Farm Animal Welfare in Canada and the Codes of Practice - Backgrounder

In June 2002, the "Federal-Provincial-Territorial Framework Agreement on Agricultural and Agri-Food Policy for the 21st Century" was signed. In the national dialogue which was part of the process of developing the framework, a number of participants advocated the specific inclusion of farm animal welfare within the new policy architecture.

This is Canada's first workshop of such magnitude on farm animal welfare. It will bring together a diverse group of representatives from all sectors. It will create opportunities to: share information and perspectives; explore current and emerging issues; consider how best to develop, disseminate and implement Canadian farm animal welfare standards (e.g. Codes of Practice); in order to draft an action plan that builds on the solid foundation of Canadian farm animal care.

Evolving Consumer Demands and the Agri-Food Sector Response

Increasingly, good animal welfare practices are perceived as important by consumers. There is increasing demand for assurances that animals from which food is derived have been humanely managed. The agri-food chain is responding:

• major commercial buyers, at processing and retail levels, are obliging suppliers to meet specific animal welfare standards
• two recent well-attended workshops, one organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council, and the other by the Alberta Farm Animal Care Council, are further evidence of a national interest in setting a course for the future of farm animal welfare in Canada
• voluntary labelling programs, which seek to identify products as derived from humanely raised animals, are growing in number and popularity
• in a unique and powerful collaboration, the U.S. Food Marketing Institute and the National Council of Chain Restaurants are working with producers, processors and independent experts to develop and implement, across the U.S. retail sector, science-based, species-specific "best practices" that ensure animal well-being throughout production and processing. A measurable audit process is also being planned
• on the international front, farm animal welfare has the potential of becoming a market access issue, particularly in EU markets. The World Organization for Animal Health has begun the process of incorporating farm animal welfare guidelines and programs into its work program, in response to a growing interest in the well being of animals used for food production. In addition to this, farm animal welfare has become an issue in various committees at the World Trade Organization (e.g., WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Committee). Canada's current voluntary framework for farm animal welfare issues is entirely consistent with our international commitments at the WTO.

Current Canadian Legislation, Codes and Other Practices

Legislation

Criminal Code of Canada (Federal)

aimed at morally reprehensible, criminal acts against animals, the cruelty-to-animals provisions prohibit neglect, and wilful and malicious hurting or killing. Bill C-15B, which is currently before the Senate, would up-date animal cruelty provisions and strengthen penalty options; it would not make unlawful animal husbandry practices that are lawful under the Criminal Code today.

Health of Animals Act (Federal)

the Act provides for the humane transportation of all animals in Canada by all modes of transport by specifying, among others, conditions for loading and unloading, feeding and watering, transit duration, rest periods, bedding, and medical care for animals compromised in transit.

Meat Inspection Act (Federal and Provincial)

the federal Act sets standards for the humane handling and slaughter of food animals at plants whose products may be exported or sold inter-provincially or internationally. Provinces and territories have similar legislation covering some or all plants whose products will be sold only in the home province.

Other Provincial/Territorial Legislation

various provinces have legislation relating to animal cruelty, and some have more specific regulations that address particular farm animal species and the conditions under which they must be managed.

Codes

Recommended Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals

the Codes of Practice are a series of nationally developed species-specific voluntary guidelines intended to encourage welfare-oriented farm animal management and handling practices. Originating with and initially managed by Agriculture Canada and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Codes were developed and have been up-dated with input from the industry, scientists, transporters, veterinarians, animal welfare agencies and government.

In 1995, the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council assumed responsibility for managing the Codes. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the industry and other stakeholders have provided funding and in-kind support.

Other Practices

In addition to complying with legislation, and being guided by the Codes of Practice, Canadian producers advance farm animal welfare through continuous learning and adaptation, and via on-farm quality assurance programs that include farm animal welfare components.

New Demands and Ongoing Challenges

The market place is now placing greater emphasis not only on food safety, but also on various quality attributes such as farm animal welfare. Increasingly, it is not adequate to say that something is being done or that expectations are being met. More and more, proof is being demanded, either on the retail label, or by the buyer of bulk inputs. Among other major issues are:

• genetic engineering;
• the wide range of views (animal welfare, animal rights) in society about the proper treatment of animals; and
• communications about where we are now.

The Workshop

Evolving market demands and new developments in science and technology prompt questions about the effectiveness of current methods of addressing farm animal welfare in Canada. To explore the issues and implications more fully, AAFC and the CFIA have organized this workshop on the policy direction for Canadian farm animal welfare.

The workshop will provide stakeholders with a forum to express their commitment to and concerns about farm animal welfare generally and the Codes of Practice specifically. It will create an opportunity to identify and consider alternatives for promoting farm animal management and handling practices and standards. It is expected to assist in the development of an action plan that builds on the solid foundation of Canadian farm animal care and responds to the future. The outcome of the workshop will be summarized in a report for use by participants, both individually and through the various stakeholder collaborative bodies, in considering future directions and efforts in regard to farm animal welfare.