Farmers who raise poultry and livestock in Ontario do so because they enjoy working with animals. They’re professionals who proudly meet – and in many cases exceed – the high standards and codes of practice that determine normal farm practices for the care and handling of animals.
Livestock and poultry operations are governed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act. The act defers to reasonable and generally accepted practices of agricultural animal care, management or husbandry.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has some concerns about the OSPCA Act in its current form. We believe farmers are being unfairly and unnecessarily targeted while using standard animal care practices. Some are vulnerable to unwarranted farm inspections, and even harassment.
In 2008, OFA made a number of recommendations on behalf of our members for changes to the legislation amending the OSPCA Act. OFA also appeared before the standing committee on justice policy, which held public hearings into the amendments in the summer of 2008. Many of our recommended changes were not incorporated.
Recently, a private member’s bill to amend the Act, Bill 47, did not pass second reading. OFA and Ontario’s livestock and poultry organizations will continue to work with government to get the right changes to the act.
Specifically, we want to ensure inspection and enforcement is accountable. We want it to be clear and fair regarding entry to farms and assessment of farm animals. And, we want actions to be respectful of animals and farmers.
Ontario farmers are committed to developing a responsible, made-in-Ontario approach to dealing with farm animal care concerns. We’re advocating for change on behalf of our 37,000 members.
Debra Pretty-Straathof is president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
