Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle to be updated
April 11, 2024
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is pleased to announce that Canadian Cattle Association has initiated an update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle. The update wille guided by NFACC’s Code development process.
The Code development process includes a survey, launched at the outset of each Code, to capture top-of-mind welfare concerns from any and all stakeholders. The input received will help the Code Committee understand the kinds of issues people wish to see considered in the update. Everyone is invited to participate; the survey for this Code is available at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/beef-cattle.
“The safe care and handling of animals has always been a priority in our industry. This Code update is welcome and brings the industry into better alignment with responsible practices, many of which have been implemented by our producers. We appreciate the process and industry input involved and look forward to promoting the updated Code of Practice to our producers when completed,” stated Nathan Phinney, President, Canadian Cattle Association.
Canada’s Codes of Practice provide critical guidance for the care and handling of farm animals. They reflect our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices and serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs.
“The NFACC Code development process is based on stakeholder commitment to ensure quality animal care standards are established,” said Hans Kristensen, Chair of NFACC. “It’s about each of us taking responsibility – farmers, processors, food companies, consumers, and allied groups – moving beyond the hype and rhetoric and doing real things to support farm animal welfare.”
Five Codes – beef cattle, equine, pig, sheep, and poultry – are being updated. The pullet and layer Code is being amended. Visit www.nfacc.ca for more details and a timeline outlining the steps and progress made on the respective Codes.
About NFACC
NFACC is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care issues in Canada and operates as a Division of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.
About CCA
Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected board, CCA works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers. For more information visit www.cattle.ca.
For more information contact:
Jackie Wepruk, Division Director, National Farm Animal Care Council
Phone: 403-783-4066, nfacc@xplornet.com, www.nfacc.ca
Carol Reynolds, Communications Manager, Canadian Cattle Association
Phone: 403-451-0931 reynoldsc@cattle.ca, www.cattle.ca