Update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle opens with a survey
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release:
(Ottawa) 29 March 2019 –The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is pleased to announce that in January 2019, Dairy Farmers of Canada initiated a regular update to the 2009 Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle. The update will be guided by NFACC’s Code development process.
The Code development process includes a survey to capture top-of-mind welfare topics from any and all stakeholders. The input received will help the Code Development Committee understand the various elements of animal welfare people wish to see considered in the update. Everyone is invited to participate; the survey for the dairy cattle Code is available at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/dairy-cattle.
Canada’s Codes of Practice are guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They reflect our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices and serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs.
“Dairy farmers have always been committed to providing excellent care for their cattle, and we are looking forward to updating our Code of Practice to reflect the most recent science and best farm practices. Farmers continue to demonstrate their commitment for animal care through proAction®, our quality assurance program,” said Pierre Lampron, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada.
“The NFACC Code development process is based on stakeholder commitment to ensure quality animal care standards are established,” said Ryder Lee, Chair of NFACC. “It is a uniquely robust approach that brings together practical expertise, public expectations, and the latest science into an achievable reality.”
Three Codes – transportation, dairy cattle, and goats – are being updated and a new farmed finfish Code is being developed. Visit www.nfacc.ca for more details and a timeline outlining the steps and progress made on the various Codes.
Funding for this project has been provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal–provincial–territorial initiative.
About NFACC
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 in Canada. For more information, visit www.nfacc.ca.
About DFC
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canada’s farmers. DFC strives to create stable conditions for the Canadian dairy sector, today and in the future. It works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy farming and promote dairy products and their health benefits. For more information visit www.dairyfarmers.ca.
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For more information contact:
Jackie Wepruk, General Manager, National Farm Animal Care Council
Phone: 403-783-4066, nfacc@xplornet.com, www.nfacc.ca
Lucie Boileau, Director of Communications, Dairy Farmers of Canada
Phone: 613-236-9997, lucie.boileau@dfc-plc.ca, www.dairyfarmers.ca
