In spite of the fact that polls consistently show the majority of Canadian respondents opposed to horse slaughter, taxpayer money continues to be funnelled into this cruel, grisly industry. Since 2016, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has directed $400,156.00 to fund an organization that supports the slaughter of horses for human consumption. That’s almost half a million dollars!
The AgriAssurance Program currently has an agreement called “Equine Code of Practice Awareness and Education (CAP-AAPN-020, Nov 1, 2018-Mar.31, 2022)” with the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada.
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau proudly touts this initiative in an October 28, 2021 letter to a member of the public:
“The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada has…been approved to receive funding for up to $316,956 under the AgriAssurance program for its project to increase awareness of the welfare and health standards as defined in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines for equine owners, custodians, and the public”.
But let’s be clear. It’s no secret that Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) stands in support of horse slaughter and the exports of live horses for slaughter.
This excerpt from HWAC’s website confirms their position:
“Horse processing is an economically feasible end of life option for horse owners. We believe and statistics bear us out, that to ensure the well being of our animals we must provide viable end of life options. Also note that all horses going to processing are not unwanted or at end of life, there is a segment of the horse industry that breeds and raises horses solely for human food consumption. Horse processing is a legal and viable industry in Canada – in fact, horsemeat is our third largest exported meat, (Concerned about the welfare of Horses).
On January 24, 2014, HWAC tweeted: “Contact your MP to educate them about the negative effects Bill C-322 will have on horse welfare and the industry.” Bill C-322 had been put forth by former MP Alex Atamanenko, to bring an end to horse slaughter in Canada.
On March 28, 2013, following the chemical euthanasia by the SPCA of five starved horses, Bill desBarres, Chair of HWAC, stated for the Calgary Herald: “I’m at a loss to know why all of that protein was wasted.”
Further, Mr. desBarres made this statement on the W5 episode, “Flight Animals”, which aired in February 2021: “…[The activists] should do their homework on how good this industry is for Canada and agriculture in Canada.”
But maybe it’s Agriculture Canada that has not done its homework when selecting recipients for funding. Or is the ministry ignoring animal cruelty issues and standing in favour of betraying our equine companions and partners by supporting groups that have a pro-slaughter agenda?
If you are as appalled by this situation as we are, please contact the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
(Marie-Claude.Bibeau@parl.gc.ca), to inform her of your opposition to horse slaughter and the exports of live horses for the same purpose. Let her know that most Canadians are opposed to horses being used as food animals and that our taxpayer dollars should not be funding this vile industry!
In addition, one of the Liberal party’s election promises was to end the live exports of horses for slaughter. Minister Bibeau needs to do her part in order to fulfill that promise.
The business of horse slaughter is fraught with greed, deception and cruelty.
Please visit www.canadianhorsedefencecoalition.org to read about the problems and abuse inherent in this industry.
For the horses,
Your friends at CHDC