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Jann Arden, Bryan Adams, Chantal Kreviazuk, Elisha Cuthbert and Brian May Urge Canadian Senate to Pass Bill to Ban Exporting Horses by Air for Slaughter
Published Dec 2, 2024 at 1:00pm
OTTAWA—Canadian icon and multi-platinum artist Jann Arden, along with a host of celebrity signatories including Bryan Adams, Elisha Cuthbert and Queen’s Brian May have penned a letter imploring Canada’s Senate to move forward with Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act. The letter (which can be found here) also has strong support from the Canadian acting community, including stars in shows like Star Trek: Discovery, The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms, and Heartland.
More than 20 veterinary and animal welfare experts, and more than a dozen animal advocacy organizations have also signed the letter urging senators to study and pass this lifesaving bill, which was passed by the House of Commons in May.
“Since 2006, tens of thousands of terrified horses have been crammed into shoddy wooden crates and flown 8,000 km to their demise, enduring turbulence, thirst and hunger, and abject fear,” said Jann Arden. “To say this practice is inhumane would be an understatement. Canadians want this to end.”
Bill C-355 was introduced last September by MP Tim Louis to end the abhorrent practice of shipping horses from Canada overseas to Japan for slaughter. The Bill is being delayed by a handful of Senators and has seen little progress in the Senate since May. The clock is ticking – if the bill is to become law it must pass before the next federal election.
Tens of thousands of Canadians have called and written to Senators, urging them to study and pass the bill. Yet as the legislation remains in limbo, these shipments continue to be sent overseas for slaughter, with horses enduring gruelling journeys. Most shipments appear to go over the legal limit of 28 hours without food, water, and rest.
Shipments continue despite the revelations uncovered through recent investigations by Animal Justice and Japan-based Life Investigation Agency. Based on Government of Japan records, between June 2023 and May 2024 alone, at least 21 horses exported for slaughter died during transport or in the hours and days shortly thereafter.
More than 50 others were injured or became seriously ill during this time. None of these injuries, illnesses, or deaths were reported to Canadian officials.
Bill C-355 reflects a promise made to Canadians during the last federal election, and enjoys broad public support across the political spectrum. With a pending election expected in 2025, Ms. Arden and the letter’s numerous other signatories are gravely concerned about the Senate’s delay in studying and ultimately passing this crucial legislation.
Additional quotes:
Barbara Cartwright (CEO, Humane Canada – the federation of Humane Societies and SPCAs)
“Canadians love horses! Humane Societies and SPCAs across the country stand with the nearly 80% of Canadians who consistently oppose this abhorrent practice. Winnipeg Humane Society, Montreal SPCA, BC SPCA and Vancouver Humane Society, along with our other 51 Member societies are thrilled to join the chorus of prominent Canadians urging the Senate to pass Bill C-355 now, otherwise horses will continue to suffer and die needlessly as a result of this cruel industry.“
Kaitlyn Mitchell (Director of Legal Advocacy, Animal Justice)
“There are disturbingly few laws in place to protect the health and well-being of horses exported for slaughter. Yet even when it comes to these weak laws, this industry has a dismal track record and has been shown to repeatedly break the law with impunity. These horrific and often deadly flights will not stop until the Senate finally studies and passes Bill C-355.”
Sinikka Crosland (President, Canadian Horse Defence Coalition)
“In an industry where live draft horses are regarded as little more than slaughter-bound air cargo, it is abundantly clear that the well-being of these animals is compromised for the sake of profit. We need to raise the bar for horses, bringing their welfare into line with what Canadians expect.”
Ewa Demianowicz (Senior Campaign Manager, Humane Society International/Canada)
“Due to the Senate’s inaction, thousands of horses will continue to suffer and endure inhumane transport conditions while being exported for slaughter in Japan. Given the blatant evidence that this industry is inhumane, it is simply unacceptable that Canada is allowing it to continue. Canadians have waited long enough to see an end to this shameful industry. The Senate must act immediately and finally adopt Bill C-355, to spare horses from this cruelty.”
Dr. Judith Samson-French, DVM:
“Horses exported for slaughter are shipped in conditions that are far worse than horses shipped for sport or other purposes. What’s worse, they’re often denied food, water, and rest for 28 or more hours, putting them at even greater risk of suffering, illness, injury, and even death.”
Contacts:
For Jann Arden:
Bruce Allen Talent
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager, Animal Justice
Natalie Hillinger
Manager, Communications – Humane Canada
Dominique Davidson
Senior Communications Specialist -Humane Society International/Canada
Sinikka Crosland
President
Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
