Senators spar over bill banning horse export to Japan, animal advocates fear time is running out
Independent Sen. Charles Adler from Manitoba has been a vocal advocate for banning the practice of exporting horses by air for slaughter in Japan. He recently made an impassioned plea to his colleagues in the Senate to support Bill C-355, which aims to prohibit this cruel practice. However, concerns have been raised that the ongoing debate in the Red Chamber about the bill may be cut short due to an upcoming federal election call.
Adler expressed his deep concerns about the welfare of horses being transported by air, highlighting the lack of oversight once the animals leave Canadian soil. He emphasized that Canadian inspectors are not present on the flights or on the ground at the destination, leaving the horses vulnerable to suffering or injury during the journey.
In response to challenges from Conservative Sen. Don Plett to witness the loading of horses onto a plane at the Winnipeg airport, Adler declined the invitation. Despite Plett’s assertion that the horses are treated humanely during the loading process, Adler stood firm in his support for the bill and his commitment to ending the suffering of these animals.
Animal advocates, including Kaitlyn Mitchell from Animal Justice, are concerned that political delays may jeopardize the passage of Bill C-355. Mitchell stressed the importance of documenting the shipments of horses to raise awareness of the suffering these animals endure during transportation.
Recent documents obtained by Animal Justice revealed disturbing incidents of horse deaths and injuries during flights to Japan. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has since implemented stricter monitoring measures, requiring exporters and air carriers to document each stage of shipment and provide contingency plans to mitigate animal suffering in case of delays.
Despite CFIA’s efforts to improve oversight, concerns remain about the welfare of horses during long-distance air transport. Danae Tonge of Manitoba Animal Save emphasized the urgency of passing Bill C-355 to end the inhumane practice of exporting horses for slaughter. She expressed fears that the bill may be derailed by political delays or an early election call, leading to a setback in efforts to protect these vulnerable animals.
As the debate continues in the Senate, it is crucial for legislators to prioritize the welfare of horses and take decisive action to end the inhumane practice of exporting them for slaughter. The voices of advocates like Charles Adler, Kaitlyn Mitchell, and Danae Tonge must be heard to ensure that these animals are protected from unnecessary suffering and cruelty.
