In this month’s issue of FarmSense we celebrate the
accomplishment of finalizing the Pig & Sheep Code of Practice. The
standards for pig management and sow housing stirred a difficult debate,
however some farmers who are already managing their pigs without the use of
confinement housing are thrilled to observe the unique behaviours mother pigs
display when allowed to roam freely.
Also in this issue of FarmSense, learn
about the importance of keeping your horse in a well-maintained and dry housing
environment during the wettest months of the year. You can also discover the
latest in SPCA Certified, animal welfare, and agriculture industry related
news.
Sincerely,
The BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Team
P.S. You can help spread awareness about the BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare department and our many programs. Forward this email to friends and colleagues.
New Code gives pigs freedom from pain and more room to move
The new Code of Practice for the Care & Handling of Pigs is the first
significant update to Canadian pig welfare standards in more than two decades.
The Code requires that all new
barns provide group housing to sows and outlines more
than 100 clear animal care requirements, including pain relief for piglets
during tail docking and castration, enrichment and a ban on tethering
pigs.
A
comparison with the 1993 Pig Code reflects new awareness around the
science-informed needs of these highly intelligent animals. Pigs raised
according to SPCA
Certified standards receive additional welfare benefits in addition to
meeting all the requirements of the new Code.
Not many people know that female pigs have a natural instinct to build
a nest prior to giving birth. A day or two before she's ready to have her
babies, the soon-to-be-mother pig collects twigs or straw or other vegetation
from her environment to build a warm and comfortable shelter for her piglets.
Learn
more about mothering behaviour of pigs and read the real-life, heart-warming
story of a mother pig teaching her piglets the basics in home construction - as
told by SPCA Certified farmer, Jerry Kitt of First
Nature Farms.
Equine Hoof Health Management in
Winter and Spring Seasons
Be mindful of your horse’s hooves this Spring! As snow and ice begin to
melt, and spring showers follow, pastures and paddocks are sure to
become heavily saturated with water. Thankfully, horse hooves are resilient to various
environmental conditions; however, when it comes to prolonged moisture
exposure, a number of painful hoof conditions can develop.
Learn
more about properly identifying hoof damage caused by water, and how to
create a management plan to promote optimal hoof health throughout the wettest
seasons of the year!
Code for keeping sheep complete
In December
2013, a new Canadian Code of Practice for
the Care and Handling of Sheep was published that sets new minimum
standards for the welfare of sheep. As with the other new Codes of Practice,
the BC SPCA was at the table representing the animal welfare movement to
achieve these better protections for sheep across Canada.
The 2013
Sheep Code is a vast improvement over the previous Code, which had not been
updated in 18 years. Highlights include new requirements for pain control,
housing, veterinary care and calm handling.
SPCA Certified chicken served at
Surrey Gala
The 2014 Surrey Gala took place March 1st to raise funds for
the new Surrey Education and
Adoption Centre. SPCA Certified chicken, which had been graciously donated
by Tim and Flo Rempel of Rockweld
Farm, was served at the event.
Deadly virus spreads from US to
Canadian pig industry
Cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) are now confirmed in Canada.
Although PED is not a food safety issue for humans, the virus is highly
contagious to pigs with severe and often fatal results. Stay current on this
issue through the Canadian
Swine Health Board PED alert.
Lilydale facing charges for
animal cruelty
Lilydale, one of Canada’s largest poultry processors, is facing cruelty
charges for transporting chickens during freezing weather, causing the birds undue
pain and distress. Read
the story then learn
how you can help make changes to Canada’s outdated animal transport laws.
SPCA Certified merchandise for
sale in our online shop!
Now you can boast your support of the SPCA Certified program by donning
one of our comfortable organic cotton hats or sipping from our
snazzy mug. Get yours today!
Join the conversation; follow us online:
FarmSense includes news about farm animal welfare issues, research
results, and information on the BC SPCA's activities that help farm
animals in B.C. We welcome your comments and suggestions on FarmSense content. View or download previous issues of FarmSense on our website at spca.bc.ca/farmsense.
The
British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC
SPCA) is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations.
Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic,
farm and wild animals in British Columbia. BC SPCA Charitable
Registration No. BN 11881 9036 RR0001
On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.