New Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Mink released

(Ottawa) 10 June 2013 – The Canada Mink Breeders Association (CMBA) and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) are pleased to announce the release of the new Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink. The Code is available electronically at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/mink.

“The new mink Code provides mink producers and others involved with the industry a clear reference for addressing animal care expectations from customers, the marketplace and society in general,” says Kirk Rankin, mink producer and Chair of the Code Development Committee (CDC). The CDC was comprised of producers, animal welfare and enforcement representatives, researchers, veterinarians and government representatives. The Scientific Committee included research and veterinary expertise in the welfare of farmed fur-bearing animals. “Animal care issues require balanced scientific review and consensus building. This Code represents a balance that is good for farmers and the animals in their care,” added Rankin.

The mink Code is the second of eight farm animal Codes of Practice currently under revision to be completed through the NFACC Code development process. The dairy Code, released in 2009, was the inaugural Code to be developed through the process. More information on the Code development process is available at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice.

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. They are our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices, providing a foundation for animal care assessment programs and in some provinces, regulatory activities.

Dr. Gord Finley, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association representative on the Code Committee and Chair of the Scientists’ Committee states “I am pleased to have been the veterinary representative on the Code Development Committee. This Code is an excellent tool for promoting responsible animal care standards for farmed mink in Canada.”

Funding for the Codes of Practice is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Flexibility Fund, under the Addressing Domestic and International Market Expectations Relative to Farm Animal Welfare initiative, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

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 Canada Mink Breeders Association

CMBA was constituted in 1952 as a non-profit organization with a mandate to assist, protect and advance the industry in Canada and to advance and promote the end product in both national and international fields.

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