Dave is correct when he says that most Canadians eat meat at this point in time. However, most Canadians do not eat the flesh of humanely raised and slaughtered animals. Intense factory farming practices provide the vast majority of animal products for human consumption, and these methods involve cruel confinement, transport in grossly sub-standard and abusive conditions (overcrowding, use of electric prods, high risk of injury, exposure to intense heat and cold, etc.), and inhumane, assembly-line-style butchering of animals that are every bit as intelligent, aware, and personable as our beloved cats and dogs. What part of this picture fits in with the concept of "animal welfare", let alone animal rights? Whereas SPCA policies do encourage the consumption of "humanely" raised meat, many of the society's fundraisers across the country use donated meat from a variety of sources. Humanely raised and killed animals? I don't think so....a quick internet search will reveal the truth. Dave, please visit the following website to find out whether factory farming in Canada is up to par with what even most meat-eaters would consider humane: http://www.humanefood.ca/ . Please observe the suffering for yourself, and decide whether any "animal welfare" organization should be affiliated with this kind of abuse.
Sinikka Crosland