Mr. Speaker, I have four petitions to present this morning.
The first, petition e-3187, is signed by almost 78,000 Canadians who are calling attention to the inherent cruelty in the live shipment of horses for slaughter. It is an inhumane practice, as large draft horses are air-shipped in over 10-hour flights in crates smaller than a single horse stall without food or water, causing injury and death. The petitioners note that the science is clear: Horses suffer physically and psychologically during long-distance transport, and our animal protection laws are not fit for purpose.
The petition highlights a 2019 Nanos poll in which 69% of respondents are opposed to the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Public awareness about this issue is increasing, thanks to the efforts of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition, music icon Jann Arden and many other horse advocates.
The petitioners call for an end to the air shipment of horses exported for human consumption, due to ongoing animal welfare concerns inherent in this practice.