A landmark animal-rights court case in Manitoba centers on whether Carolyle Farms, a horse exporter, should be held liable for a December 2022 shipment of live horses to Japan that exceeded the federally mandated 28-hour maximum transport time without food, water, and rest. The shipment faced delays and rerouting due to blizzard conditions, during which three horses fell. Animal Justice, the organization pursuing the rare private prosecution, argues that the exporter is responsible for the entire journey and failed to have adequate contingency plans as required by Canada’s Health of Animals Regulations to prevent animal suffering.

Animal-rights advocates demonstrated outside the courthouse, seeking a guilty conviction and urging the federal government to end live horse exports for slaughter, a promise made in 2021. While Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) veterinarians testified about approving the rerouted flight to minimize harm, the prosecution maintains that the exporter should have ensured proper care throughout the journey. The defense is not calling witnesses, and closing statements are scheduled for the following day.