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March 2014

Dear friend,

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.

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New Code gives pigs freedom from pain and more room to move

Horse image farmsense

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.

Learn more about Canada’s new standards for pigs.

 

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Piglets get an education from Mom

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.

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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!     

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!


 

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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.

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 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.