RECOMMENDED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CARE AND HANDLING OF HORSES.

  • The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of different species of farm animals. 
  • The Codes contain recommended housing and management practices for farm animals as well as transportation and processing. 
  • The Codes of Practice are voluntary and are intended for use as an educational tool by promoting sound management and welfare practices. 
  • The Codes contain recommendations to assist farmers and others in the agriculture and food sector to compare and improve their management practices. In 1980, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies began coordinating the process of development of draft Codes of Practice for all farm species with the introduction of a Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Poultry from Hatchery to Slaughterhouse. The federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC) provided financial support for the undertaking at that time. 
  • All Codes of Practice are presently developed by a review committee with representatives from farm groups, animal welfare groups, veterinarians, animal scientists, federal and provincial governments, related agricultural sectors and interested individuals. In 1993, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada asked the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council (CARC), its Canada Committee on Animals and the Expert Committee on Farm Animal Welfare and Behavior to take the lead in co-operation with the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in updating existing Codes and developing new Codes. CARC officially agreed to take on this responsibility in February 1995, upon confirmation of funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In 1996, CARC with the support of the provincial governments began producing four page fact sheets in both English and French for such uses as teaching agriculture in the classroom, agricultural fairs and exhibitions. In 1998, the Recommended code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Horses was published. The NEA is sure you will find it informative and useful.

Equestrian Canada position on Horse Slaughter

Equestrian Canada advocates the humane treatment of all horses and believes that the equine industry and horse owners have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse. Equestrian Canada acknowledges that some horses are no longer serviceable, are infirm, dangerous or their owners are no longer able to care for them.
  • Equestrian Canada recognizes that the processing of horses is a reality of the equine industry, and provides a humane alternative to allowing the horses to continue a life of discomfort and pain, inadequate care or abandonment.
  • Equestrian Canada encourages, fosters and provides education regarding responsible ownership and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses.
  • Regarding the care of horses destined for processing, Equestrian Canada’s position is that these horses should be 
         - treated humanely and with dignity, 
         - transported to the production facility according to current national regulations, and 
         - euthanized in accordance with the guidelines adopted and published by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association as of February            2006.