I don't think regulations are the way to go; that's been explored already. Consultations were held and amendments were made to the live animals regulations just a few years ago. Absolutely nothing has changed since then with regard to the transportation of horses to Japan for slaughter. On the contrary, as was mentioned earlier, it appears some regulatory requirements have been removed so the industry can continue to carry out this type of transportation without breaking the law.
Since this type of transportation began in the past decade, there have been clear violations of the regulations regarding separation of horses and head clearance in crates. Those two provisions were removed. We wonder why that is. The only reason appears to be that it helps the industry.
I don't think changing the regulations will improve conditions. We've already tried that, and it didn't work. Instead, transportation of horses should cease. That is the only way to improve the welfare of these horses.