The CHDC asks Canadians and Americans to contact Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ­ the federal agencies responsible for the business of horse slaughter in Canada. Speak out for the horses. Tell them why it is wrong and demand that horse slaughter end!

These agencies are directed by:

Hon. Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
613 Confederation Bldg., House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Email: Ritz.G@parl.gc.ca
Website:www.gerryritzmp.com
Tel: 613-995-7080; Fax: 613-996-8472

Ms. Carole Swan, President
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Email: swanc@inspection.gc.ca
Website: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml
Tel: 613-221-3737; Fax: 613-228-6608

Dr. Brian Evans
Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive, Floor 1, East Room 100
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Email: bevans@inspection.gc.ca
Website: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml
Tel: 613-221-4191; Fax 613-228-6608

More Action: Let the opposition know that the welfare of horses in Canada is an important issue.
To contact the Hon. Alex Atamanenko (NDP Agriculture Critic) click here
To contact the Hon. Wayne Easter (Liberal Agriculture Critic) click here

Also contact your Member of Parliament via this link. Click on his or her name to find their contact information.

Petition your MP in writing! Download and collect signatures with our petition form

Email, send letters, fax or phone our legislators and ask them to introduce a Private Members' Bill or support a Bill that will close this industry in Canada and end the slaughter of North America's horses. Remember to personalize your message and include your name and contact information. Key points can include:

• Horses have not traditionally been raised for human consumption in Canada. In our country, horses are considered sport and companion animals. Many Canadians believe that this industry must be abolished on humane grounds. 64% of Canadians do not support it.
• There are now 7 federally licensed horse slaughter plants in Canada (4 more than in 2006).
• Horses are shipped in crowded trailers over long distances, and often arrive injured, sometimes fatally.
• The CHDC has documented evidence of horse neglect and abuse, as well as severe suffering as a result of poor slaughter practices (see our website).
• Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, said of our June '08 report:

  "horses experienced sheer terror", "some horses were not properly stunned", "if people knew what was going on they would be up in arms" and "this practice should be banned"

• The Federal Health of Animals Act is not enforced, which would protect sick, pregnant and unfit horses, and prohibit overcrowding.
• The Recommended Code of Practice for Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Transportation of Horses is not enforced.
• The CFIA does not enforce their own weak rules that slaughter bound horses must not be transported for longer than 36 hours straight and must be provided with feed, water and rest at required intervals. Double decker trailers are still allowed.
• The horse slaughter process itself is not humane euthanasia.

Join our Alerts List! Receive emails on the latest developments and stay informed on actions you can take: click here

Download and distribute our flyer which contains much of the above information and more!