Farmed Mink Code 5-year Review 

The mink Code was released in 2013. A 5-year review was completed by a Code Technical Panel in 2018.

The Code Technical Panel’s recommendation for the mink Code of Practice was that an amendment be initiated and Canada Mink Breeders Association has initiated this process.

Major challenges identified that warrant Code amendments include:

  • Pen sizes
  • Access to nest boxes
  • Reference to the proper method of catching a mink and lifting from its pen
  • Euthanasia methods

Moderate challenges that should be addressed at some point include:

  • Identification of body condition extremes, i.e., over and under conditioned mink

CODE AMENDMENT TIMELINE

Start: January 2020 
Public comment period: October to December 2020 
Projected completion: March 2021

Code Amendment Committee members

Participants are defined as per NFACC’s Guiding Principles for Codes of Practice. Caroline Ramsay has been retained to facilitate the mink Code amendment process.

Organization/Role

Representative

Canada Mink Breeders Association (CMBA)

Matt Moses (Chair)

Canada Mink Breeders Association

Catherine Moores

Canada Mink Breeders Association

Rob Bollert

Canada Mink Breeders Association

David Williams

Canada Mink Breeders Association

Tom McLellan

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Dave MacHattie

Animal Welfare Representative*

Dr. Rebecca Meagher

Government of Nova Scotia

Dr. Andrew Morrison

Retail

CMBA requested a retail/fur auction representative, but the position was not filled.

Transporter

Not applicable

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Dr. Daniel Schwartz

Researcher/academic

Dr. Georgia Mason

Researcher/academic

Dr. Jamie Ahloy Dallaire

Technical expert/auditor

Penny Lawlis

* CMBA requested a nominee from national animal welfare organizations affiliated with NFACC but the position was not filled through these channels