Posted on 2011-05-10

CHDC Important Spring 2011 Update

News and information

Spring Election

As a result of the Canadian federal election this spring, Bill C-544 has died and another anti-slaughter bill will have to be re-introduced in the next session. The fantastic petitioning effort by many people brought the number of petitions tabled in Parliament to 62. Petitions that have been sent are on record, and any future petitions will have to mention an Act based on the principles of Bill C-544. The CHDC will amend our on-line petition and post it shortly.

During this campaign season please advise your local candidates about your opposition to the slaughter of horses and live export of them for their meat. Ask if they would support such legislation, and provide information if they are unaware.

Thinking About Animals Conference: March 31-April 1

Brock University , St. Catharines , ON

This two-day conference will explore a variety of issues concerning the current and historical situation of nonhuman animals and interactions with humans. The CHDC's Twyla Francois will be speaking on March 31st on Exposing the Rhetoric of the Canadian Livestock Industry through Investigative Case Studies, and Shelley Grainger will speak on April 1st on The Changing Landscape of Canada's Horse Slaughter Industry.

Norval Meats Permanent Closure and Memorial

Norval Meats, Ontario's last horse slaughter plant, has recently been removed from the list of federally inspected plants. In February 2010 a suspicious fire closed the facility, but only until this month has its name been removed and its closure become official.

When the CHDC had a memorial at Saskatchewan's closed Natural Valley plant, the response was overwhelming. We want to do the same for the horses that perished at Norval Meats. During the week of April 4th, we plan to gather at the plant in Proton Station to lay flowers, poems and tributes, and ask anyone who'd like to participate by submitting their tributes and prayers to us, and we'll place them there on your behalf. People are welcome to join us, so anyone who'd like to attend, please let us know. Submissions deadline is April 3rd to info@defendhorsescanada.org.

Ground-breaking Initiative in B.C. to Save Wild Horses

The CHDC is pleased to report on a B.C. rescue project that involved salvaging numerous wild horses from eventual slaughter. Not only did these individual lives escape Canada's brutal equine slaughter industry, but Critteraid (the organization behind the rescue) convinced the B.C. Ministry of Natural Resource Operations that humane alternatives can be found if only everyone can work together. This from Critteraid's website: "Minister (Steve) Thomson has directed that the two horses be handed over to Critteraid without any costs attached. Thomson has also directed Ministry staff to review current legislation to help find a long term solution to save any future feral horses from going to slaughter when rounded up":

http://www.critteraid.org/equus.htm.

More wild horses have since been rescued under "Project Equus", and Critteraid is further looking at birth control management for the wild herds of B.C. Donations are urgently required for training, hay, farrier and other expenses incurred during this huge project (please go to Critteraid's link to donate). Kudos to Critteraid and amazing horse rescuer Theresa Nolet for paving the way to a brighter future for B.C. horses!

Equine Awareness Week: May 15-21

The CHDC will be promoting Equine Awareness Week on-line during the 3rd week in May and asking supporters to participate in daily campaigns and action alerts right from the comfort of their desks! Activities will include:

Awareness of the risks of taking your horse to auction. Names and dates of upcoming auctions will be provided for those wishing to save a horse.
Promote books and art: writers and artists please contact us to have your name and website included.
Awareness of the European Commission directive and Canada: planned actions to comply with the EC's import requirements for horsemeat. Names of Canadian and European stakeholders will be provided for supporters to contact.
Bring awareness to the issues facing wild horses horses in Canada and the people who are working to protect them.
Target stores and restaurants that sell horsemeat. Locations will be provided:let them know how you feel!
Promote horse rescuers and horse welfare initiative programs.
More to follow soon.

For the horses,

Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

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