Code to recommend what, when and how to perform procedures with as little pain as possible
Pain management for common practices such as branding, dehorning and castration will be a major recommendation in Canada’s new beef cattle code of practice. The code should be released later this summer and focuses on the humane treatment of animals. It is not mandatory but makes recommendations on handling pain, including consulting with veterinarians on […] Read moreTag Archives animal welfare
U.S. producers take stand on gestation stalls
Vow to fight one-sided story | Some hog producer organizations say animal rights lobbyists are pushing a vegetarian agenda
DES MOINES, Iowa — American hog farmers are not giving up their gestation stalls. A mood of defiance has gripped some producers, who believe consumers and retailers can be turned into stall supporters if they learn more about their benefits. “A fully informed consumer will make the right choice,” National Pork Producers Council president Randy […] Read more
Animal rights groups hail proposed pig code as victory
Both animal rights and animal welfare representatives greeted the proposed new pig code for Canada as a victory for the concerns they have highlighted and campaigned about. But even if their main concerns are satisfied by the proposed changes, members of both wings of animal advocacy say they hope to bring further changes. “We see […] Read more
Producers urged to embrace animal welfare changes
Dr. Darrell Dalton used to teach his clients about improved animal health while working on their horses. These days, those informal chats include reminders about improved animal welfare on the farm. Dalton is the interim registrar for the Alberta Veterinary Medicine Association. Part of his job is working with groups such as Alberta Farm Animal […] Read more
Olymel phases out gestation stalls
Canada’s second largest food processor plans to phase out gestation stalls within 10 years. Olymel announced the decision in its annual report and says 10 years should give producers enough time to retrofit barns. “It is in the interest of everyone to do the change because mostly clients and consumers are requesting it,” said company […] Read more
Rise in cruelty cases due to weather: SPCA
The number and severity of livestock cruelty cases are much higher this winter compared to last year, according to the Saskatchewan SPCA. Cases involving cattle increased 89 percent to 34 this winter (December 2012 to February 2013) from 18 last winter, while cases involving horses increased 76 percent to 58 from 33. Kaley Pugh, the […] Read more
Farmers told to use personal approach in promoting sector
Farm organizations must stress industry values when fighting back against growing criticism over issues as diverse as subsidies, animal welfare and food safety, says an American dairy industry player. Stan Erwine, vice-president of Dairy Management Inc., told the annual Dairy Farmers of Canada conference Feb. 7 that it isn’t good enough for the industry to […] Read more
Handling livestock emergencies
First responders get help | Trailers are designed to improve animal and human safety
RED DEER — Five emergency livestock trailers are available in Alberta to help capture stray animals and deal with livestock involved in an accident, natural disaster, building collapse or vehicle rollover. Lorna Baird, executive director of Alberta Farm Animal Care, said the millions of head of livestock that are transported each year means trailers are […] Read more
New equine code of practice to be more explicit
Geoff Urton has an egregious example of why Canada needs a new equine code of practice. The animal welfare manager for the British Columbia SPCA recalls a Vancouver Island case in which a man attempted to kill a horse by hanging it by the neck from a front-end loader. “No self respecting farmer who had […] Read more
Pain relievers speed recovery from scours, dehorning
The increasing interest in animal welfare means any products that can relieve pain, de-crease inflammation and reduce fever are welcome additions to the tools available to veterinarians to treat clinical disease. They also may have a place in controlling post surgical pain or inflammation that might occur with castration or dehorning. Better control of pain, […] Read more
