December 2014

Dear friend,

As the New Year approaches, we reflect on breaking issues and major accomplishments in the Canadian farming industry from throughout 2014. Also featured this month are exciting announcements about the SPCA Certified program and festive holiday recipes using SPCA Certified foods.

From all of us in the BC SPCA Farm Animal department, we wish you (and your animals) peace, happiness and the 5 Freedoms this holiday season!

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.

Harley Farms: The first Ontario farm to become SPCA Certified

It is with great pride that we welcome our first Ontario farm to the SPCA Certified program: Harley Farms. Located in Keene, Ontario, Roger, Julie, James and Emily Harley pasture-raise heritage breed pigs, sheep and cattle. “All our animals are treated and farmed with dignity, and we carry forward this respect to our natural environment, working with nature not against it!" says Roger. Learn more...

The BC SPCA takes action for dairy cattle

Since horrific acts of abuse were captured on video at a Chilliwack dairy farm this summer, the BC SPCA has been working diligently with provincial government and the dairy industry to prevent it from ever happening again in B.C. Industry auditing programs and regulatory measures are in the works to ensure the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle is implemented on every B.C. dairy farm. Lend your support at spca.bc.ca/dairyaction!

SPCA Certified welcomes Havesome Hogs to the program

In 2007, Jim Ross rolled up his sleeves, put on a pair of gumboots, and decided to learn how to become an ethical pig farmer. Thus, Havesome Hogs was born. Located in Slocan Park, B.C., the farm raises Tamworth pigs; a hardy heritage breed. “We love the fact we see these animals from start to finish. We can guarantee our hogs are treated properly throughout their lives," says Jim. Learn more…

Help the BC SPCA take action for animal in transit

On October 11^th, CTV’s W5 aired an exposé on pig abuse occurring at Western Hog Exchange; a sales yard in Red Deer, Alberta. If you are as concerned about the treatment of these animals as we are, please join us in urging the Government of Canada to Get on Board with better rules for humane animal transport by visiting spca.bc.ca/transport.

Sumas Mountain Farms adds SPCA Certified chickens to their cattle and pig certifications

At Sumas Mountain Farms, owners Trevor and Kelly Newton have been raising SPCA Certified cattle since 2010 and pigs since 2013. This year, they added broiler and layer chickens to their certification. At Sumas Mountain Farms, the chickens have lots of wide open space with plenty of natural sunshine so they can roam around, forage, and express natural chicken behaviours. Learn more…

Fighting cruelty with kindness

In 2015 the BC SPCA celebrates 120 years rescuing abused, injured and neglected animals. To show how much people care about animals, we are challenging all British Columbians to join the BC SPCA’s Million Acts of Kindness campaign. The goal is to reach one million acts of kindness to animals by year’s end! Get involved at millionacts.ca.

Christmas event at Morningstar Farm: Home of SPCA Certified Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Hay rides, carols, hot chocolate and cookies by a bonfire… what more could you ask for? Oh, did we mention the free Mooberry wine samples and SPCA Certified cheese snacks? If your interest is piqued, go check out this free event from 10:00-3:00 on December 20^th. Gift certificates and custom gift baskets also available. Contact Little Qualicum Cheeseworks directly for more information.

Become an ethical gourmet this holiday season

Tired of the same holiday dishes year after year? Why not try some of our wonderful SPCA Certified holiday-inspired recipes? Christmas tree salad, gingerbread cookies and holiday eggnog are perfect for potlucks, a sweet treat, or for family feasts. Check out our festive appetizers, entrees and desserts and find out where to buy your ingredients. Enjoy!

SPCA Certified: A year in review

Throughout 2014, approximately 225,000 animals were certified in the SPCA Certified program in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. Over half of these animals are chickens, and nearly two-thirds of the farms certified are also organic. View our 2014 year in review for more information.

In the news

Avian flu detected at 2 Fraser Valley poultry farms (CBC News, December 2, 2014)

CFIA updates on the Avian Influenza situation in B.C. and across Canada (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

What’s the story, wishbone?: The history behind the holiday wishbone breaking tradition (Modern Farmer, November 26, 2014)

Unilever ramps-up animal care standards (Meristem Land and Science, October 2, 2014)

Sow crates phase-out takes hold world wide (Meristem Land and Science, October 23, 2014)

Simulator [for euthanizing farm animals] supports animal welfare practices (ALMA, November 2014 newsletter)

Pork producers and public encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza (FarmScape, November 7, 2014)

Coca-Cola wants to buy the world a milk: Coca-Cola to launch a high-end lactose-free milk (Business Week, December 1, 2014)