The True Faces of Horse Slaughter: Inside Alberta s Horse Feedlots Summerview Feedlot Belgian with infected eyes and a foreign object caught in his forelock www.defendhorsescanada.org info@defendhorsescanada.org August 2012
Introduction West of the city of Lethbridge in southern Alberta is the town of Fort MacLeod, known for its Northwest Mounted Police Museum and, in ironic contrast, for its notoriety as the capital of horse slaughter in Canada. Within the town and surrounding region there are hundreds of feedlots, encompassing over 2,000 acres, containing thousands of horses. The Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) has uncovered evidence that these feedlots supply Canada s largest horse slaughter operation, Bouvry Exports slaughterhouse in Fort MacLeod, as factory farms for horses bred purposely for slaughter, as well as for suppliers of horses for the Japanese market. Most equine advocates are well aware of the Bouvry Exports feedlots in the U.S., most notably the feedlots in Shelby, Montana, and Fallon, Nevada, however, Bouvry s Alberta holdings are the largest. Some feedlots, such as the one on Highway 3 where these images were taken amongst Alberta s picturesque countryside, are just a short distance from the Bouvry slaughterhouse. However, they are in stark contrast to the feedlots not seen by drivers on major roadways.
To unknowing people driving by, it would appear that hundreds of horses are kept well fed by thousands of round bales stacked nearby. Perhaps some are unaware these horses have either been trucked in from other locations, or have been bred in Alberta specifically for slaughter for human consumption. Some horses will be shipped live in small wooden crates to Japan and Korea, but the majority s lives will end by.22 rifle in the kill line at Bouvry Exports Fort MacLeod plant. Seeing young foals frolic together with doting mares hovering close by, it s difficult to imagine anything troubling about such a vision. But the reality of the neglect and suffering on these feedlots is anything but idyllic. The CHDC has already revealed the horrendous conditions within Bouvry s slaughter plant in our 2010 investigative report, Chambers of Carnage, where accredited veterinarians and animal welfare organizations alike called for an immediate end to the suffering of horses at this Alberta facility that slaughters up to 200 horses a day. In this report, the CHDC exposes the grievous conditions at the Summerview/Brocket and Range Road feedlots owned by or affiliated with Bouvry Exports.
Google Maps view of Granum, Alberta feedlot owned by Bouvry Exports, Calgary Feedlot is in upper left of map, the Bouvry slaughterhouse is in the lower right corner
Close-up aerial view of Granum feedlot Dozens of holding pens contain hundreds, if not thousands, of horses.
Close-up aerial view of the Summerview/Brocket feedlot located near Pincher Creek, AB This feedlot contains 28+/- holding pens and is legally approved to hold a maximum of 4,500 horses.
Granum Feedlot Typically, manure is mounded, rather than removed, making for unhealthy living conditions. None of the feedlots offer any shelter from the elements, whether freezing winter cold, or blistering summer heat. Water in some feedlots appears to be in scarce supply.
Crowded conditions are the norm, adding to the horses stress levels and likelihood of spreading disease.
Close up of spikes on loading dock at this feedlot located at Township Road 100 and Range Road 264. Loading ramp at Summerview. Dangerous spikes are visible, which is easily remedied, but are a deadly hazard for horses departing the feedlot. Horses are destined for the Bouvry slaughter plant, so apparently the spikes are of no concern to the feedlot owner/operator.
Summerview a.k.a. Brocket Bouvry slaughterhouse Summerview
The Oldman River system runs past the entire feedlot system. It flows west to east from the Rocky Mountains, through the communities of Fort MacLeod and Lethbridge.
Lined up at the trough to eat. Notice the decrepit fencing throughout. Old round bales at the forefront. Many Belgian and Percheron types here.
Close up of horses in crowded pens. Round bales stacked by the hundreds gives a view to the scope of these feedlot operations.
Two curious Belgians make eye connection with the photographer, who was moved by the experience of documenting so many horses whose destination is the Bouvry slaughter plant. Hazardous sharp metal edge and protruding nail near a horse s mouth.
A big grey stands out, with the brand showing prominently. Just a number, bred for slaughter.
Summerview - December 2010. Lined up at the feed trough. Summerview - December 2010. Feedlot filled with young Belgians the faces of horse slaughter in Canada. Summerview December 2010. Horses raised to be extremely fat - at risk of foundering.
Due to the close quarters and large numbers of horses in these feedlots, they can become aggressive as this photo shows. Any injuries resulting from these incidents are likely left untreated, since they receive little or no veterinary care.
Mare and Foal Feedlots Critically injured filly at a Range Road feedlot for mares and foals.
Injured filly can barely walk. Her swollen shoulder and elbow indicate a likely shoulder break. She finally catches up with her mother to begin nursing.
These mares and foals are located at a Bouvry owned feedlot very close to the Fort MacLeod slaughter plant, in close proximity to Highway 3, or the Crowsnest Highway. Mares and foals are kept on grass in more favourable feedlot conditions, but injuries still occur, as seen by the grey filly, seen again in the picture below. The Alberta SPCA was notified about the injured filly, but when we followed up, they said the filly could not be found. Bouvry staff notified them at the time that she was located and treated for her injury. After that, the filly and her dam were no longer at the feedlot, making us believe she was moved or perhaps euthanized. We question whether Bouvry would treat such a grievous injury, due to the time and expense it would involve. Further, we question the AB SPCA s account of the outcome for the simple reason that the society appears disinterested in the welfare of horses in feedlots and, instead of providing ongoing oversight of these sources of potential animal suffering, seems to respond only when complaints from the public are raised.
Range Road Feedlots Hundreds of horses crammed at the feed trough. They are fed a high caloric diet and get no exercise, so become quite fat, as desired by certain horsemeat consumers. Horses kept in tight paddocks, just out of reach of the lush grass growing outside.
Cause of death is not apparent, and at this remote feedlot, he may not be discovered for several days. Three horses surround their dead companion.
A pasture mate tries in vain to raise his friend, to no avail.
Close up of a shaved Belgian s, crude "149" brand. In such overcrowded conditions, horses can express violent behaviour, such as this vicious bite mark, that has begun to heal.
Neglected hooves are the norm in these feedlots. Farrier care is rarely, if ever, provided.
Violation of Agricultural Operation Practices Act Issued Against Claude Bouvry In February 2009, Claude Bouvry of Bouvry Exports was issued an Enforcement Order, after violations for an un-permitted confined feeding operation (CFO) in Willow Creek, Alberta. After a complaint, an Inspector for Compliance and Enforcement under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), found an unregistered and unapproved CFO consisting of three pens constructed of steel tubing each pen confined approximately 260 horse foals for a total of approximately 780 horse foals : http://www.nrcb.gov.ab.ca/downloads/documentl oader.ashx?id=13104 The Inspector concluded Claude Bouvry constructed the illegal feedlot pens sometime between 2003 and 2009. Under the Order, Bouvry was only directed to remove horses that exceeded threshold levels, apply for the required permit(s), and ensure numbers remain below AOPA threshold levels. The $5000 fine was waived, so essentially Bouvry was allowed to evade the Act without repercussions.
When seeing the horses in such vast numbers, it is easy to forget individual animals. However one striking individual, such as the equine pictured here, can remind us of the fact that all of these doomed horses are unique in their own way.
Conclusion The reality of Canada s horse slaughter industry is revealed in covert photos and video captured at remote, small town feedlots such as the ones exposed in this report. Horse slaughter is not the solution for unwanted horses, as pro-slaughter proponents would have you believe. These Alberta feedlots tell the real truth that horse slaughter is a lucrative industry, with horses being bred and raised by the thousands every year, specifically for human consumption. Horse welfare is a term virtually unknown in these outdoor warehouses for horses. Dead and injured horses languish amongst the thousands of voiceless equines raised for one purpose food for humans to consume. The Alberta SPCA remains alarmingly silent on the ongoing conditions within these horse factory operations, and the CHDC is not convinced that they are truly working to bring these thousands of equines under their protective umbrella. Also, the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC), based out of Alberta, is disturbingly silent about Canada s equine feedlot conditions. However given this quasi-welfare group is connected to this country s horse slaughter industry and their tight links to extreme pro-slaughter groups in the U.S. such as United Equine and United Horsemen, it is no surprise. The CHDC has reported since 2008 that Canada s horse slaughter plants continue to operate assembly line operations that fail to meet humane standards. We continue to advocate for the end to horse slaughter in Canada, and the successful passing of Bill C-322. www.defendhorsescanada.org info@defendhorsescanada.org August 2012