Ottawa-A bill from Kitchener-Conestoga Liberal MP Tim Louis to ban the export of horses by aircraft for slaughter overseas has finally made it to the Commons agriculture committee.

During questioning from other MPs, Louis repeatedly explained the bill covers just the export of live horses for slaughter by air and will not disrupt other livestock sectors.

“With approximately 2,600 Canadian horses exported for slaughter by air annually, this practice constitutes a relatively small industry. Most exports originate in western Canada, with horses raised in feedlots before enduring long journeys in cramped conditions,” he said. “It's time for Canada to join other countries that have already banned the export of live horses for slaughter.”

Horses hold a revered place in Canada’s history from Mennonite families in his riding that rely on them for traditional transportation and farming to the musical ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“These are the same breeds of horses that are being exported for slaughter by air to be eaten raw as a high-end delicacy.” They are “subjected to distressing conditions during transportation. It's unacceptable that these intelligent and sensitive companion animals endure such suffering, especially considering their significant roles in our history and our society.”

The bill would create an 18-month implementation period to cover animals already being raised for slaughter while ending any continuation of the practice beyond that. It received support from some of the opposition parties at the second reading vote.

“The bill is a stand-alone bill that will not stop breeding of horses. It will not stop the sale of horses. This is simply stopping the export of live horses for slaughter by air. This is simply ending the cruel practice of exporting live horses to another country to be eaten raw as a delicacy,” Louis said.

Conservative agriculture critic John Barlow said the conditions that the horses are shipped under exceed current animal welfare laws and practices.

He noted that members of the Metis Nation of Alberta said its members have not been consulted on the bill and say implementing it will shackle indigenous farmers.

Ontario Liberal MP Leah Taylor Roy said Agriculture Canada has been working on a such a rule but Louis’ action could get it dealt with sooner. “There is great support for banning the export of horses. Very specifically, the concern is about how these animals suffer when they are being transported.”

Her daughter works with horses and would never transport her horse by plane. “We know these animals have a great fight-or-flight kind of instinct. When they're stressed in a situation like this, it's very difficult for these horses. While we're not saying people in Canada cannot eat horsemeat, we are simply saying that we do not approve of this practice.”

This news article was prepared for National Newswatch.