Q.  What is the AEF's position on the Slaughter of Horses?
Alberta Equestrian Federation advocates the humane treatment of all horses and believes that the equine industry and horse owners have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse. Alberta Equestrian Federation acknowledges that some horses are no longer serviceable, are infirm, dangerous, or their owners are no longer able to care for them.

Alberta Equestrian Federation recognizes that the processing of horses is a reality of the equine industry, and provides a humane alternative to allowing the horse to continue a life of discomfort and pain, inadequate care or abandonment.

Alberta Equestrian Federation encourages, fosters and provides education regarding responsible ownership and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses.

Regarding the care of horses destined for processing, Alberta Equestrian Federation’s position is that these horses should be:
· Treated humanely and with dignity;
· Transported to the production facility according to current national regulations;
· Euthanized in accordance with the guidelines adopted and published by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association as of February 2006.
Q.  What is Equine Canada's position on the Slaughter of Horses?
Equine Canada advocates the humane treatment of all horses and believes that the equine industry and horse owners 
have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse. Equine Canada acknowledges that some 
horses are no longer serviceable, are infirm, dangerous or their owners are no longer able to care for them.

Equine Canada recognizes that the processing of horses is a reality of the equine industry, and provides a humane 
alternative to allowing the horses to continue a life of discomfort and pain, inadequate care or abandonment.

Equine Canada encourages, fosters and provides education regarding responsible ownership and management that will 
reduce the number of unwanted horses.

Regarding the care of horses destined for processing, Equine Canada’s position is that these horses should be 
- treated humanely and with dignity, 
- transported to the production facility according to current national regulations, and 
- euthanized in accordance with the guidelines adopted and published by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 
as of February 2006.

Equine Canada communicates closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in understanding and giving comment 
to the specifics in enacting their regulatory responsibilities, as represented in their statements below:

Horses, like other animals, must be transported and slaughtered in a safe, clean, humane environment in accordance 
with Canadian regulations.

Animal Transportation 

All animals transported into within or out of Canada must be transported in accordance with Part XII of the Health 
of Animals Regulations which prohibits the transportation of any animal under inhumane conditions. These regulations 
also state that carriers cannot load, transport or unload animals in a way that would cause injury or undue suffering. 
The CFIA is responsible for enforcing these regulations. 

Humane Slaughter 

The Meat Inspection Regulations set standards for the humane handling and humane slaughter of food animals in federally 
registered abattoirs/establishments. These standards include the handling of animals in slaughter facilities, the 
segregation and handling of sick or injured animals, and the humane slaughter of animal and are also enforced by the CFIA.

Equine Canada's Committee on Equine Welfare, as a committee of the Board of Directors, has within its mandate consideration 
of these issues, among numerous others, in consultation with the Breeds and Industry Division of Equine Canada.
Q. How do I find more information about the Veterinary Profession Act proposed Amendment?
We recommend you visit the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association's website.
Q. What do I need to know before travelling with my horse?
Important information for Alberta horse owners when traveling within Alberta, and crossing provincial and national borders:
There are three types of transportation documents. All horses, branded or not, which are moved for any reason (recreation, show, sale, and slaughter) must be identified on one of these forms. In summary they are:

Manifest – filled out and signed by the owner, for every individual trip or same-day round-trip, one for each owner of the horses in the load. Manifests must be completed, dated and signed – an open manifest is unacceptable and may incur a large fine. Books of manifests are available free of charge from your local Livestock Inspector.

Transportation Permit (‘A’ Form) – filled out by an Alberta Livestock Inspector for a single or group of animals, to be transported to one specified destination, (i.e. rodeo, show, or sale), valid for 4 days.

Horse Permit – filled out by an Alberta Livestock Inspector and valid for multiple trips to Dec.31 of the current year (replaces manifests and can be used repeatedly throughout the year).

Horses traveling within Alberta:
- Require a manifest, Horse Permit, or ‘A’ Form for every trip, unless going directly to or from the veterinarian. 

Horses crossing provincial borders:
- Require a Horse Permit or ‘A’ Form, and must be inspected by an Alberta Livestock Inspector.
- Alberta and BC have a reciprocal agreement, allowing for example - traveling to a show or rodeo, and returning within a few days – the home province Horse Permit or ‘A’ Form is all that is required. 
- If the trip includes multiple destinations in the other province, then an inspection in that province is also required.

Horses crossing into the US:
- Require a Horse Permit or ‘A’ Form, and must be inspected by an Alberta Livestock Inspector.
- Require mandatory blood tests and a veterinary inspection (see contact information for current regulations).
- Prior to the trip, contact the Livestock Inspection Service in every state you plan to enter or cross – each state has its own regulations and restrictions – and in some cases, you will not be allowed to go through some states.
- Prior to leaving Canada, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for re-entry requirements and restrictions.

For all horses being transported:
In addition to carrying the manifest, Horse Permit, or ‘A’ Form, the transporter must carry proof of ownership. If a horse is branded with a brand that horse owner has registered in his name, this is considered proof of ownership. If the horses have no brand, or a brand not owned by the horse owner, then a bill of sale or registration papers in the name of the current owner are acceptable proof of ownership, and must accompany the horses.

There are substantial fines for not following the regulations, for instance:
- incomplete manifest, or false information, or incorrect description, up to $1000.00 fine
- an altered manifest, without consent of the owner, up to $1000.00 fine
- buying, selling or shipping in a name other than the owner, up to $1000.00
- transporting without inspection where inspection is required, up to $5000.00

For further information, please contact:
Livestock Identification Services 403-509-2088    website: http://www.lis-alberta.com  Calgary, AB
Ownership Identification Inc. (OII) 250-314-9686    website: http://www.ownership-id.com Kamloops, BC
Inspection and Regulatory Management Branch, Saskatchewan Agriculture & Food
306-784-4264 website: http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) (403) 292-5828 website:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toc/exporte.shtml
  Passport Questions and Answers
Q. What type of picture is required for a passport?
We need a 4” x 6” colour photo of the horse, no tack on the horse, no people in this picture, the horse must be visible from ear to hooves, and the face must be facing the camera.
Q.Can I use a digital photo?
Yes, you can use a digital photo, as long as the picture is clear, and we can see all of the horse’s markings.
Q.What other documents do I need to bring?
You need to bring “Proof of Ownership” papers. If the horse is imported you will also need to bring a copy of the Official print out of the complete Performance Record issued by the National Federation of the originating country.
Q.How often do I have to renew my passport?
You must renew your passport every year. We can renew your passport at the AEF office, or you can send the passport into Equine Canada.
Q.How much is a passport?
The cost of a passport is $78.25 (includes GST)

Q.When is my Passport Valid?
Your Passport becomes valid after you have the Identification page of the Passport, completed and signed by a Veterinarian.

At the Alberta Equestrian Federation office we are not permitted to do change of ownership, or name change. For FEI leases you will have to contact Equine Canada at 1-613-248-3433
Q. What is the difference between an Affiliate and an Association Membership?
An Affiliate is defined as an equine or equestrian society or association not having provincial jurisdiction. The Affiliate membership fee is $30.00. 

An Association is defined as those organizations having provincial jurisdiction over an equine breed, activity or interest, each of which will have met the following qualifications.
i) Filed an application in writing recognizing the Provincial aims and objectives of the Alberta Equestrian Federation 
ii) Filed proof, satisfactory to the Board of Directors, that the association is organized democratically and represents and is recognized by the majority of the equine and equestrian associations within its terms of reference.
iii) Filed proof, that its National Parent body recognizes it as the Provincial representative for the equine and equestrian activities within its terms of reference or by its members.
iv) Be registered under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta unless prevented from doing so by the constitution of the National Parent body.
Each Association is entitled to one seat on the AEF Board of Directors. The annual Association membership fee is $75.00.

Both Affiliates and Associations are entitled to preferred Insurance rates from our insurance provider, Capri Insurance. In addition, your organization’s website will be linked to the AEF site and your events, clinics and shows can advertised on the AEF site.
Q. Where can I find the Alberta Equestrian Federation Bylaws?
Right here - AEF Bylaws
Copyright:  Alberta Equestrian Federation
5/9/2008 : 2:51:11 PM