A public comment period on the code of practice for the care and handling of goats is expected to be open for public comment on Dec. 18.
The National Farm Animal Care Council reported Dec. 2 that the update to the 2003 code is nearly ready. If posted Dec. 18, public comment will be accepted until Feb. 22.
The code development committee and its related scientific committee identified priority animal welfare issues that will be addressed in the draft. They include lameness, kid health, painful procedures, space allowance, natural behaviours and end-of-life management.
Developers also used 2019 survey results, in which 363 stakeholders responded to questions on dominant welfare concerns. The five major issues identified in that survey included housing, painful procedures, feed and water, transportation and health management.
