June 2013

This month’s issue of FarmSense is focused on pig housing and the development of new pig welfare policies in Canada. There are some new developments in store for the Canadian pork industry, and we are happy to give you an inside look as to what to expect this year.

Also in this edition of FarmSense, the SPCA Certified program welcomes Hazelsprings Organics Farm, and we welcome a new BC SPCA staff member, Meghan Collins, who has taken the role of SPCA Certified Program Administrator.

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.

New Canadian Code of Practice for Pigs released for public input

Millions of pigs are raised on Canadian farms annually. In Canada, a national Code of Practice governs the standards of care for pigs.

The BC SPCA is fortunate to have veterinarian and animal welfare expert, Dr. Carol Morgan, at the Code table advocating for higher standards. Her work with farm industry reps and stakeholders is paying off.

A new draft Code for Pigs was recently released with public input due by Aug. 3. Don’t miss your chance to comment!

These hooves were made for walkin'—and soon that’s what they’ll do!

For decades, the gestation crate has been the international industry standard for housing pregnant female sows on commercial pig farms, but not for much longer it seems.

Consumers have taken a stand against gestation crate use and major pork retailers like Safeway and Superstore are changing their buying practices to meet consumer demand. So what does this mean for pig farming?

Early detection and prevention of lameness in sows

“Nature is cruel, but we don’t have to be!” says Dr. Temple Grandin. Lameness, a debilitating condition that affects animal mobility, has a significant impact on both animal health and producer profitability. However, this condition can be easily prevented and managed if the appropriate assessment techniques are followed.

Find out more about lameness and the ways to properly detect, assess and manage this condition.

New device aids in the humane euthanasia of piglets

Within the hog industry, it is common practice to dispatch a piglet who has sustained life threatening injuries by “thumping” the animal on a concrete surface or striking the animal with a blunt object.

A new device called call the Zephyr-E, manufactured by Bock Industries, is an instant kill air powered captive bolt tool that removes the guess work out of the force necessary to humanely kill piglets up to 9 kg (20 lbs).

For more information visit the BC SPCA’s website resources for farmers. 

Hazelsprings Organics Farm now SPCA Certified!

Hazelsprings Organics Farm is a small organic egg farm in Chilliwack, B.C. The Clarke’s vision is to provide their birds with as natural an environment as possible, and a high quality of life.

Hazelsprings takes pride in maintaining a high standard of care and welfare for their animals as well as operating their farm under organic standards since establishing their facility in 1990.

A warm welcome to Hazelsprings Organics and the Clarke’s!

SPCA Certified and farmers’ markets:  a perfect match!

Farmers’ markets are a perfect way to give your direct support to a SPCA Certified farmer. 

From early summer until fall, farmers’ markets feature SPCA Certified chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb, cheeses and cage-free eggs. It’s the perfect time to meet the farmers, ask questions and purchase ethical products all in one go!

More…

SPCA Certified program welcomes Meghan Collins

While the SPCA Certified Program continues to develop, and expand the program nationally, so does the BC SPCA Farm department.

This past March, Meghan Collins was hired as the SPCA Certified Program Administrator to provide general administrative support to the program, certified member management and volunteer coordination. Meghan comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural sciences from the University of Guelph, and a background in equine husbandry, risk assessment and customer service.

Hungry for knowledge?

In Canada, people engaged in farm animal welfare issues are fortunate to have a wide range of resources about advancements in farm animal welfare available to them.

NewStream Farm Animal Care e-newsletter was recently launched as part of the Alberta Farm Animal Care Information Leadership Initiative.

Recent topics included Tim Horton’s approach to contentious animal welfare issues and related public attitudes.

2013 Events Calendar

Check out a list of upcoming 2013 events and links to past events where publications and reference materials can be found.