WE, the undersigned residents of Canada, are opposed to horse slaughter in
Canada for human consumption overseas. We, your constituents, respectfully request that you introduce a
Private Members%u2019 Bill into the House of Commons drawing the attention of the House of Commons to the
following:
THAT, according to an Ipsos-Reid poll, conducted in May 2004, nearly 2/3 (64%) of adult Canadians polled
"do not believe in the slaughter of Canadian horses for human consumption". Horses have a special place in our
heritage and they are beloved companions to millions today.
THAT, horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia. Horse slaughter is a death fraught with terror, pain, and
suffering. Pregnant mares, foals, stallions, injured horses, and even blind horses must endure overcrowded
feedlots and grossly inadequate transportation conditions to only have their suffering intensify upon arrival at
the slaughterhouses.
THAT, most Canadians do not eat horse meat and do not breed horses for human consumption. Horses
are different from animals specifically bred for human consumption due to their instinctive flight response in
stressful conditions, making it difficult to accurately stun them prior to slaughter. Conditions and cruel
treatment of equines at slaughter plants have been widely documented and continue to horrify many Canadians.
THAT, horse owners, not the government, will remain responsible for the care of their horses. Owners who no
longer wish to keep their horses and who cannot sell or place their horses in a new home will have the option of
humane euthanasia. Responsible horse owners already use humane euthanasia for their older or ill horses.
THAT, the horse industry provides a significant contribution to the economy. As an example, in York Region,
Ontario, with about $400 million in capital investment, the industry contributes $40 million in revenue to local
farms and stables, $37 million in direct expenditures to local feed, bedding, product and service providers, and
provides more than 6,000 full-time jobs within the Region. In addition, the industry brings approximately
100,000 people to the Region each year to participate in riding and other horse-related activities.
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon our Member of Parliament to bring this issue forward to the House
of Commons.
