Recent documents from the Japanese government have shed light on a disturbing situation involving Canadian horses exported for slaughter. These records reveal a significantly higher number of horse deaths during transport than previously reported by Canadian authorities.
The discrepancy raises serious questions about the oversight and reporting practices in the live horse export industry. This slideshow explores the key findings from these documents and their implications for animal welfare and regulatory practices.
Japanese Documents Reveal Shocking Horse Deaths
Japanese government records exposed a grim reality for horses exported from Canada for slaughter. At least 21 horses died during or shortly after air transport between May 2023 and June 2024. This number far exceeds the official figures reported by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The documents, obtained by the Life Investigation Agency (LIA), paint a troubling picture of the live horse export industry.
CFIA’s Numbers Don’t Add Up
The CFIA’s official stance on horse transport deaths was called into question by the new data. A CFIA representative had previously stated that only five horse deaths related to air shipments had occurred since 2013. This stark contrast with the Japanese records suggests a significant gap in incident reporting. The discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of information provided by Canadian authorities.
High Death Toll Among Exported Horses
During the period covered by the documents, approximately 2,500 horses were exported from Winnipeg and Edmonton to Japan. The death of 21 horses represents a concerning mortality rate for these shipments. Many more horses arrived in serious condition, suffering from issues like diarrhea and fever. The documents revealed the harsh conditions these animals endured during transport.
Pregnant Mares at Risk
One of the most shocking revelations from the documents was the transport of pregnant horses. Some of these mares suffered miscarriages or died after arriving in Japan. The transportation of pregnant horses, especially those in the late stages of gestation, raised serious ethical and welfare concerns. These incidents highlighted a significant oversight in the pre-transport screening process.
Causes of Death
The Japanese records outlined several common causes of death among the transported horses. Dehydration, stress, and pneumonia were frequently cited as reasons for fatalities. In one July 2023 shipment from Edmonton, two horses died from severe dehydration and heatstroke effects. These causes of death pointed to the challenging conditions horses faced during long-distance air transport.
Falls Lead to Fatal Outcomes
Some horses sustained fatal injuries during the flights. In a January 2024 shipment from Edmonton to Kagoshima, three horses died from injuries after falling during transport. Another shipment a week later saw one horse die from multiple organ failure after a similar fall. These incidents highlighted the risks associated with transporting large animals in confined spaces over long distances.
Widespread Illness and Injury
The documents revealed more than just deaths, with over 40 serious illnesses and injuries recorded. Horses arrived suffering from various conditions, including fevers and eye infections. The high number of health issues documented upon arrival in Japan suggested that many horses experienced significant stress and physical challenges during their journey.
Beyond Fatalities
The documents revealed more than just deaths, with over 40 serious illnesses and injuries recorded. Horses arrived suffering from various conditions, including fevers and eye infections. The high number of health issues documented upon arrival in Japan suggested that many horses experienced significant stress and physical challenges during their journey.
Regulatory Responsibilities
The newly uncovered information raised questions about the effectiveness of current regulations. According to Canadian Health of Animals Regulations, air carriers must report serious injuries or deaths to CFIA veterinary inspectors. The discrepancy between reported and actual incidents suggested a breakdown in this reporting process. The CFIA announced plans to review the documents and discuss them with Japanese officials.
CFIA Promises Action
In response to the revelations, the CFIA stated it was taking the allegations seriously. The agency committed to reminding air carriers of their reporting obligations under the Health of Animals Regulations. A meeting with the primary horse carrier to Japan was planned to address the issues. The CFIA also indicated it would revise its statistics if additional deaths or injuries were confirmed.
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