The federal government is fighting back as petitions opposing the slaughter of horses for consumption in Canada stack up in the House of Commons.
The official response, that consumers are protected, indicates the government has no interest in stopping slaughter of horses for food or restricting properly inspected imported horses destined for slaughter.
The petitions organized by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition argue that drugs administered to horses are harmful to consumers and that horses are meant to be companion animals and not food.
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The government said that regulations in effect since July 31 require a record of drug use on any horse being slaughtered and ensure horse meat is safe. It applies to domestic and imported horses.
The Conservatives did not respond directly to the argument that horses should not be slaughtered for food because they are companion animals, but the response suggested agriculture minister Gerry Ritz is not sympathetic.
“As a former horse owner, the minister is aware that the horse industry is an important contributor to the Canadian economy,” said the government response tabled in the Commons. “This domestic industry includes the Canadian horse meat producers who provide employment, produce valuable meat for export and for a limited domestic market and allow horse owners to choose slaughter as a humane end-of-life option for horses.”
It said the government accepts that horses will be imported for slaughter, although domestic animals should be favoured.
American legislation has led to the closure of horse slaughter plants in the United States. As a result, surplus animals for slaughter are increasingly being shipped north.
“Regarding the importation of slaughter horses from the U.S., Canadian processors are encouraged to use Canadian products, including horses, as much as possible and to recognize the importance of Canada’s agricultural sector,” said the government response.
However, there is no enhanced risk from U.S. imports because of the recently enacted requirement that a six-month record of drug injections accompany all horses destined for slaughter, it added.
“The import of horses from the U.S. into Canada is based on recognized health certification and free trade and is a long-standing and legally sound activity,” the government said.
However, it said the July 31 implementation of drug-use history records recognizes that there is a possibility some horses may be given drugs not approved for human consumption.
It said the new drug-reporting rules are also a key component in the agreement by federal and provincial governments to create a traceability system in the livestock sector.
“The importance of the food safety function of the EID (Equine Information Document) cannot be overstated,” said the government response.
“For horses intended for entry into the human food chain, or which may be considered for slaughter as part of a responsible end-of-life decision, it is essential to have in place a system that controls risk related to the use of non-permitted drugs.”
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