Draft sheep Code of Practice released for public comment
Draft sheep Code of Practice released for public comment
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
(Lacombe, AB) August 10, 2026 – The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Canadian Sheep Federation are pleased to announce the launch of the public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep.
The public comment period allows stakeholders - including producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the welfare of sheep - to review the draft Code and provide input that will inform the final version, recognizing that perspectives and experiences across Canada are diverse.
The draft Code and the public comment system are now accessible here. All comments must be submitted through the online system to ensure feedback is consistently reviewed. The public comment period will close on October 9, 2026.
Following the close of the comment period, the Code Committee will review and consider the submitted feedback, and the final sheep Code of Practice will be released in 2027.
A Scientific Committee report summarizing research conclusions on welfare‑related topics of high applicability to the Code (priority welfare issues) can be found here. This peer‑reviewed report informed the Code Committee’s deliberations by grounding discussions in the best available research, consistent with NFACC’s science‑informed approach.
“The Code Committee has worked hard for the past two years developing the draft Code,” says Fred Baker, Ontario sheep producer and Chair of the Code Committee. “We hope farmers take the time to read, consider the implications, and to comment on the contents of the draft Code. Comments help guide the committee in the end stages of adjusting the Code for final publication.”
"We’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people to improve sheep welfare in Canada”, says Sadie Parr, World Animal Protection representative on the Code Committee. "With input from the public, we hope to continue advancing farm animal welfare to reflect Canadian values."
Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals are the result of a unique, consensus‑based, multi‑stakeholder approach that supports respectful dialogue, evidence‑based decision‑making, and shared accountability. This Code’s update is led by a 14‑person Code Committee that includes participants from across Canada; producers, animal welfare and enforcement officials, researchers, veterinarians, and government representatives. More information on the Code process is available at https://www.nfacc.ca/code-development-process.
The sheep Code is one of five Codes of Practice currently being updated. Codes of Practice serve as the national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices, supporting continuous improvement and public trust in responsible animal care.
NFACC values open, respectful engagement and encourages all interested parties to participate in the public comment process as part of an ongoing national dialogue on farm animal care.
Financial support was provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
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 and operates as a division of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.
About the Canadian Sheep Federation
The Canadian Sheep Federation champions the growth, prosperity, and resilience of Canada’s sheep industry. We unite producers under a national voice, advocate for science-based policies, and lead initiatives that safeguard animal health, enhance market opportunities, and strengthen rural communities. For more information about CSF, please visit www.cansheep.ca.
