Ban live horse exports
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to ban the live export of horses for slaughter by amending the Health of Animals Regulations to prohibit that practice.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would prohibit a legal route that allows long journeys and risk of suffering for horses destined for slaughter, addressing petitioners’ welfare concerns.
- It would align federal regulations with growing public concern for animal welfare and signal stronger protections.
- It would close the regulatory gap in the Health of Animals Regulations that currently permits live export for slaughter.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- A ban could impose economic hardship on owners and businesses that rely on live export, creating unintended financial impacts.
- Enforcing an export ban would require new inspection and enforcement resources and could be logistically difficult for regulators.
- Targeted welfare reforms—stricter transport standards and oversight—might reduce suffering without a full export prohibition.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada, addressed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture WHEREAS Horses continue to be exported live from Canada for slaughter, often enduring long journeys and inhumane conditions. Canadians are increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals and demand regulatory protections. The Health of Animals Regulations currently allow the export of live horses for slaughter, leaving them vulnerable to suffering. Amending the Health of Animals Regulations to ban live horse exports would align Canada with public concern for animal welfare. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada, through the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture, to: Ban the live export of horses for slaughter by amending the Health of Animals Regulations to prohibit this practice.
Government response
No government response is available yet.