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In 1980 the CFHS identified the need for standards concerning the treatment of animals on Canadian farms. At the time there were laws governing the transport and slaughter of animals, but nothing governing the treatment of animals on the farm. The CFHS was interested in pursuing legislation, but agreed to a compromise of developing Codes of Practice, which establish some standards for on-farm husbandry. With funding from the federal government, the CFHS coordinated the development of Codes during the 1980’s, using a committee consisting of representatives from the producer group, veterinarians, scientists, and the government.
The Codes focused specifically on the need for adequate air, water, and feed; safe housing and sufficient spaces; regular supervision and effective health care; and sensible handling. In 1993 the Minister of Agriculture asked the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council (CARC) to lead the Code development in cooperation with the CFHS.
The Codes were established as voluntary guidelines to encourage producers and transporters to raise the standard of treatment for the animals in their care. Codes were chosen over legislation because they could be developed and revised more quickly and cost-effectively. They were established with the expectation that they would be reviewed every 5 years and revised according to new scientific knowledge and technological advances.
The government suspended funding for Codes in 2002 and instead, funded a consultation process involving various stakeholders to discuss animal welfare concerns in the Canadian livestock industry. This process resulted in the formation of the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), of which the CFHS is a founding member. One of the specific objectives for NFACC was to propose a new process for Codes or on-farm standards.
Some of the general criticisms of the old Codes were the lack of scientific basis, lack of adherence to the Codes, and lack of enforcement. NFACC is recommending that Codes be based on the most current scientific research.
The CFHS recognizes the positive changes being recommended by NFACC; however, we believe that any new Codes will not improve animal welfare unless they are linked to a verification program that ensures the Codes are being followed. The CFHS is concerned that NFACC is dominated by the livestock industry and that actual improvements in animal welfare will not occur, and is calling for NFACC to develop a framework for a third party auditing system, similar to the program used to audit producers for on-farm food safety.
In addition to establishing a minimum standard of care, the CFHS believe the Codes should include best practices to encourage producers to develop the highest level of farm animal care. Both the minimum standards and recommended best practices should include measurable components to allow for verification that they are being followed.
The CFHS firmly believes that the issues raised above are vital to the success of the Codes and that these elements will benefit industry in the long run by enabling them to give consumers the assurance that their animals are treated well. The CFHS is committed to continued involvement with NFACC and will continue to push for a Code process that will raise the standard of farm animal welfare in Canada.
Codes have been developed for deer, sheep, beef, pigs, poultry, veal calves, horses, ranched mink, ranched fox, dairy cattle, transportation, and bison but none have been updated since 2002. Some have not been revised since the 1980’s or early 90’s.
