Live Horse Transport and Export for Slaughter
Canada exports live horses to Japan, where there is a market for fresh horse meat. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates the Canadian portion of this export process.
Why are horses exported live?
CFIA states that Japanese demand for fresh horse meat is partially supplied through live horse exports from Canada.
The exported horses are fattened in Japan before slaughter.
Where do these horses come from?
This distinction is important.
CFIA states that companies supplying this Japanese market raise horses specifically for export. Japan also imposes animal-health and residency requirements.
CFIA says it is not practicable for exporters to use wild horses or horses obtained through Canadian or United States auctions for this particular live-export program.
A horse moving through an auction and potentially entering the domestic slaughter system is not automatically part of Canada’s live-horse export program to Japan.
CFIA oversees export shipments
CFIA veterinary inspectors are present for each air shipment to certify exports and verify compliance with applicable Canadian animal-health and humane-transport requirements.
Feed, water and rest
Under Canada’s humane transport requirements, horses generally cannot be transported without feed, water and rest for more than 28 hours.
CFIA states that the Canadian ground journey, flight and subsequent ground transport in Japan must fit within the applicable interval unless the required feed, water and rest are provided and the interval restarts.
Where do flights leave from?
CFIA reports that most live-export horse shipments to Japan depart from Edmonton and Winnipeg.
The practice remains controversial
Animal-welfare organizations and other Canadians have campaigned to end live horse exports for slaughter. Others emphasize existing transport rules, veterinary oversight and Canada’s lawful livestock export trade.
PureFarmFresh’s role is to explain that the trade exists, how it currently operates and what the applicable authorities report.
Transport rules apply to horses generally
Anyone transporting horses in Canada has responsibilities concerning fitness for transport, handling, space, ventilation, contingency planning and required feed, water and rest.
Sources & Further Reading
These primary sources provide additional information and regulatory context for this article.
Last reviewed: September 2026.