Bill C-355, which would have banned the export of horses from Canada for slaughter, is in legislative limbo since Parliament was paused in January.
What are live horse exports?
For years, compassionate Canadians have been advocating to end the nation’s cruel live horse export industry, which sends horses on long, dangerous journeys for slaughter overseas.
Horses are cramped in crowded crates and can legally go 28 hours without food, water, or rest – though investigations show most journeys exceed this time limit. Deaths and injuries are commonplace, with a recent exposé showing that 21 horses died in 13 months between May 2023-June 2024.
What happened to Bill C-355?
Bill C-355 was passed at the House of Commons but stalled for months in the Senate, despite calls for urgent action from Canadians. Recent polling shows just 22% of Canadians support the live horse export industry continuing.
If an election is called, the bill will be wiped out. Advocates are encouraged to contact the federal Minister of Agriculture to call for regulations banning the industry before that happens.
Cover photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition