Horse Slaughter Flights to Japan Continue Unabated

May 2025

On March 9, 2025, horses were observed as they were being loaded on six trailers at a Lacombe, Alberta feedlot and transported to the Edmonton International airport. Following their arrival at approximately 11:45 p.m. they were loaded into wood crates, with three large horses in each one.

A little after 6 a.m. the next morning, Korean Air flight 8214 departed carrying the horses to Japan where, following their release from quarantine, they will undergo a period of further fattening before being slaughtered for a delicacy called basashi (horse sashimi).

Government documents show ninety-nine “grade” horses were on board, all of whom were geldings born in 2023 with an average weight of 772.35 kg (1703 lbs).

Clocks moved ahead one hour on Sunday, March 9 due to the switch to daylight savings and as a result, loading and departure times were adjusted by one hour. The aircraft’s departure was approximately one hour and three minutes later than originally scheduled.

Food, Water, and Rest

The food, water, and rest interval was recorded on the Humane Transportation of Animals form for this “shipment” to be 26.86 hrs (26 h and 52 m). According to notes in the comment section on the form, this calculation is based on observations made during inspection and the information provided by the exporter.

Horses who are exported to Japan for slaughter are denied access to food, water, and rest from the time they leave the feedlot until their arrival at the quarantine station in Japan. This time has often exceeded the 28 hours allowed under Canadian regulations.

 March Flights – There Were Many

 One flight per week occurred during the month of March 2025, with four flights carrying a total of 396 horses:

• March 3 Edmonton airport to Kitakyushu airport, Japan
• March 10 Edmonton airport to Kansai airport, Japan
• March 17 Edmonton airport to Kitakyushu airport, Japan
• March 24 Winnipeg airport to Kitakyushu airport, Japan