Draft:Horse welfare in Canda

• Comment: The majority of the draft article is original research, lacking any sources or references. It could easily be incorporated into the existing article, Horse welfare. Dan arndt (talk) 04:32, 3 December 2024 (UTC)

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Horse Abuse in Canada

Horse abuse refers to the mistreatment, neglect, or cruelty inflicted on horses, whether through intentional acts or failure to meet their basic needs. These incidents can occur in various contexts, including recreational use, competitive sports, farming, and commercial industries. Canadian laws, such as the Criminal Code and provincial animal welfare statutes, aim to protect horses from abuse, but enforcement challenges and differing provincial regulations have been points of concern for animal rights organizations. Public awareness and advocacy efforts have brought greater attention to this issue, highlighting the need for education, stricter enforcement, and improved welfare standards.

Horse abuse encompasses a range of actions or inactions that cause harm, suffering, or neglect to horses. These can include physical violence, deprivation of essential needs like food, water, and medical care, and forcing horses to perform tasks beyond their physical capacity. Common forms of abuse may be intentional, such as excessive whipping or overworking, or unintentional, arising from ignorance or lack of proper training in horse care.

Neglect, a prevalent form of abuse, often involves failing to provide adequate shelter, clean water, or medical attention. Horses may also suffer from improper feeding practices, leading to malnourishment or obesity, both of which can result in serious health issues.

The contexts in which abuse occurs vary widely:

Recreational Activities: Improper handling, overuse, or lack of rest for horses used in trail riding or carriage services.

Competitive Sports: Practices such as "soring" in gaited horse events, over-training, or drugging to enhance performance.

Agriculture and Labor: Overburdening draft horses or failing to retire them when they are no longer fit for work.

Commercial Industries: Stressful conditions during transportation or at slaughter facilities.

This wide scope highlights the need for clear definitions and standards of care, which can differ significantly across provinces and industries. As the issue spans multiple sectors, addressing it requires a combination of education, advocacy, and legislative reform.

Historical Context

Horses have played a significant role in Canada’s development, serving as essential partners in agriculture, transportation, and industry before the advent of modern machinery. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, horses were indispensable for farming, logging, and even military purposes, particularly in World War I. Their utility and proximity to human communities often earned them a place of respect, yet instances of overwork and neglect were common, reflecting limited awareness of equine welfare.

In the mid-20th century, as mechanized equipment replaced horses in labor-intensive industries, their roles shifted to recreational, competitive, and companion capacities. This transition reduced the reliance on horses for survival but introduced new risks, such as exploitation in competitive sports and inadequate care in amateur settings.

The emergence of animal welfare movements in the latter half of the 20th century brought increased scrutiny to the treatment of horses. Cases of abuse, such as neglect in urban carriage services or overbreeding by equine enthusiasts, sparked public concern and legislative action. This period saw the introduction of stronger animal welfare laws and a growing emphasis on humane treatment standards.

Today, the historical use of horses in Canada provides a backdrop to ongoing welfare challenges. While their traditional roles have diminished, horses continue to face risks in modern industries like racing, tourism, and slaughter for export. Historical attitudes toward horses as tools of labor influence present-day perceptions, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and education to ensure their protection.

Legal Framework

The protection of horses from abuse in Canada falls under a combination of federal, provincial, and territorial laws. While these laws aim to safeguard equine welfare, the patchwork of regulations and enforcement mechanisms often leads to inconsistencies across the country.

Federal Laws

At the federal level, the Criminal Code of Canada includes provisions addressing animal cruelty, which apply to horses. Section 445.1 prohibits causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to animals, while Section 446 outlines penalties for neglect, including failing to provide adequate food, water, and shelter. Convictions can result in fines, imprisonment, and bans on animal ownership. However, critics argue that the Criminal Code lacks specificity regarding equine welfare and relies heavily on provincial enforcement.

Provincial and Territorial Regulations

Each province and territory has its own animal welfare legislation, which may include detailed standards for horse care:

Ontario: The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act mandates that horses must be provided with necessary food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. It also grants inspectors the authority to remove animals in distress. British Columbia: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act includes specific provisions against neglect and cruelty, enforced by the BC SPCA. Quebec: The Animal Welfare and Safety Act applies to horses, establishing minimum care standards and penalizing abuse. While these laws establish basic care requirements, enforcement depends on local resources, such as animal welfare organizations or police services, which often face funding and staffing limitations.

Enforcement Challenges

Enforcement of equine welfare laws is complicated by:

Limited resources for animal protection agencies, especially in rural areas. Lack of uniformity in care standards between provinces. Difficulty in prosecuting cases due to the high burden of proof and limited awareness among law enforcement. International Agreements

Canada is also a signatory to international agreements, such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, which promote animal welfare standards, including humane treatment of horses during transport. However, compliance and enforcement remain areas of concern.

Forms of Horse Abuse

Horse abuse in Canada takes various forms, ranging from physical harm to neglect and exploitation. These forms of mistreatment occur in both professional industries and private settings, highlighting the importance of widespread education and enforcement of welfare standards.

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional harm to horses, including beatings, overuse of whips, or punitive training methods. In competitive sports, practices such as "soring," where chemical or mechanical irritants are used to enhance a horse’s gait unnaturally, have been documented in some events. Excessive use of tack, poorly fitted saddles, and rough handling can also cause long-term physical and psychological damage.

2. Neglect

Neglect is one of the most common forms of horse abuse, often resulting from a lack of understanding about proper equine care or financial difficulties. It includes:

Malnutrition: Inadequate or poor-quality feed, leading to weight loss, weakness, and health complications. Lack of Medical Care: Failing to address injuries, infections, or chronic conditions such as laminitis. Poor Living Conditions: Horses kept in unsanitary or overcrowded environments, with limited access to clean water and shelter. 3. Overworking and Exploitation

Horses used in labor-intensive industries, such as carriage services or logging, may be overworked without adequate rest or proper care. In recreational settings, such as trail riding or summer camps, overuse and lack of attention to a horse’s condition can lead to exhaustion, injuries, or death.

4. Transportation and Slaughter

The transport of horses for commercial purposes, particularly for slaughter, remains a controversial issue in Canada. Horses are often subjected to long, stressful journeys in cramped conditions without adequate food or water. Reports have documented injuries, dehydration, and deaths during transport. Slaughterhouses face scrutiny for inhumane practices, particularly when horses are exported to other countries for meat.

5. Breeding and Abandonment

Unregulated breeding practices contribute to overpopulation, leading to neglect and abandonment of unwanted horses. These "backyard breeders" often lack the resources to care for foals or fail to ensure responsible ownership. Abandoned horses are at risk of starvation, predation, and disease, particularly in rural areas.

6. Abuse in Competitive Sports

In addition to "soring," other abusive practices in competitive sports include:

Use of performance-enhancing drugs that harm the horse’s health. Training methods that prioritize competition results over the welfare of the horse. Pushing injured or unfit horses to compete, exacerbating their conditions.

Notable Cases and Incidents

In the last few years, several notable incidents of horse abuse have garnered media attention in Canada:

New Brunswick Horse Neglect Case (2023): In April 2023, the New Brunswick SPCA discovered 12 dead horses and several others in poor health on a farm in Currieburg, New Brunswick. The owner, Charlotte Bright, faced multiple animal cruelty charges and was subsequently handed a lifetime ban on owning animals and ordered to pay restitution. GLOBAL NEWS

Barefoot Ranch Seizure (2024): In June 2024, authorities seized horses from Barefoot Ranch in Manitoba following allegations of neglect and mistreatment. The provincial veterinarian intervened after concerns were raised by the local horse community. CITYNEWS WINNIPEG

RCMP Musical Ride Allegations (2017): In 2017, allegations surfaced against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Musical Ride program, accusing a riding master of horse abuse dating back to 2004. The officer was removed from his position and assigned to administrative duties pending investigation.

Recent Allegations

On November 12, 2024, the Federation Equestre International (FEI) provisionally suspended Canadian dressage riders Evi Strasser and her daughter, Tanya Strasser-Shostak, in response to allegations of horse abuse involving multiple animals. The suspensions are pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The allegations were initially brought to light in February 2024, prompting Equestrian Canada to impose provisional suspensions on both riders on February 17. The FEI followed suit on February 18, consistent with its practice of aligning with decisions made by national equestrian federations. The case has attracted widespread attention within the equestrian community. Dressage Hub, a well-known equestrian platform, has actively reported on the matter, publishing testimonies from former grooms who have accused the riders of abusive practices. The platform has also shared video and photographic evidence allegedly documenting instances of horse mistreatment. These materials have ignited significant discussion and controversy, leading to calls for a comprehensive investigation into the claims.

These cases highlight ongoing concerns about equine welfare in Canada and have prompted discussions about stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents.