Ottawa – The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) are pleased to announce the release of the new Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs. The Code is available electronically at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/pigs.
“This Code reflects producers’ continued commitment to animal health and welfare and dedication to responsible animal husbandry,” says Florian Possberg, chair of the pig Code Development Committee. “The groups around the table worked well together. There were many challenges to updating the Code but we worked through them methodically. We took a science-informed focus, looking at what's best for the animals but also reasonable and practical for the industry."
The Code’s development was led by a 17-person Code committee comprised of pig producers, animal welfare and enforcement representatives, researchers, transporters, processors, veterinarians and government representatives. Aiding in their work was a six-person Scientific Committee that included research and veterinary expertise in pig behaviour, health and welfare.
“This new Code of Practice is a turning point for the welfare of pigs in Canada,” said Barbara Cartwright, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the only animal welfare organization at the Code table. “It signals the end of gestation stalls, an achievement secured against significant obstacles. Pigs’ lives will also be improved by mandatory pain relief during castration and tail docking. However, we encourage producers to provide even higher standards than the Code requires.”