The BC SPCA

Having trouble viewing this email? Read it online in a web browser.

FarmSense Header, banner

Share this newsletter with your social network: Facebook Twitter More...

June 2014

Dear friend,

Summer is fast approaching, and with that comes a busy season for Canadian Agriculture. In this month’s issue of FarmSense we discuss dairy cattle welfare, as well as some new regulations in store for the Canadian pork industry.

Also in this edition of FarmSense, learn about popular topics such as antibiotic use in farm animal agriculture. We also profile a new SPCA Certified farmer, George Futoransky, and his free-range pig farm located near Jarvie, Alberta. Need some farmers’ market and barbequing gear? Find out about new SPCA Certified merchandise, in store now!

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.

*************************

Horse image farmsense

BC SPCA and BC Dairy Association speak out against cruelty on Chilliwack dairy farm

In response to undercover video of horrendous abuse and neglect of animals on a Chilliwack dairy farm, the BC SPCA has recommended charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. Upon receipt of the video, the BC SPCA immediately launched an investigation and proactively involved the BC Dairy Association (BCDA) and provincial government for a collaborative approach.

The BC SPCA and BCDA are now working together to discuss recommendations for the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle to be adopted into the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act as a minimum acceptable standard.

For more details, read our press release here.

To help us promote the humane treatment of dairy cattle at spca.bc.ca/dairycattle.

To speak out against animal abuse, join our campaign at spca.bc.ca/action.

 

 

*************************

SPCA Certified goes hog wild!

For those pigs that find pleasure in napping in the crisp morning sunshine, they can be found poking their heads out of straw mounds. The sows that still have suckling piglets, have an abundance of fresh straw available to them to make their nests. This is life at George Futoransky’s Farm.

We are excited to welcome George’s farm into the SPCA Certified program. Learn more about his innovative style of raising pigs here!

 

*************************

Antibiotic uses in farming: Is there cause for concern?

The use of antibiotics in farming has been under a lot of scrutiny in recent years due to its link with drug-resistant bacteria and the related effects on human medicine, but is there really a need for concern? Read the full article here.

    

*************************

Quit stallin’: New regulations will improve the lives of pigs

Of all the major meat commodities, the pork industry has the most intensively raised production systems – this despite the high intelligence and social nature of pigs. But 2014 promises welfare improvements for pigs. Learn how the Canadian pig industry is changing, and what the SPCA Certified program is doing to take pig welfare a step further.

 

*************************

Kick off summer with SPCA Certified gear

Want to shop in style? Now you can with our new vintage style SPCA Certified grocery tote bags. Keep sauce off your clothes as you work the grill in your new SPCA Certified apron! Mugs and baseball caps also available for a limited time. Get yours from our online shop today!

 

 

*************************

SPCA Certified foods available at your local farmers’ market

Check our calendar of events to find a farmers’ market selling SPCA Certified meats, eggs and artisan cheeses near you. Don’t forget to bring along your new SPCA Certified grocery tote to show your support for the program and help spread the word about humane farming!

 

*************************

In the News

Leaders speak up on the opportunity for driving innovation that benefits animals while also supporting industry success (Meristem Land and Science: May 29, 2014)

A high forage diet helps cattle recover quickly (Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.: Accessed May 2014)

Mandatory pig movement reporting to come into effect in Canada July 1st (PigTrace Canada)

Is a guard donkey the right fit for your farm? (Modern Farmer: June 3, 2014)

 

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.

Visit the BC SPCA website

Unsubscribe | Login | Contact us | Website

 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.