Legislation has changed in the United States to allow for horse processing in states that do not have laws prohibiting it (Texas, California, Illinois and Oklahoma). Horse processing has not occurred in the U.S. since 2007, when funding for USDA inspection was denied and a federal court judge ruled against inspections on a fee-per-service arrangement. On November 17, 2011, congress passed H.R. 2112 and the bill became law on November 18, when President Obama signed it. The law allows funding for USDA inspection of horse meat, but it is not known when processing of horses will actually begin in the U.S.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing new measures to verify that horses are being humanely transported in accordance with the Health of Animals regulations. Effective January 1, 2012, all shipments of feeder and slaughter horses entering Canada from the United States by ground transportation will be required to proceed through designated ports of entry. Shipments will only be accepted during the CFIA’s regular hours of operation.
The designated ports of entry have appropriate unloading facilities for horses and are staffed by CFIA veterinarians. As of January 1, 2012, shipments of feeder and slaughter horses will not be able to enter Canada at other border ports of entry. The new requirements apply only to feeder and slaughter horses. Imports of other types of horses (for example, riding or breeding horses) and other types of livestock are not affected by this change.
Feeder horse shipments require customs clearance from the Canada Border Services Agency and may be referred to the CFIA for inspection. All shipments must be presented during CFIA regular hours of operation in order to allow for inspection if required. Slaughter horse shipments require CFIA veterinary inspection at the border. Transporters must arrange an appointment for inspection a minimum of 24 hours before arriving at the port of entry.
Visit the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca for more information.
January 13, 2012: Stable Owners Seminar, Red Deer, AB
January 13-15, 2012: Horse Breeders and Owners Conference, Red Deer, AB
