Posted on 2010-06-18

Bill C-544 tabled by MP Alex Atamanenko

Canada has its first Bill to ban horse slaughter!

A big thank you to NDP MP Alex Atamanenko and horse supporters everywhere for this huge, historical step toward banning horse slaughter in Canada.

Bill C-544, "An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption)", was tabled on June 16, 2010 by MP Alex Atamanenko. Click on the various sub-titles on the left of the document.

On June 16, 2010, a Private Member's Bill to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption was tabled in Canadian Parliament by MP Alex Atamanenko (NDP Agriculture Critic). The basis of the bill is the fact that horses are not food-producing animals and many are treated with drugs that are prohibited from entering the human food chain.

This bill is a huge step forward in the movement to abolish a cruel, archaic and unnecessary industry, and we applaud Mr. Atamanenko for his monumental initiative.

What can horse advocates do to ensure that this bill becomes law?

Go here. Our Do It Now page contains a link to a petition that can be downloaded and printed off. The most important action you can take at this time is to petition your Member of Parliament in support of Bill C-544!

It is important for your elected official to understand that horse meat may contain drugs that are unsafe for human consumption. Horses are generally considered to be sport and companion animals. They are not meant to be served at dinner tables!

Background Information

In February 2010, the CHDC received covert footage from two horse slaughter plants, Bouvry Exports in Fort Macleod, Alberta, and Viande Richelieu in Massueville, Quebec.

The evidence of inhumane practices as an industry norm was overwhelming.

It is evident from this investigation that horses cannot be humanely slaughtered in an assembly-line manner.

We have also researched the troubling issue of banned drugs commonly found in horse meat, as well as new requirements from the European Union stipulating that horse meat for human consumption must be drug-free. Read more about what this will mean to North America's horse industry.

Read the media release from MP Alex Atamanenko.

For the horses,

Your Friends at the CHDC

"Help us lead Canada's horses away from barbarism . .
and into the protected pastures of a civilized nation."