Enhancements to horse welfare in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for ensuring industry follows regulations and requirements relating to the humane transport and slaughter of animals, including horses.

As part of the CFIA's commitment to animal welfare, over the past several years the Agency has taken a number of steps to enhance policies and regulations related to the human transportation and slaughter of horses in Canada.

Humane transport

• Recent amendments to Part XII of the Health of Animal Regulations came into force February 20, 2020. These amendments will improve animal welfare during transport and harmonize Canada's practices with current international standards.
• Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals-Regulatory Amendment Interpretive Guidance for Regulated Parties is available to clarify expectations surrounding the transportation of animals that are vulnerable, compromised or otherwise unfit.
• Information on humane transportation of horses is available online for industry's use.

Inspection

• The CFIA has tightened border inspections for imported slaughter and feeder horses from the U.S.

Humane slaughter

• Updated procedures have been developed for handling and slaughter through the Guidelines for the humane care and handling of food animals at slaughter.

Guidance

• The Agency has become a member of the National Farm Animal Care Council to exchange advice and guidance with industry. The Agency has participated in, and continues to provide input to, specific committees dedicated to creating codes of practice for the care and handling of livestock, including horses.

Additional links

• Humane transport and animal welfare
• Safe Food for Canadians Act
• Safe Food for Canadians Regulations