Animals on the Farm

Gestation Stall and Battery Cage Phase outs!

Recently several fast food companies, retailers and producers have committed to phasing out the use of gestation stalls for pigs and battery cages for hens. This chart provides you with an overview of who is doing what, and what is happening in other countries.

Download the chart

The CFHS was formed in 1957 out of concern for the welfare of animals being slaughtered for food. At that time there were no regulations addressing the slaughter of animals. The Federation took on the issue and was influential in the introduction of the federal Humane Slaughter of Food Animals Act in 1959.

The CFHS continues to play a crucial role in farm animal welfare in Canada. As a founding member of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), the CFHS advocates for continual improvements to the standards for farm animal care that are included in Canada’s voluntary codes of practice.

The CFHS also campaigns for improvements to various regulations that cover the treatment of farm animals. For instance, our current campaign on livestock transportation seeks to end the unnecessary suffering of farm animals that are regularly transported for up to two days straight in overcrowded trucks with no food, water or ventilation.

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The CFHS Welcomes the Release of the Pig Code for Public Comment

The CFHS is the only national animal welfare organization who directly negotiates with farmers and other stakeholders to improve on-farm conditions for pigs through the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC). Today (June 1, 2013) the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs was released for public comment. It is an important document that makes firm requirements outlining how pigs must be cared for. With regards to the controversial use of gestation stalls, the Pig Code allows for limited stall use (up to 35 days each cycle). While the CFHS continues to advocate for industry to move to 100% stall free housing, we support the significant step forward this code takes by reducing the reliance on stalls. The new Pig Code also outlines pain control measures for castration and tail docking that are some of the most progressive in the world. As well as a requirement for environmental enrichment for all animals. The CFHS hopes to receive broad input from the general public, industry and other stakeholders to ensure this Code improves animal welfare and reflects the values of Canadians. To set up an interview with CFHS CEO Barbara Cartwright, or for more information please call (613) 291-0862

Submit your comments on the Pig Code

Press Release – Pig Welfare set to improve in Canada
Buy your Choose Adoption stamps today before they’re all ‘adopted’ to good homes!

Our Choose Adoption stamps are almost sold out! That’s almost 5 million stamps sold since their launch in April. The CFHS is selling these stamps as a fundraiser to help us continue our work on behalf of companion animals. To order your stamps from the CFHS Click here.

The Making of the ‘Choose Adoption’ stamp set!

Here’s a behind the scenes look at some of the work that went into the making of the CFHS Choose Adoption stamps. Click here.