May 2011

Dear Friend,

Alyssa, Geoff and Brandy
The BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Team 

PS. You can help spread awareness about the BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare department and our many programs. Forward this email to friends and colleagues.

Feature Story

Debating Animal Transportation

Reprinted with permission from Beef in BC Magazine. 

The Government of Canada is cracking down on those who mistreat and improperly transport livestock by more than doubling current fines – the first increase in over 10 years. Effective immediately, administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) of up to $10,000 can be imposed, more than doubling the previous maximum penalty of $4,000, on those who violate the Health of Animals Act.

“The agriculture industry knows that a healthy farm and processing business begins with healthy animals and while the majority handles and transports animals safely, a few need to do better,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Our Government is providing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency [CFIA] with the tools it needs to impose tougher fines and improve animal welfare.

Download the full article.

Ryder Lee (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association) provides a cattle industry perspective on the issues surrounding animal protection and transport law in “Industry Doesn’t Wait on Government”.

Geoff Urton (BC SPCA) provides a public perspective on these issues in “Public Judgment on Animal Transportation.”

 
Did you know?

The BC SPCA, in partnership with many experts, has created a number of resources for farmers!

All resources can be accessed from our newly created 
‘Resources for farmers’ section of our website. 

Other relevant links:

Beef in BC Magazine website

Research in Focus

This month’s Research in Focus takes a closer look at farm animal transport research conducted in Canada, and how improper practices can affect animal welfare. 

Dr. Jon Watts (University of Saskatchewan) asks “How are the Chickens Affected?”

Reynold Bergen (Beef Cattle Research Council) asks “How are the Cattle Affected?”

Other useful links:

Applied Knowledge

Although not as commonly discussed as other farm animal transport issues, emergency response procedures following a livestock carrier accident is crucial knowledge for any livestock hauler.  With thousands of farm animals being transported around the country on a daily basis, motor vehicle accidents involving livestock carriers are bound to happen.  In the article “Caring for Animal Welfare during Accidents”, livestock handling specialist Jennifer Woods discusses the importance of having emergency response procedures in place, should such accidents occur.

Some animals should not be transported because of their age or condition.  Sick or injured animals, distressed animals and animals that are very young or old fall within this group of ‘compromised animals’.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published a brochure titled ‘Livestock Transport Requirements in Canada’ that helps farmers to distinguish between those animals that should and should not be transported, and those requiring added care during their journey.

Other useful links:

A Certified Livestock Transport (CLT) training course is available to haulers around the country.  For more information on the course or how to receive training, please visit the CLT website.

SPCA Certified Updates 

Official release of SPCA Certified promotional videos!

The BC SPCA has created three short videos to promote the SPCA Certified program, each tailored to specific audiences. The videos were released on March 31, 2011 and are available on the BC SPCA website.

For farmers, the “Certified Makes Farm Sense” video includes a series of interviews with SPCA Certified members who speak about their own operations and why they’ve chosen to become Certified.  A food retailer and a restauranteur also speak about their reasons for choosing to sell SPCA Certified food products.

For consumers, the “SPCA Certified” video provides information on the certification program and features some of the farms currently participating.

For the general public, the “How It Works” video provides a snapshot of a SPCA Certified farm assessment (i.e. inspection).  A simulated farm assessment is conducted by a 3rd party Validator who explains her role and duties during the inspection to the farmer (and to the viewing audience).

Further information on the SPCA Certified program, the farms and farmers involved, as well as information on where you can buy SPCA Certified food products can also be found on our website.

Read the full news story and view videos.

The SPCA Certified red barn label is your assurance that a product meets the BC SPCA’s high standards for farm animal welfare.

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