A recent probe conducted by animal welfare activists has revealed that horses transported for slaughter in Japan are still facing issues such as injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, sparking renewed calls for a ban on these shipments from Canada.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, the director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice, emphasized the ongoing challenges, stating that horses are still perishing and collapsing during the flights. The investigation was based on data provided by the Japan-based Life Investigation Agency (LIA) and the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC).
Although retired Conservative senator Donald Plett is against halting the shipments, he suggested that Ottawa should demand stricter reporting standards and enhanced accountability in cases where horses suffer harm or death during transport.
Statistics from Canada reveal that in 2023, 2,512 horses were exported to Japan for slaughter, amounting to $19 million. The trade is primarily facilitated by approximately five export firms and numerous producers mainly located in Alberta, with some also in Manitoba and Ontario.
Traditionally, horsemeat is consumed raw as sashimi, known as basashi or sakura niku, and is considered a delicacy in certain regions of Japan.
An examination by Animal Justice and LIA of Japanese records from 18 shipments, involving around 1,822 horses from Edmonton and Winnipeg between September 2024 and September 2025, unveiled distressing findings. The groups cross-referenced this data with documents from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) obtained by CHDC through information requests.
The report highlighted that at least nine horses died during transport due to illness or injuries, while nearly 300 others suffered various ailments such as lacerations, hoof and leg wounds, fever, and diarrhea. Moreover, Japanese records indicated instances where horses were euthanized or faced severe injuries, contrasting with the lack of such details in CFIA records.
CBC News verified the accuracy of the data presented in the groups’ report by reviewing original Japanese documents from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Animal Quarantine Service.
The investigation spotlighted specific incidents, such as a transport from Edmonton in November 2024 where three horses succumbed to transport-related complications. Despite these distressing occurrences, CFIA records failed to mention the deaths, raising concerns about transparency in reporting.
Considering the discrepancies between Japanese and CFIA records, advocates are urging for more stringent oversight and a potential ban on live horse exports from Canada to ensure the welfare of these animals.