National Farm Animal Care Council / Le Conseil national pour les soins aux animaux d’élevage

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle - Q&A

Q: What is the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle?

A: Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. The Codes serve as our national understanding of farm animal care requirements and recommended practices.

The Beef Cattle Code is being developed with input from producers, scientists, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, governments, and other stakeholders. It reflects science, practical experience, and public expectations. Beef producers use the Code as an important reference for how they care for their cattle.

Q: Why is the Beef Code of Practice being updated?

A: The Beef Cattle Code was released in 2013. A scheduled review was completed in 2018, and the results are available on NFACC’s website.

Since then, research has continued to develop, farming practices have changed, and there has been increased public interest in how beef cattle are raised. Updating the Code creates a shared, up‑to‑date understanding of beef cattle care in Canada.

The updated Code helps producers, industry, customers, and the public speak from the same information. Updating the Code through a collaborative process also helps address questions and concerns in a transparent, science‑informed way.  

Q: How is the Beef Cattle Code being updated?

A: NFACC uses a clear, well‑established process to update Codes of Practice.

Two committees are involved:

The Code Committee writes the draft Code.

The Scientific Committee reviews the available research on key animal welfare issues. Their report helps inform the Code Committee’s work.

The process brings together science, practical experience, regulations, and public expectations to support informed and balanced decisions. More information about the process is available on NFACC’s website.

Q: Who is involved?

A: The Code Committee includes people from across the beef cattle care system. This includes beef producers, researchers, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, transportation, enforcement, and government.

The committee has 15 members and is supported by a six‑member Scientific Committee. Having a range of perspectives helps ensure the Code is practical, science‑informed, and reflects different views on animal care. Committee member names are available on the website.

Q: When will the new Code be completed?

A: The aim of completing the new Code is for the second quarter of 2027.

Q: Do producers or the public get to have a say in this?

A: Yes. The Code Committee itself includes representation from Canada’s beef cattle sector, along with other representatives from along the value chain. In addition, the draft Code will be open for public comment starting April 13, 2026.

The public comment period gives producers, organizations, and members of the public a chance to share their views and suggest improvements. All feedback is reviewed by the Code Committee and helps inform the final Code.

NFACC sees this as an important part of an ongoing conversation about farm animal care.

Q: How are Codes used in Canada?

A: Codes of Practice are used in several ways across Canada.

Producers and industry use the Code as a guideline and baseline for caring for beef cattle. It helps describe what is generally accepted as good animal care. The Code may also be used as a reference in animal welfare cases, especially when concerns about animal distress are being assessed.

Codes are used for education as well, including for new producers and others who want to learn more about beef production. In some cases, the Code can also form the basis for programs such as on‑farm assessments, particularly when customers or buyers ask for information about how cattle are raised.

Q: What will this change on my farm or ranch?

A: Farmers and ranchers remain responsible for how their animals are cared for. The Beef Cattle Code is not mandatory and is not audited. However, it may be used as a reference by enforcement officers when assessing animal distress.

Animal care practices continue to evolve. Codes of Practice bring together current research, practical experience, and public expectations. Many producers may already meet or exceed what the Code requires or recommends. Once the Code is completed, producers are encouraged to read it and see what applies to their operation.

Q: Is the Code a government regulation?

A: No. The Code of Practice is not a law.

Codes serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for animal care assessment programs. Most Canadian provinces incorporate the Codes by reference into their animal protection regulations. On the whole, Codes provide a standard for generally recognized practices that provincial enforcement officers utilize when assessing distress. In most provinces, Code requirements do not need to be explicitly followed by law, but can be used as evidence that an offence has occurred (i.e., distress has been caused). Animal protection officers in most provinces cannot directly enforce the requirements.

Q: Who is paying for all of this?

A: Updates to Codes of Practice from 2023 to 2028 are part of a larger project focused on improving farm animal welfare through Codes of Practice.

This project receives financial support through the AgriAssurance Program, which is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The funding helps support the scientific review, committee work, and public engagement needed to update the Codes in a transparent and credible way.