Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters

Animal welfare standards for farmed animals 

A letter from Carmina Gooch on June 16, 2014, to BC  politicians, including Agriculture Minister, Norm Letnick, and Premier Christy Clark. 

I am writing in regard to the shocking video cruelty of dairy cows exposed by Mercy For Animals Canada in an undercover investigation at Canada’s largest dairy farm, Chilliwack Cattle Sales. The egregious abuse caught on film is both sickening and scandalous. 

In April, 2012, after the gruesome details of the Whistler sled dog case emerged, all recommendations by the task force were adopted by the province and included “a new regulatory authority that would define new mandatory standards of animal care.” Premier Christy Clark declared, “British Columbians have said clearly that cruel or inhumane treatment of sled dogs or any other animal is simply not acceptable.” So, why haven’t we seen government taking an active role in animal protection issues? 

Did you know that not one industry group representing the interests of rabbits has contacted the National Farm Animal Care Council indicating its interest in developing a Code of Practice?  

It is imperative that animal welfare and ethics for all animals be integrated into law. Groups like the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies have long been pushing for a system of independent, third-party audits of all farms across the country and mandatory codes of practice. Industry cannot, and should not be policing itself. We’ve seen abuse after abuse in every single case of an animal welfare group infiltrating an agricultural farm. Non-compliance with existing standards has been proven time and time again.  

The public is increasingly demanding oversight and transparency of the industry, and it would be in the best interest of industry groups to respond. We’ve already seen boycotts of Saputo and Dairyland resulting from this latest investigation.

Please create legal standards for ALL farmed animals to give them at least some protection. Additionally, incorporate the Canadian Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act so the standards can be enforced in law. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have all enshrined the standards into their provincial legislation.

I look forward to a response on this important matter.

Comment: Several emails have been sent since, with no response from either the premier or the agriculture minister. Responses have been received from our MLA, Jane Thornthwaite, and a few  others.

Read more: B.C. Gov't Moving to Keep Farm Disease Outbreaks Secret; Bill 37 shelved!; update AHA revised

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