The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has PROPOSED changes to the HAR (Health of Animals Act and Regulations) which, if adopted, would reduce travel times for horses (and other animals) by land, sea, and air. By making these proposals, the CFIA is recognizing that the transport of animals in Canada is not aligned with those of other countries (World Organisation for Animal Health – OIE) nor do they align with the National Farm Animal Care Council Codes of Practice (NFACC) or our international trading partners in the US and the EU. Furthermore, transport guidelines, such as they are, do not reflect current science regarding the handling of animals. It is proposed that the Health of Animals Regulations would be amended to: • “Provide clarification by adding definitions (for example definitions for compromised and unfit animals) and establishing clear requirements for regulated parties to better understand what is expected of them; • Improve animal welfare and reduce risk of suffering during transportation by establishing clear and science-informed requirements that better reflect animals’ needs and current industry practices; • Better align with the standards of Canada’s international trading partners and the OIE animal welfare standards for animals transported by land, air, and sea; and • Remove obsolete or unnecessary requirements to reduce the burden on the industry.” The motivation for the proposed changes is the recognition that there is “economic loss” from animals that are compromised or downed during these journeys, and the poor welfare resulting from the length of travel leads to anxiety and increased physiological and psychological stress. The increased stressors in turn can lead to greater susceptibility to disease among animals and the shedding of pathogens due to increased intestinal motility, risking both human and animal health. In addition, the number of livestock farms decreased by 45.8% between 1976 and 2001, making transport time for some species even longer. The financial and trading implications appear to be of greatest concern, since a recent European survey found that 93% of Europeans found animal welfare standards to be important even outside of the EU. Clearly, the proposed changes appear to be an attempt to stave off criticism of Canadian exports to EU member countries. The proposed updates would include changes to how animals are segregated, handled, loading density, feed, water, and rest, conveyancing requirements, training for handlers, definitions for “unfit” animals, and contingency planning. For animals transported by air (horses) the container requirements set out in the IATA, of which the CHDC has continually reminded the various levels of government, would be incorporated into the HAR. Travel time for horses would be reduced from 36 hours to 28 hours. This would likely have some effect on air flights. Stakeholders have 75 days from the date of the original publication to respond. We will update you as information develops. Please continue to sign and share this petition as these proposed changes will not stop the slaughter. Thank you!