CALGARY – A teacher’s manual compiled by the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be rewritten following concerns raised by the livestock industry.
The 50-page resource manual for Grades 7-12 was distributed to about 100 teachers at conventions and through the mail.
It was released for the first time last spring and was criticized by animal agriculture groups who said the manual contained out-of-date and biased material that reflected badly on the industry.
SPCA spokesperson Neil McDonald said the manual is being rewritten and should be ready in time for spring teachers’ conventions. Before it’s released the revised edition will be reviewed by livestock industry groups like the Alberta Foundation for Animal Care.
Read Also
The Western Producer Livestock Report – August 28, 2025
Western Producer Livestock Report for August 28, 2025. See U.S. & Canadian hog prices, Canadian bison & lamb market data and sales insights.
Reflect co-operation in industry
“The changes that we’re making represent the change in direction in the way we would like to deal with industry in a more co-operative way,” said McDonald.
Jim Feist, chair of the foundation, said it wants to work with the SPCA and give students the truth about animal agriculture and explanations of certain practices.
“We both have the same end agenda and that’s for the humane transportation and proper animal welfare,” he said.
Material outdated
Industry representatives who met recently with the SPCA said they were concerned because the manual contained information from animal rights’ groups’ including organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They also said some of the material was out of date and did not reflect what happens in Canada.
“The overall approach they had used … perhaps did not give teachers the balanced message,” said Jane Carlyle. She represents the Alberta Egg Producers Board and is a member of the Alberta Foundation for Animal Care.
The manual explains the function of the SPCA, how it enforces the Animal Protection Act and outlines its public education policy.
It also listed videos available for classroom use, suggestions for debate topics and workshops for teachers to introduce questions about the humane treatment of animals on the farm, in zoos and as pets. Trapping, animals as entertainment and animals used in medical or cosmetic research are also included as topics for discussion among students.
