Updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs Released
March 6, 2014 (Ottawa, ON) – After three years of multi-stakeholder consultations and a 60-day public comment period that drew record-setting engagement for both diversity of perspective and number of comments, an updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs is official.
“The new Code of Practice is a significant step forward for the Canadian industry,” says Florian Possberg, pork producer and Chair of the Code Development Committee. “It is a step that recognizes the healthy and rigorous debate of a diverse group of stakeholders to constructively address pig welfare in Canada.”
Highlights of the revised Code include a full commitment to adopt loose housing for sows and gilts in all new facilities built after July 1, 2014, new pain control requirements and enhanced environmental enrichment.
The Code of Practice is a product of the National Farm Animal Care Council and the Code Development Committee, a 17-person committee comprising representatives from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, pig producers, scientists, transporters, processors, veterinarians and government.
The Code is available online at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/pigs.
“The Canadian Pork Council and its members are proud of the new Pig Code and the credibility the entire process lends to its creation,” says Jean-Guy Vincent, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “The new Code is a source of tremendous pride. It represents our commitment to the animals in our care, the sustainability of our industry, our ability to work collaboratively with a diverse stakeholder group and the leadership we provide to a global industry.”
Financial support for the Code has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.
For more information, please contact:
Gary Stordy
Public Relations Manager
Canadian Pork Council
613-236-9239 Ext. 277
stordy@cpc-ccp.com