A recent inquiry conducted by animal welfare activists reveals that horses transported for slaughter in Japan are still encountering distressing incidents such as injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. This has sparked fresh appeals for Canada to prohibit these shipments.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, the legal advocacy director at Animal Justice, emphasized the ongoing tragedies involving horses during these flights. The report, compiled in collaboration with the Japan-based Life Investigation Agency (LIA) and the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC), highlights the persistent challenges faced by horses transported from rural Alberta and Manitoba to Japan for slaughter.
While retired Conservative senator Donald Plett opposes a ban on these shipments, he advocates for stricter reporting standards and accountability measures when horses suffer harm or perish during transportation. In 2023, Statistics Canada data revealed that 2,512 horses were exported to Japan for slaughter, amounting to a total value of $19 million. This industry comprises around five export firms and numerous producers mainly located in Alberta, with some also in Manitoba and Ontario.
Horsemeat, commonly served raw as sashimi or basashi in Japan, is considered a delicacy in certain regions. The investigation conducted by Animal Justice and LIA, based on Japanese records from 18 shipments of approximately 1,822 horses from Edmonton and Winnipeg between September 2024 and September 2025, uncovered distressing insights. The examination compared Japanese data with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) records received by CHDC through information requests, revealing that at least nine horses perished due to illness or injuries during transport. Numerous other horses encountered various health issues such as lacerations, wounds, and infections, with some collapsing during transit.
Despite these documented incidents, the CFIA records fail to account for the full extent of the suffering experienced by these horses. The discrepancies between Japanese and Canadian records raise concerns about the transparency and accuracy of reporting regarding the welfare of horses during international transport.
As calls for stricter regulations and oversight intensify, advocates like Kaitlyn Mitchell are urging authorities to take decisive action to safeguard the well-being of these animals. The debate over the live horse export industry continues, with ongoing efforts to address the systemic challenges and ensure the humane treatment of horses throughout the transportation process.