U.S. law would ban slaughter horse exports

Monday, March 11, 2013

by BETTER FARMING STAFF

Federally inspected Canadian horse slaughter plants in Alberta and Quebec could see their supply of animals from the United States cut off if a bill banning the export of slaughter horses becomes law. The bill, which also bans the killing of horses for human consumption, is expected to be introduced this week.
 
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) support the legislation which is being proposed to thwart a company that wants to open a horse slaughter plant in New Mexico.
 
U.S. horses have been shipped to Canada in volume since 2007 when the American government cut off funding for horse slaughter inspections and the states of Illinois and Texas shut down horse slaughter plants.

If it becomes law, Canadian horse slaughter plants in Fort Macleod, Alta., and Massueville, Que. will be affected.
 
Canadian Meat Council director of government and media relations, Ron Davidson, says the majority of horse meat for human consumption processed in Canada is exported, although about 15 per cent is consumed here, primarily in Quebec. He also says horse meat processed here is inspected for purity to make sure it is not camouflaged in other meat products and it is clearly labeled “horse meat.” BF