Government Invests In Animal Welfare

On Tuesday, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced an investment of up to $4.56 million to the Canadian Animal Health Coalition.

The investment was made on behalf of the National Farm Animal Care Council, to help update and develop codes of practice for the care and handling of farm animals.

“Our Government is proud to support the livestock and aquaculture sectors in their efforts to raise healthy, productive and well-cared animals," said MacAulay. "This investment will ensure Canadian standards are in place and up-to-date to meet new and emerging consumer and market demands, while building consumer confidence about how farmed animals are raised and transported.”

The investment will be divided between four activities including:

- Updating the transportation Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals during transport;

- Updating the dairy Code of Practice that will address new scientific findings, changes in industry practices and address changes in market and consumer demands;

- Updating the goat Code of Practice that will respond to growing buyer and consumer expectations for on-farm animal welfare; and

- Developing a new Code of Practice for farmed finfish.

The money is flowing through the AgriAssurance program, which is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.