New report exposes suffering in Canada's live horse export trade
A new report has reignited calls for Canada to ban the air export of horses for slaughter. Animal Justice and the Japan-based Life Investigation Agency (LIA) released findings alleging widespread mistreatment during shipments to Japan. The advocacy group is now pressing the government to revive a 2023 election promise to end the practice entirely.
The report examined data from September 2024 to September 2025, claiming at least nine horses died and over 290 were injured or fell ill during transport. These figures sharply contrast with official records from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which reported zero deaths and zero injuries in the same period.
The CFIA's oversight is limited once horses leave Canada. Its regulations only address two post-departure issues: excessive transport time and unreported deaths or injuries. No new rules have been introduced since Bill C-355, a proposed ban on live horse exports by air, failed in January 2025. The Canadian Equine Exporters Association (CEEA) has responded cautiously. While expressing concern over the allegations, the group is reviewing the report to verify its claims independently. Animal Justice is now urging the Liberal government to act on its 2023 campaign pledge. The promise included a commitment to prohibit the air export of horses, but no specific measures have been implemented since the bill's defeat.
The report's release has placed renewed pressure on Canadian authorities. Without new legislation, existing CFIA regulations remain the only oversight for horse exports. Advocates continue to push for stricter controls or an outright ban on the practice.
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