A Manitoba judge dismissed a private prosecution against Carolyle Farms, a Swan River horse exporter, over a 2022 shipment of horses to Japan, ruling there was reasonable doubt the company failed to meet federal animal transport requirements. Justice Sandra Chapman found the exporter had a contingency plan in place and could not be held solely responsible for delays and disruptions that occurred after the horses were transferred to air transport, noting that responsibility for animal welfare is shared among multiple parties including the airline and other federally regulated entities.

The case arose after a flight reroute extended the horses’ journey beyond the federally mandated 28-hour limit for food, water, and rest, prompting charges from animal rights group Animal Justice. While two charges were dismissed, the charge of failing to have a contingency plan proceeded but was ultimately rejected by the judge. The ruling sets a precedent for how responsibility is divided in air export of livestock, with implications for exporters, regulators, and future enforcement actions. Animal Justice expressed disappointment and is considering an appeal.