Horse slaughter Photo Slideshow - Horses in Kill Pens at Richelieu Feb 21, 2010

In late February 2010, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) received hidden camera footage of horse slaughter practices at Quebecs Viandes Richelieu and Albertas Bouvry Exports - the latter known as North Americas largest exporter of horsemeat.

The CHDC has asked a panel of veterinarians, the BC SPCA and the World Society for the Protection of Animals to review the footage, which contains numerous instances of improper stunning and horses showing signs of returning consciousness.

Early audit results of the footage show automatic failures of both facilities.

As there are only two government-approved methods of stunning horses in Canada - captive bolt gun and rifle - and both methods have been shown to cause prolonged suffering in numerous horses, we conclude that these animals cannot be slaughtered humanely in todays slaughterhouse assembly lines.

The CHDC therefore calls for the immediate closure of Canadas horse slaughter plants.

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• Richelieu
• Massueville
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[TwylaFrancois]

Silvawolf - The meat from these horses is going to countries where horse meat is a delicacy. We're not talking about "saving a family from starvation". We're talking about a trifle on a cracker.

[TwylaFrancois]

gypsytwig - please go to the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition website. There's a petition there to print off. On behalf of the horses - thank you for taking the time to do this! I know we can get horse slaughtered ended in Canada!

[TwylaFrancois]

Yes, we couldn't believe how many came in haltered. Some are even shot with them still on. Minutes later in the video you see the bloody halters being thrown out of the butchering room. It's all just so, so devastating.

When I investigated Richelieu back in 2007, I still hadn't formed an opinion about horse slaughter. It was an experience here - seeing the horses rushing the holding pens running up to the blood-covered men seeking affection - that convinced me it had to stop.

Twyla

[ThumperBunny43]

The US hasn't banned horse slaughter - they still send many, many terrified horses to Canada to be slaughtered! And it's a brutal, long slaughter for these gentle, trusting creatures who have been people's pets.

Don't be fooled - US horses are slaughtered every day. It's time to end this shameful practice.

[Northern85Star]

@marti91257 If i was starving, yes. I know some athletes eat horsemeat. Like Alistair Overeem.

[marti91257]

@Northern85Star For one, we treat horses with drugs that never leave their systems… Cattle that are raised for food are not allowed these drugs… Another reason is that horses are considered companion animals - would you eat your pet dog?

[Northern85Star]

If we can slaughter cows, why can't we slaughter horses? I never understod why we dont eat horse, i think its tradition because horse was such a valuable means of transportation back in the days.

[TheSouthernzebra]

This is so stupid for people to do this to such a beautiful animal!

[horsesarecoolio101]

at 2:27 that really kills me ..... a beautiful appy ....... its realy hard in my area to find loudly colored horses so its a rare thing when u do ...... and thats my total dream horse ...... depressing...... i sign petitions whenever i can ....... and when i do its by the hundreds to 1000's at a time

[horsesarecoolio101]

at 2:27 that really kills me ..... a beautiful appy ....... its realy hard in my area to find loudly colored horses so its a rare thing when u do ...... and thats my total dream horse ...... depressing......

[lovejanevolturi]

@bushyjodz what have you done? i would like to know because i want to start a rescue barn when i get old enough.

[bushyjodz]

its all good 2 complain. but is anyone doin anything about it. .i have

[bushyjodz]

@RainWizard85 stop breeding them and they wouldnt be starvred ...wow im a bush girl so what u had 9 horses brag on did u eat them 2.

[Silvawolf100]

@dillwithit just the name sounds nasty.