Thursday June 7, 2002
Thank you to readers who took the time to read this lengthy report but details are crucial to making change in any important issue. In this case the problems of transportation are vast but they are surmountable with increasing awareness. Cruelty does not really save costs but in fact creates more problems with injured and dead animals at the end of travel.
Another thank you to the concerned citizen who reported this, to Animal Advocates, to respondents to AAS message board and to the Vancouver Police who referred the caller to Animal Advocates.
CETFA, Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Food Animals, www.cetfa.com> or email care@cetfa.com
From May 24th to today, CETFA's involvement (Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Food Animals) is as follows:
1. May 25th we received the message from the witness to the distressed cow as advised to Animal Advocates to whom we are grateful for this opportunity and liaison.
2. We responded by email first to say a phone call would be made later that day to clarify details and after a discussion on follow up at the board meeting which happened to be the same day - May 25.
3. The witness was phoned for further details as to which police force was called about the cow. As this happened in North Vancouver, we were not sure if the RCMP was called or the Vancouver police.
4. The telephone call clarified it was the City of Vancouver police non emergency number who advised calling Animal Advocates. The witness lives in Vancouver and called from home.
5. CETFA expressed puzzlement as to why the driver did not pull over as it sounded as if the concerned citizen could be indicating any kind of problem, for example, something wrong with the truck. CETFA asked if the cow appeared alive or conscious and was told it was hard to say and it did appear the animal blinked its eyes. Another cow was seen through the slats in the side of the truck. CETFA promised to stay in touch and follow through while sending copies of all emails to Animal Advocates.
6. CETFA checked both provincial and federal anti cruelty legislation before calling the witness. It appears clearly that livestock abuse is not tolerated according to the law. Therefore this strengthens the resolve to encourage concerned citizens to pursue such matters.
7. Thanks to Animal Advocates message board the suggestion to call SPCA Langley was followed up as the truck involved was from Langley and help from the message board helped identify the company.
8. CETFA called Langley SPCA and was told a complaint could be made there. However as CETFA asked to speak with someone to clarify their role re livestock and the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the CETFA caller spoke with the superintendent who said SPCA Vancouver should be called as they handle North Vancouver cases. It was explained the complaint should be made where the incident occurred in spite of the truck being from Langley. Also referral to CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency was suggested and a telephone number given.
9. CETFA referred the witness to CFIA and asked to remain informed with the understanding AAS would also continue to be copied all emails.
10. The witness did call the CFIA number and was given another number and a name to contact.
11. At this time a complaint has been registered and is under investigation.
12. CETFA called CFIA to receive the email address for the CFIA investigator and to follow up with them as wishing to remain informed.
13. It should be explained that CETFA calls were made which could have been made by the witness because CETFA wanted to do the advance calling to avoid confusion as to who can help and to let the witness focus on making a report. CETFA is well aware of how busy the average person is in everyday life.
14. CETFA does not have all the answers but is willing to try. As a group of volunteers, we welcomes ideas and information. Our email follows this message. We will respond as quickly as possible bearing in mind we are volunteers.
15. While it appears SPCA and/or CFIA should have been called initially CETFA is grateful this occurred as this might have been the only way they and Animal Advocates Society would have heard about this situation. CETFA intends to determine how to be more informed in this regard through discussions with CFIA. While confidentiality of investigations may be an issue, it will be asked how CETFA can encourage more public awareness of what CFIA does in investigations and how the public can help.
16. CETFA will email the CFIA investigator and post follow up information on this message board as it becomes available.
17. As said to the witness, can you imagine the improved awareness and response to cruelty against livestock if everyone reported transportation problems to CFIA?
18. The CFIA web site is www.inspection.gc.ca> and their toll free number to receive free newsletters (Frontline) is 1 800 442 2342.
19. Those using the internet should encourage non web users to use their telephone books to start the process of reporting problems and making changes. One does not have to be on email nor to use the web to take action.
20. CETFA also called the BC Trucking Association to determine if their drivers are informed/trained in delivery of livestock. It was clarified their association is focussed on regulations and legislations for trucking managers. When asked if an association existed for drivers, it was explained they are often a freelance group of drivers, sometimes owners, sometimes not and not organized as is BC Trucking. Nonetheless the opportunity was there to inform another interest group in transporation. The problem was explained and will likely not be forgotten. It was mentioned that a member of CETFA received information on a pilot training program for livestock truckers in Saskatchewan. Details on this program will be checked out and forwarded to Animal Advocates as soon as they are available and to BC Trucking Association even though they do not deal specifically with live cargo.