Canada | Alberta | Bouvry Slaughterhouse | Horsemeat Import

When we arrive at the Bouvry slaughter plant at 05:00, the temperature is -5°C. Smaller groups of 20 to 30 horses are kept in the pens close to the plant and the unloading area. The feed is completely covered in frost, and we also see frost on the horses back and in their manes. None of these pens has any protection from the elements. All horses in these pens have USDA slaughter tags attached to their hips. Among them, we see a grey mare which appears to be in the final stages of her pregnancy. These horses are likely the next ones to be slaughtered. Not all horses are first sent to the feedlots for fattening, some are slaughtered shortly after arrival.