Group Calls For Horse Slaughter Ban as Investigation Reveals Widespread Cruelty and Violation of Regulations

    OTTAWA, June 11 /CNW/ - The Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) today
called for a Canada-wide ban on horse slaughter after last night's CBC The
National investigation of Natural Valley Farms in Neudorf, Saskatchewan
revealed numerous acts of cruelty and repeated violations of Federal
regulations.
    Evidence displayed showed examples of horses improperly transported,
denied food and water, abused in the handling process and inhumanely killed.
These actions violate both accepted humane practices and long-standing
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations.
    "This evidence clearly shows that the slaughter of horses is inherently
inhumane and must be banned," said Sinikka Crosland, CHDC's Executive
Director. "Worse, the evidence shows repeated violations of CFIA's own
regulations. I am sure that the clear majority of Canadians will be shocked to
discover that this sort of practice is allowed to go on here."
    Video of the investigation, conducted during April and May of this year,
is being presented to authorities and a full report will be made public next
week. Portions are being made available on the CHDC website at
www.defendhorsescanada.org
    The situation has become worse in recent months after bans on horse
slaughter in U.S. jurisdictions. "We call on the Government of Canada to join
a number of U.S. jurisdictions and put an end to this cruel and unnecessary
practice," added Ms. Crosland.

    CHDC representatives will be available for comment in British Columbia,
Manitoba and Ontario.

For further information: or for materials or to schedule an interview,
please contact Rob Sinclair, CHDC, [phone]