“Producer perspectives from across the country help ensure the code reflects the diversity of Canadian beef production systems and remains practical for producers who raise cattle,” Canadian Cattle Association president Tyler Fulton said in a news release.

WHY IT MATTERS: The national code serves as a reference point for provincial animal enforcement officers and courts and sets a basic standard of care for beef cattle in Canada, the Canadian Cattle Association says.

The current code of practice was published in 2013. An update began in 2023 with a 15-person committee that includes representatives from the cattle, processor and transport sectors, veterinary and animal welfare experts, researchers, government representatives and others.

The process involves “respectful dialogue, evidence-based decision-making, and shared accountability,” the news release said.

The draft code of practices includes changes such as:

• Added requirements for monitoring cattle “more frequently” during heat waves and cold weather
• Added requirements for natural or man-made shelter from wind in cold weather
• Expanded guidlines around low-stress handling
• Added requirements around not branding cattle on the face or sensitive areas, and use of pain medication when branding cattle under six months old
• An added section on spaying of female cattle — a practice it says isn’t common in Canada
• Expanded requirements and information around euthanizing cattle, including acceptable methods

Public consultation is open until June 12.

Public consultations on a draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines opened on Jan. 12.

The National Farm Animal Care Council launched an update to the equine code in 2023. The revision involves consultaton with veterinary and scientific experts, producer and animal welfare representatives, and provincial and federal officials.

Changes in the draft code include:

• New rules around housing, such as a requirement for a mud management plan during wet periods and mandatory bedding depth.
• An amendment to air quality requirements by reducing the acceptable concentration of ammonia to 15 parts per million (ppm) from 25 ppm.
• Elevating the need for a working relationship with a veterinarian to requirement from a recommendation — an exception is made for areas where vets are not available, in which case a health care plan is acceptable.
• Added rules that say punishment is not acceptable in handling of horses and prohibits the use of pain and fear as training methods.
• A prohibition on selling horses for slaughter, if unfit for transportation, as an alternative to euthanasia.

The public comment period ends on March 12. The revised code is projected to be released in 2027.