Animal Welfare of Horses Slaughtered in Canada

CVMA Information Bulletin:

Animal Welfare of Horses Slaughtered in Canada

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Recently, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) news program The National reported alleged violations of humane slaughter regulations at a federally-inspected horse slaughter facility in Saskatchewan.

Today, the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC) has released more video footage that was allegedly filmed at this slaughter facility.

Veterinarians who wish to have more information on this issue can consult the
following resources:

CVMA Position Statement on Euthanasia: http://canadianveterinarians.net/ShowText.aspx?ResourceID=34

Article on the United States prohibition of horse slaughter, written by Dr. Terry Whiting, Chair of the CVMA Animal Welfare Committee and published in the November 2007 issue of The Canadian Veterinary Journal: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=2034431&blobtype=pdf

The CVMA is investigating how it can become involved in the review of horse slaughter procedures in Canadian facilities. More information will be provided on this process when it becomes available.

This information is being distributed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for the benefit of all veterinarians in Canada.