NFACC Information Update: December 2016
In this issue:
- Market Relevant Codes and Communication Leadership project update– pick your public comment period!
- Survey on priority welfare topic areas for a transportation Scientific Committee report
- Draft Standards for Optimizing Animal WelfareOutcomes during Slaughter without Stunning available for
public comment - Upcoming events
MARKET RELEVANT CODES AND COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIPPROJECT* UPDATE
Poultry (layers) – The layer Code Development Committee is in the final stages of deliberations. The Code development committee is committed to releasing a Code that outlines meaningful standards for hen welfare that egg producers can deliver. A final Code should be released by March 2017.
Bison – The public comment period for the bison Code began on November 21st and runs until January 19, 2017. Access the draft Code and the public comment period system, and have your say at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/bison.
Rabbits – the Code Development Committee met in October 2016. A summary of the meeting is available at www.nfacc.ca/progress-report-rabbit. Teleconferences are underway to firm up a few sections under the housing chapter that merit further discussion. Once consensus is reached on all sections of the Code, a date for the public comment period will be announced.
The rabbit Scientific Committee’s report is finished and is being prepared for publication. It will be released publicly when the draft Code is released for its public comment period.
Veal Cattle – the Code Development Committee met in October 2016. A summary of the meeting is available at www.nfacc.ca/progress-report-veal-calves. The draft Code is now being prepared for public comment. The public comment period for the veal cattle Code will commence on December 12th and run until February 14, 2017.
On December 12th you will be able to access the draft Code and public comment period system at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/veal-cattle. A press release will announce the beginning of the public comment period.
The veal cattle Scientific Committee’s report is finished and is being prepared for publication. It will be released publicly when the draft Code is released for its public comment period.
PRIORITY WELFARE TOPIC AREAS FOR A TRANSPORTATION SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE REPORT
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) aims to initiate an update to the 2001 transportation Code of Practice in 2018. However, first steps toward this objective are being undertaken now.
The Scientific Committee is being established (see www.nfacc.ca/code-development-process#steps). The Scientific Committee develops a report synthesizing the results of research relating to key animal welfare issues for the Code being developed – in this case, transportation.
We are also seeking your input as to the priority animal welfare issues during the transport process that should be covered by the Scientific Committee report. Priority welfare issues are ones that are not only important for animal welfare, but issues where there would be particular benefit from a review of the available scientific literature. There must be an accumulation of research available for a topic to be included in this report. The survey will be open from November 25, 2016 – December 09, 2016.
Normally the process for identifying the topic areas to be covered by the Scientific Committee report involve both the Code Development Committee and the Scientific Committee. Since a Code Development Committee will not be in place for some time, a survey is being used to gather input from the breadth of stakeholders involved in livestock and poultry transport. It is expected that the Scientific Committee will be in place by mid-December.
While not all priorities identified will be addressed by the Scientific Committee’s report due to resource limitations, your input is still very important. It will contribute to an understanding of the topic areas that the transport Code Development Committee may need to address. All input is appreciated.
Please refer to www.nfacc.ca/code-development-process#appendixc for information on the Scientific Committee’s terms of reference.
Go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/transport-code to take part in the survey.
DRAFT STANDARDS FOR OPTIMIZING ANIMAL WELFARE OUTCOMES DURING SLAUGHTER WITHOUT STUNNING AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
The Federal/Provincial Animal Welfare Group* has developed draft Standards to protect animal and bird welfare during slaughter without stunning. The intent of the draft Standards is to clarify acceptable practices in situations where stunning is not used prior to slaughter.
A link to the invitation to participate in the consultation is available at: http://www.nfacc.ca/resources/swos/CCVO_letter_pcp_25NOV2016.pdf
The consultation runs from November 28, 2016 – January 27, 2017.
* This working group comprises key organizations, including the CFIA, and is responsible for delivering animal care programs at the federal, provincial and territorial levels.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit www.nfacc.ca
*A project made possible through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal –provincial –territorial initiative.
