Candlelight vigil in downtown Calgary for exported horses

A group in Calgary participated in a nationwide candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening, calling for the end of live horse exports for slaughter.

The group gathered at the Harley Hotchkiss Gardens downtown.

They marked the fourth anniversary of what they call an unfulfilled Liberal government pledge to stop the practice.

They say thousands of horses have suffered and lost their lives since the pledge was made in 2021.

They say more than 10,700 horses have endured flights to Japan, where they are killed and eaten as a raw delicacy.

And they say the shipments frequently exceed the 28-hour legal limit for transport without food, water and rest.

“Our message to the government is it’s not too late,” said Michelle Oberg with Animal Justice.

“You still have time, and you have the power to ban this practice.

“We would love for all Canadians to get involved—to contact your MP and ask for the government to end this cruel practice immediately.”

Vigils were also held in Edmonton and nine other Canadian cities.