New Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Veal Cattle

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release:

(Guelph) 27 November 2017 – The Canadian Veal Association (CVA) and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) are pleased to announce the release of the revised Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Veal Cattle.

Canada’s Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They serve as the foundation for ensuring that farm animals are cared for using sound management and welfare practices that promote animal health and well-being. Codes are used as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for industry animal care assessment programs.

“The Canadian Veal Association is pleased to have an updated and revised Code that will support the sustainability of the Canadian veal cattle industry and the success of our producers,” states Bob Wynands, veal producer, President of CVA, and Chair of the Code Development Committee. “Our industry's participation and leadership in the Code development process demonstrates our producers continued commitment to animal health and welfare, and dedication to responsible animal husbandry.”

Wynands added that “this Code also represents a true collaboration of industry partners and stakeholders where all voices and opinions were shared at the Development Committee in order to develop a Code that truly has the support of all involved. I am very proud of the Code that has been the result of the hard work, dedication and focused efforts of all committee members.”

NFACC’s Code development process is a uniquely consensus-based, multi-stakeholder approach that ensures credibility and transparency through scientific rigour, stakeholder collaboration, and consistency. Updates to the Veal Cattle Code were led by a 17-person Code committee comprised of veal producers, animal welfare and enforcement representatives, researchers, veterinarians and government representatives. Aiding in their work was a four-person Scientific Committee that included research and veterinary expertise in veal cattle behaviour, health and welfare. A public comment period was held in the winter of 2016 to allow the public and all stakeholders to provide input. 

Canada’s Codes of Practice are a powerful tool for meeting rising consumer, marketplace and societal expectations relative to farm animal welfare. Codes support responsible animal care practices and keep everyone involved in farm animal care and handling on the same page.

 “The new Code provides updated standards for the welfare of veal calves in Canada,” said Dr. Jeffrey Rushen, who represents the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies on the Code Committee. “The recommendations are science-informed and will evolve the welfare practices of the veal industry to better meet the needs of the animals.”

The Veal Cattle Code is the eleventh Code of Practice updated through NFACC’s Code development process. For more information on the Codes of Practice and NFACC’s Code development process visit www.nfacc.ca. The new Veal Cattle Code is available online at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/veal-cattle.  

Funding for this project has been provided through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal–provincial–territorial initiative.

 

About the National Farm Animal Care Council

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. NFACC would like to acknowledge the Canadian Animal Health Coalition (CAHC) for their role in securing funding for this project. For more information on NFACC visit www.nfacc.ca.

About the Canadian Veal Association

The Canadian Veal Association (CVA) was formed in 2009 as a partnership between Ontario and Quebec.  This joint effort has been established to advance the Canadian veal sector through proactive communication and collaboration.  The CVA represents over 95 per cent of Canada’s grain-fed and milk-fed veal production. The Canadian veal industry produces approximately 400,000 veal annually with over 1,000 veal farmers operating in both Ontario and Quebec.   

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