Ottawa, Ontario — Equine Canada was notified on March 30, 2010, of allegations of abuse at two horse processing plants in Canada. While recognizing that no aspect of these allegations is confirmed, Equine Canada immediately contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is the federal government agency responsible for ensuring that humane practices are followed in Canadian animal processing plants. Equine Canada has been assured that the CFIA takes allegations of abuse very seriously and that their officials are investigating this case. 

The CFIA has further assured Equine Canada that their routine surveillance indicates that most producers, transporters and processers in this sector are committed to treating the horses in their care humanely.  In those rare cases when abuse is determined, the CFIA has a range of enforcement options at their command.

Equine Canada will monitor the proceedings and provide an update when findings are available.

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