unnoticed and unpunished.
To safeguard horses from this relentless suffering, there is an urgent need for an official ban on the live export of horses for slaughter. Transparency must be prioritized, and those who engage in or facilitate alleged violations of animal transport laws need to be held accountable. Ending this cruel practice will protect thousands of horses from the horrors they currently face during transport.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister MacDonald,
The live horse export industry in Canada has reportedly subjected countless horses to horrifying conditions, as they are shipped overseas for slaughter. Disturbing reports detail incidents of severe injuries, illnesses, and deaths among horses during transport, with at least nine horses dying and many more collapsing or suffering from significant injuries. These alleged egregious conditions, where exporters have consistently exceeded legal travel limits without facing consequences, demand immediate governmental intervention.
Transparency is critical in addressing these issues and ensuring that animal transport laws are enforced. The Canadian federal government has previously promised to ban live horse exports for slaughter, yet this critical promise remains unfulfilled. Every day that passes without this ban, more than 11,000 horses are subjected to heart-wrenching suffering that could easily be prevented. It is essential that stricter penalties are implemented for exporters who violate animal welfare laws to deter this inhumane treatment effectively.
We urge the government to follow through on its commitment to end the live export of horses for slaughter and to take decisive steps to enforce and ensure compliance with animal protection laws in the transport of these animals. The lives and welfare of thousands of horses depend on these urgent actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
