SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-355

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
January 31, 2024
Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act
  • This is a summary of a bill called the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act. The purpose of this bill is to stop the export of live horses from Canada by air for the purpose of being slaughtered or fattened for slaughter. The bill requires anyone exporting a horse by air to provide a written declaration stating that the horse is not being exported for slaughter. Failure to provide this declaration or providing false information can result in fines or imprisonment. The bill also includes related amendments to certain Acts. The bill will come into force 18 months after it receives royal assent.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea (181)
  • Nay (137)
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-355: The Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act, also known as Bill C-355, aims to address the welfare concerns surrounding the export of live horses by air from Canada for the purpose of slaughter. This legislation recognizes the need to protect the welfare of animals and ensure humane treatment during transportation. One of the main arguments in favor of this bill is the significant stress and risk of injury that horses experience during long flights in cramped conditions. Horses are known to panic easily and have a strong fight-or-flight response to fear and stress. The export of horses by air for slaughter often involves long flights, which can exacerbate these stressors and increase the risk of injury to the animals. By prohibiting the export of horses by air for slaughter, this legislation aims to mitigate these risks and promote the welfare of horses. It acknowledges that despite existing federal and provincial laws ensuring the humane treatment and handling of livestock, the export of horses by air continues to raise concerns. This bill recognizes the need for specific measures to address the unique challenges and risks associated with transporting horses by air. Furthermore, the legislation requires individuals exporting horses by air to provide a written declaration attesting that the horse is not being exported for the purpose of slaughter or fattening for slaughter. This requirement ensures transparency and accountability in the export process, discouraging the export of horses for slaughter and promoting alternative methods of transportation or use. Overall, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act seeks to protect the welfare of horses and address the concerns surrounding their transportation for slaughter. By prohibiting the export of horses by air and implementing measures to ensure compliance, this legislation takes a proactive approach to animal welfare and promotes responsible and humane treatment of horses.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-355: While the intention behind Bill C-355 may be to protect the welfare of horses, there are several reasons why this legislation should be opposed. Firstly, this bill represents unnecessary government intervention in the agricultural industry. The government should not be dictating how farmers and ranchers conduct their business. The export of horses for slaughter is a legitimate and legal practice that contributes to the economy and provides a market for horse breeders and farmers. By prohibiting the export of horses by air, this bill would limit the options available to these individuals and potentially harm their livelihoods. Secondly, this legislation fails to recognize the importance of personal choice and individual freedom. Horse owners should have the right to decide what they do with their animals, including the option to sell them for slaughter. It is not the government's place to dictate what is morally acceptable when it comes to the treatment of animals. This bill infringes upon the rights of horse owners and limits their ability to make decisions about their own property. Furthermore, the concerns raised about the welfare of horses during air transportation are exaggerated. The agricultural industry is highly regulated and there are already strict guidelines in place to ensure the humane treatment and handling of livestock, including horses. The industry has made significant advancements in animal welfare practices and continues to prioritize the well-being of animals. There is no need for additional legislation that specifically targets the export of horses by air. Lastly, this bill sets a dangerous precedent for government interference in private business practices. If the government can dictate how horses are transported for slaughter, what's to stop them from regulating other aspects of the agricultural industry? This legislation opens the door for further government control and could have far-reaching consequences for farmers and ranchers. In conclusion, Bill C-355 represents unnecessary government intervention, infringes upon personal freedoms, exaggerates concerns about animal welfare, and sets a dangerous precedent for government interference in private business practices. It should be opposed in order to protect the rights and livelihoods of horse owners and to preserve the principles of individual freedom and limited government.

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 29, 2024
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)
Re. Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to …
  • Report 17 presented to the House
  • In accordance with its Order of Reference of Wednesday, January 31, 2024, your committee has considered Bill C‑355, An act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts, and agreed on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to report it with the following amendments:

    Clause 4

    That Bill C-355, in Clause 4, be amended by replacing line 10 on page 2 with the following:

    “pose of being slaughtered or fattened for slaughter, or any other document that is satisfactory to the Minister, as”

    That Bill C-355, in Clause 4, be amended by deleting lines 13 to 27 on page 2.

    Clause 8

    Clause 8 is deleted.

    Your committee has ordered a reprint of Bill C-355, as amended, as a working copy for the use of the House of Commons at the report stage.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 91, 94, 96, 97 and 100) is tabled.
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 18, 2024
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)
Re. Committee Evidence - AGRI-100
  • Thu Apr 18, 2024 11:05AM
  • Read
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border

House Motion No. 622

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
Jan. 31, 2024, 5 p.m.
2nd reading of Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts
  • Bill C-355
  • Latest: Second reading in the House of Commons
  • That the bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

House Third Reading
  • Jan. 31, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House Second Reading
  • Sept. 19, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • Passed
House First Reading
  • Sept. 19, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • Passed