When livestock start showing signs of neglect, something else is going on.
Susan Church, manager of Alberta Farm Animal Care, (AFAC) says it could be the economy, marital trouble or illness, but producers don’t usually neglect their animals on purpose.
“There’s always a reason,” she said.
“Is it purely malicious intent? Rarely. In the livestock industry I can’t tell you of one.”
Yet there are reports every year, particularly in winter, of suspected cases of animal neglect.
People are generally concerned about lack of shelter or feed, or protection during transport.
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Alberta producers who feel like they are having trouble can seek assistance from the Alert Line. Concerned citizens can also call the line to report a possible problem.
The toll-free peer support line has operated for 13 years, and Church said producers often feel better if they can talk to someone who understands their issues.
“The value and beauty of our phone line is that somebody well versed in livestock raising” answers, she said.
The idea is to nip problems in the bud before a situation deteriorates to the point that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or police are called.
Poor weather can often tip a situation over the edge, she added.
AFAC provides information to producers on winter feeding, watering and shelter. It also has an on-call veterinarian service to deal with animals in distress.
Church said a team of producers will go out and check the situation when the Alert Line receives a call. The group can decide to bring in a veterinarian.
Many horse owners co-operate and accept advice without the SPCA needing to come in and remove the animals.
“A uniform can be intimidating when what the producer really needs is a helping hand,” Church said.
In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, farm and rural stress lines offer similar peer support.
Calls to the Alert Line can be anonymous, but Church said callers who do leave their names will receive a follow-up phone call to let them know what action was taken.
“We don’t want people not to call,” she said.
“The only way for us to know is for other people to call. The animals won’t call.”
The Alert Line is 800-506-2273.
Other numbers to call to report animal distress include Alberta SPCA at 800-455-9003, Saskatchewan SPCA at 877-382-7722 and the Manitoba Farm Animal Council care line at 204-945-8000.
These organizations also have websites and links to other local organizations.
