Posted on 2008-11-17

The Real Truth About Horse Slaughter

CHDC appeals to Canadians on OEF stance and rodeo

November 17, 2008

Canadian Horse Defence Coalition Cancels its OEF Membership, Appealing to Canadians to Dispute OEF Stance on Horse Slaughter, and is Calling on Canadians to Oppose Rodeo as Alberta's Official Sport

The Truth About OEF

In the October 2008 issue of Whoa!, a quarterly publication by the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), an objectionable article was published, supporting the horse slaughter industry in Canada. In this article called "The Truth About Horse Slaughter in Canada", which reads like an advertisement for sending your horses to slaughter, there are glowing recommendations made about Natural Valley Farms horse slaughter plant in Neudorf, SK. To begin with, the timing of the article is questionable, since Natural Valley Farms (NVF) went into receivership in September, about the same time this article was published.

The article disputes the findings of the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC) in their June 2008 report, which provides powerful film evidence of profound suffering of horses at NVF. Proof obtained includes everything from horses shipped from Canada and the US in double decker trailers, shipment of pregnant, blind, old and sick horses, injuries as a result of overcrowded trailering, lack of food and water, inadequate segregation, an abusive and extremely loud and frightening environment, deficient slaughterhouse facilities built for cattle not horses, and most disturbingly, inadequate stunning practices with the captive bolt gun. The film evidence obtained by the CHDC was viewed by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Section Head and Program Director of the Animal Behaviour Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University's Cummings' School of Veterinary Medicine, who agreed that many horses were not rendered unconscious properly before being butchered, thus experiencing extreme pain and suffering.

It is the view of the CHDC that the OEF and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation, amongst other groups that form part of the newly formed Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada, have a vested interest in the economics of horse slaughter, and cannot be called upon to be unbiased in their decision to be pro-slaughter. A 2004 poll taken by Ipsos Reid concluded that 2/3 of Canadians oppose the slaughter of horses for human consumption. However, the OEF chooses to ignore this finding, as well as the evidence presented by the CHDC. Instead, they support fellow Horse Welfare Alliance member, Alberta-based Bouvry Exports, who is Canada's largest exporter of horse meat - a multi-million dollar business.

It is the view of the CHDC that the horse slaughter industry and the businesses that support it, including some auctions, horse dealers and haulers, is the major cause of the neglect and abuse of horses, and promotes our equines as a disposable commodity.

The CHDC is therefore renouncing its OEF membership, as we do not support the abuse and suffering of the 100,000 horses that will be slaughtered in Canada in 2008. Supporters are asked to write to the Executive Directors at the OEF at execdir@horse.on.ca or call 905-709-6545 to let them know your view on their pro-slaughter stance.

In response to queries regarding the relationship between the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada and the horse slaughter industry, please see the following references:

• This article explains that OEF is networking with its sister federations and Farm Animal Councils to form the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada, and they are supported by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. However, the view of the CHDC is that the food industry and animal welfare need to be two separate entities; otherwise, the fox guards the henhouse.
• Note who is listed in the resource section of Horse Welfare Alliance: Bouvry Exports, an Alberta equine slaughter plant.
• This media release was sent out by Horse Welfare Alliance two days after CHDC supporters began to write to the Auditor General with their complaints about the CFIA.

Rodeo to Become Alberta's Official Sport?

On November 24, 2008, a vote will take place at the legislative level in Alberta--whether to make rodeo the official sport in that province. Liberal leader Kevin Taft is bringing in a private member's motion in order to achieve this. He states: "Rodeo's heritage in this province is so strong."

The Canadian Horse Defense Coalition is opposed to the abusive practices used in professional rodeo. Prods, tight cinch straps, and frequent falls and injuries are commonplace in this so-called "sport". Rodeo sends a callous message to the public, that animals are commodities to be used for human entertainment and profit. Major humane societies in North America have issued statements condemning rodeo abuse of animals. Additionally, many "spent" rodeo horses end up going down the slaughter pipeline because they are no longer of value as bucking broncos.

On behalf of the horses, please contact the following key legislators with your opposition to allowing Rodeo to become Alberta's official sport. Ask them to consider wholesome, non-abusive sports instead that do not rely upon an animal's reaction to pain, fear and stress for its entertainment value.

To read more, please go here.

Contacts:

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach
Legislature Office
307 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2251
Email: fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca

If your call to your MLA is long distance, please dial 310-0000 then the area code and the phone number you would like to reach in order to receive toll free access.

Liberal Opposition Leader Dr. Kevin Taft is the person behind this bill to enact Rodeo as Alberta's Official Sport. If you do not contact anyone else, please send your comments to him and to the Premier.

Dr. Kevin Taft (Liberal Opposition Leader)
Legislature Office
#201 Legislature Annex
9718-107 Street
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 427-2292
Email: edmonton.riverview@assembly.ab.ca

If your call to your MLA is long distance, please dial 310-0000 then the area code and the phone number you would like to reach in order to receive toll free access.

George Groeneveld (Agriculture Minister)
Legislature Office
424 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2137
Email: highwood@assembly.ab.ca

Honourable Cindy Ady (Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation)
Legislature Office
#229 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-4928
Email: calgary.shaw@assembly.ab.ca

Honourable Ron Stevens (International and Intergovernmental Misister)
Legislature Office
#408 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2585
Email: calgary.glenmore@assembly.ab.ca

Honourable Lindsay Blackett (Minister of Cultural and Community Spirit)
Legislature Office
#418 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 422-3559
Email: calgary.northwest@assembly.ab.ca

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