March 2025
When reporting horse transport outcomes for horse exports to Japan for slaughter, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website states that between 2013 and 2020, three horse deaths during transport in Canada and two deaths in Japan were reported to the CFIA.
We can’t help but wonder why the CFIA chose 2013 as the start point. Had they had gone back another year to 2012, six more horse deaths would be added to that total.
A recent investigation by Animal Justice and Japan’s Life Investigation Agency revealed that in fact, there have been additional deaths and injuries – they report that 21 horses died between June 2023 and May 2024. The CFIA states that the data was reviewed and, as a result, their webpage has been updated and now states that for that time period, 1 death and 8 serious injuries happened in flight or were observed upon arrival. Incredibly, although linked to these flights, deaths and injuries that occurred during the quarantine period in Japan are not included in their reporting.
Deaths and Injuries
The CHDC has received details surrounding several deaths and injuries that were provided to the CFIA by Japanese authorities that occurred from December 2023 to November 18, 2024. Causes of death include debility due to dehydration, pneumonia, injuries resulting from being stepped on and miscarriage.
To determine the number of horses on each flight, their ages, weights, and how many were loaded in each crate, we compared the Japanese documents for each flight to the Canadian government records we received previously.
Details can be found in our full report.
