Understanding animal welfare
With so many different types of organizations claiming to work on animal welfare issues, it’s no wonder this particular landscape can appear confusing at times. Some groups lean to the extreme animal-rights end of the spectrum, some are not registered charities, some work to protect one particular species and still others are national in name only but neither in function nor mandate. There are other ‘national’ animal protection organizations in Canada, but none with the unique structure and mandate of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) nor with a representative and respected membership in communities like yours across Canada.
The CFHS was formed in 1957 as the first and only national voice of Humane Societies/SPCAs across Canada and remains so to this day. The Federation serves as a forum through which member societies can meet to discuss issues of national importance. Together, we advocate for the universal humane treatment, care and protection of all animals. As the national office, we have two main focuses:
- to represent our community-based and provincial/territorial member societies on animal welfare issues of national importance; and,
- to support the vital work of our valued member societies in your province, territory and community.
Almost 50 years ago, the Federation was founded to bring together the voices of local Humane Societies/SPCAs in lobbying for stronger legislation to protect farm animals. We were instrumental in the enactment of the Humane Slaughter Act in 1960, just three years after the formation of the Federation. Over the past five decades, the Federation has earned its reputation and credibility as the ‘go-to’ national voice on animal welfare issues for industry, media, government and non-governmental organizations. Among its many achievements,
- the Federation was a founding member of the Canadian Council on Animal Care, which was formed in 1968 to oversee the use of animals in research.
- the Federation has been the only animal welfare organization involved in the development of Codes of Practice for the care and handling of various types of farmed animals, since the 1980’s.
- the Federation is a founding member of the National Companion Animal Coalition, formed in 1996 to address crucial companion animal issues.
- the Federation is also a founding member of the newly-formed National Farm Animal Care Council that is tasked with developing a new system for standards of care in the livestock industry.
While our Federation members provide vital and direct animal care, protection and humane education services in nine provinces and two territories across Canada, the national office plays a critical role in working towards improved legislation, regulations and standards for the care and humane treatment of animals. The Federation has been the lead national non-profit organization in pursuing amendments to the animal cruelty sections of the Criminal Code over the past two decades and is continuing with this important work. We receive no government funding or support of any kind.
No other national animal welfare organization works with and legitimately represents local and provincial Humane Societies and SPCAs in Canada. The Federation is the oldest and remains the most credible member-driven, national voice for the animal welfare movement in Canada. The next time you’re asked for support, please keep in mind these facts, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and our respected members in your community.
Print this page
