A major step forward in the fight to end U.S. horse slaughter
A Landmark Shift
According to Eurostat and Statistics Canada, February 2024 marked Europe’s final recorded import of Canadian horse meat for human consumption. Aside from one small shipment in March 2025 — likely destined for zoo meat — Europe has ceased importing horse meat from Canada altogether.
This development is no accident. It is the direct result of years of relentless investigations, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns led by Animals’ Angels and our allies. European importers could no longer ignore the overwhelming evidence of cruelty and food safety risks.
A Campaign More Than a Decade in the Making
When Animals’ Angels launched our consumer awareness campaign in 2012, Europe was the largest buyer of horse meat from both Mexico and Canada.
- 2014: Our joint efforts with European allies secured the EU ban on horse meat from Mexico
- 2007–2022: Investigations exposed horrific conditions at Bouvry Exports’ slaughter plants and feedlots. Footage and reports forced Switzerland’s largest retailers to cut ties with Bouvry
- 2021–2023: We brought evidence directly to EU authorities, documenting systemic abuse and violations at Bouvry facilities. Public pressure grew after the release of our joint exposé with Animal Welfare Foundation and Tierschutzbund Zürich.
Bouvry Exports: From Target #1 to Collapse
Bouvry Exports was among our earliest — and most persistent — investigative targets. Since 2007, Animals’ Angels has documented the suffering of mares, foals, and adult horses confined to their feedlots and slaughterhouse.
Key turning points:
- 2012 – One of our earlier investigations trailing auction horses bound for Bouvry.
- 2013–2019 – Repeated exposés revealed neglected, emaciated horses and substandard conditions.
- 2022 – Investigators revisited Bouvry’s Bar S feedlot and found it empty — what was once “hell on earth for horses” had closed.
- January 2024 – Our team confirmed that Bouvry’s Prime Feedlot was abandoned, with workers reporting a shift toward cattle instead of horses.
Watch the video that helped turn the tide against horse meat imports from Canada
Why This Matters
This is what dismantling the horse slaughter industry looks like — from the top down and the bottom up. Decades of investigations, documentation, and advocacy have now cut off one of the industry’s largest international markets.
This is what ending the horse slaughter industry from the top and bottom looks like.
What’s Next
While European officials have not yet released a formal statement, this four-month halt is unprecedented. Animals’ Angels will:
- Continue monitoring global markets for any signs of resumed shipments.
- Continue to provide indisputable evidence of cruelty and food safety issues linked to horse slaughter.
- Shift focus to Japan, where horse meat is still sold for human consumption, and Nebraska, which buys horse meat for zoo supply.
Our mission remains clear: to end US horse slaughter — for good.
Join Us in the Fight
This win belongs to every advocate who stood with us over the years. But the fight isn’t over.
- First, the EU banned horse meat imports from Mexico.
- Now, European imports from Canada have stopped.
- Together, we can deliver the final blow to horse slaughter.