Agricultural Animals
The Issue
The BC SPCA's mandate covers all domestic animals, and yet many people are not aware of the work it does on behalf of those animals raised for food. In addition to investigating allegations of cruelty and neglect, the BC SPCA funds research into improved animal husbandry at UBC; plays a role with other agencies (RCMP, ICBC, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and others) in reviewing live animal transport; and makes an annual award to a farmer who takes exceptional care of his or her animals. The PCA Act specifically excludes 'standard management practices' from the enforcement provisions of the Act. Hot branding of cattle for example, although it causes pain, is not in contravention of the Act.
The BC SPCA is preparing to launch a humane labeling initiative. Farm products from animals raised to higher humane standards than those in Agriculture Canada's Codes of Practice are labeled accordingly. Consumers will be able to choose products based on how humanely the animals were raised, transported and slaughtered.
In seeking public feedback the BC SPCA invited input on whether it should be involved in improving farm animal welfare, and the role it should play in promoting alternatives to 'standard management practice' and in animal transport and slaughter.
Public Feedback
A number of submissions support the BC SPCA's involvement in improving farm animal welfare. Some congratulate the BC SPCA on its new initiative, which involves special labeling for farm products derived from animals raised to higher humane standards. Others do not support the BC SPCA taking on farm animal welfare, questioning whether it has the expertise or manpower to be effective. One submission states that the BC SPCA should monitor farm animal welfare but leave enforcement to paid field agents or local authorities. Some bluntly say the BC SPCA does not belong in this area, and should stick to the protection of cats and dogs. Some submissions suggest that the BC SPCA should monitor the treatment of animals - primarily cats and dogs - used for food in some ethnic communities. Other submissions call on the BC SPCA to have this practice outlawed.
Some believe that 'standard management practices', which are condoned by law are too low, and that the BC SPCA should be lobbying the provincial government for higher standards.
A number of submissions support the BC SPCA's monitoring of animal transport and slaughter, pointing out there is a need for impartial surveillance. Those who address this issue are appalled by the standards employed in factory farming, and see a role for the BC SPCA in improving conditions through a focus on neglect and inhumane procedures. A submission from the Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Food Animals states that the few improvements that have been made are due to pressure brought to bear when abuses were publicized. They suggest the BC SPCA's presence and influence brings credible focus to this issue, which may encourage more research into humane methods and motivate officials and workers within the industry to do more.
The treatment and care of horses was addressed in both oral and written submissions. The Horse Protection Society of BC, which promotes the welfare of horses and responds to cruelty complaints, would like to strike a more cooperative relationship with the BC SPCA. They have documented a number of complaints where they believe the BC SPCA did not respond appropriately. The treatment of animals at auction was also noted as an area that needs to be addressed by the BC SPCA.
Recommendations
We understand that the Ministry of Agriculture monitors farm animal standards through inspections; any irregularities are brought to the attention of the BC SPCA. As well, the BC SPCA reacts to any public complaints of farm animal distress and enforces the Act. We recommend that the BC SPCA raise the bar on enforcement by using specifically developed Agricultural Animal Care Guidelines as an enforcement measurement tool. It is also the view of the independent panel that excluding 'standard management practices' from the enforcement provisions of the Act needs to be reviewed. In this regard, we recommend that the BC SPCA lobby government for higher standards and, at the same time, work with the UBC Animal Welfare program to build a body of research that supports alternative approaches to humane animal care. We are aware that some research-based alternatives already exist, and we recommend that the BC SPCA promote these practices to build awareness and compliance.
In terms of transport and slaughter practices, the BC SPCA could look into securing a contractual arrangement with respect to inspection and enforcement of existing regulations. In any case, the BC SPCA should continue to review these practices, and lobby the federal government through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more rigid enforcement.
In all cases, the public is calling on the BC SPCA to enforce the Act as it applies to all agricultural animals. There is particular concern among the public about the treatment of horses and animals at auction. The Horse Protection Society of BC has impressed us with their knowledge and their willingness to work in partnership with the BC SPCA to protect and promote the welfare of horses. The BC SPCA should pursue a cooperative relationship with this group. We also recommend that the BC SPCA be a stronger presence at animal auctions where animals are known to suffer mistreatment and injury. One participant said that the presence of someone wearing a BC SPCA T-shirt at such events would help to improve standards, and serve as a deterrent to owners with prior histories of negligence from acquiring any animals in the future.
The Freedom Farmed program has much public support. At the same time, the BC SPCA should be working to build more industry support and public awareness of this initiative. Some submissions indicated that, to date, there has not been enough consultation with the industry.
Our specific recommendations call on the BC SPCA to:
Short-term
• Develop Animal Care Guidelines for agricultural animals and use these as the measurement tool in enforcing the Act.

• Increase presence at animal auctions.

• Establish a cooperative relationship with the Horse Protection Society of BC.
Long-term
• Lobby government so that higher 'standard management practices' will be established and monitored.

• Lobby the federal government through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more rigid enforcement of transport and slaughter regulations.

• Look into a possible contractual arrangement with the government to inspect transportation and slaughter processes/facilities.
Ongoing
• Continue support of UBC Animal Welfare program to build more humane, research-based practices and graduate more experts in animal welfare.

• Keep moving forward with the Freedom Farmed pilot, while building further industry support and public awareness of the program.