The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies commendsThe Western Producerfor the numerous articles on animal welfare in the October editions of the paper.
Specifically, the three-page spread on sow housing in the Oct. 21 edi-tion was excellent.
All three articles provided an excellent overview of the challenges facing the pork industry in moving to housing and feeding systems that will improve welfare.
The CFHS supports a transition away from long-term housing of sows in gestation stalls. We recognize the importance of conducting research to demonstrate how loose housing should be done, to show that it will improve animal welfare if done properly, and to ensure that it can be cost effective for producers.
The CFHS is an animal welfare organization that works to improve the welfare of animals.
Our organization believes that intensive housing systems can and should be replaced by practical alternatives, but does not oppose raising animals for food.
Shelagh MacDonald,Program Director, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, Ottawa, Ont.
