Good morning.
I'm Dr. Trevor Lawson, the president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. I thank you for the invitation to appear here today at the committee.
The CVMA represents over 25,000 veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians across Canada who are devoted to caring for both small and large animal species. As animal health professionals, we review all the animal health and welfare issues by focusing on evidence-based criteria, without specie or animal use biases.
Following an evidence-based review and consultation with subject matter experts and experienced observers of the entire farm-to-market process, it is the view of the CVMA that the horses referred to in Bill C-355 have a good quality of life on their farms of origin. Horses purpose-bred for this market are bred and raised naturally in a herd environment and are provided with all of the essentials for a good life.
Regarding the transport in question, it was determined that these animals did not experience worse welfare or outcomes than any other food animal. In fact, the available data suggests better outcomes in general.
With respect to all modes of transport, the federal health of animals regulations amendments to part XII, “Transport of Animals”, were updated and enacted in February 2020. These amended regulations have several added protections for these horses in question, including floor and head space requirements and strict container requirements, as per the International Air Transport Association's live animals regulations, which are the global standard on the best practices regarding air transport of animals.
Canada has high standards for the on-farm care of horses, mandated by provincial legislation and the National Farm Animal Care Council equine code of practice. Transport-related protections are embedded in the federal health of animals regulations. Canada is one of the countries where animals destined for the export market can live good lives on their farms of origin and receive the necessary care and protections during transport.
Regarding the current proposed bill, Bill C-355, the CVMA is cognizant of and is concerned that the potential for disruptions to the current supply of Canadian horses for this market could lead to unintended negative consequences. These include the significantly decreased value of the horses in the supply chain and the concomitant potential decrease in incentivized high welfare standards.
As well, animal welfare would be at risk due to the current lack of slaughter capacity to process these horses and the resultant uncertain final disposition of these animals.
Furthermore, the cessation of this market in Canada could result in the sourcing of horses from countries where on-farm welfare and transportation are not prioritized as they are in Canada. As such, this could lead to significant harm to these horses.
The CVMA holds that food animals be treated humanely throughout their lives, from birth to death, including during transport. According to our evidence-based review, it is the position of the CVMA that the horses transported for this market are not at any greater welfare risk than any other transported animals. In fact, there may be a higher standard of care overall, due to their high value.
The CVMA holds that while there is no immediate welfare risk to these horses, improvements to the existing transport process, as well as publicly funded support for animal transport-related research and innovations, will improve animal welfare in this and all food animal transports.
In order to address potential risks, the CVMA encourages the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to dedicate the resources needed to ensure adequate inspection and enforcement of all regulatory requirements to mitigate animal transport welfare-related risks during transport and at destination.
To conclude, the CVMA does not support Bill C-355 as written, as the current transport conditions do not lead to noteworthy animal welfare concerns. The bill would lead to unintended negative animal welfare consequences that have not been fully considered. The CVMA supports continued research, improvements and innovations in all areas related to food animal transport.
Thank you.