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.
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.
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!
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.