Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Our thanks to the BC SPCA for the information below about an important and time-sensitive survey from the National Farm Animal Care Council. Please take a moment to fill it out. It doesn’t take long. It is open until June 4th, 2025.

Do you have thoughts on how pigs should be raised on farms in Canada? Now is your chance to share your concerns for pig welfare and make a difference for pigs raised across the country!

The National Farm Animal Care Council has announced that the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs, published in 2014, will be updated. The Code contains requirements and recommended practices for on-farm care of pigs in Canada.

An essential first step in the Code update process is the initial survey to capture top welfare concerns from all interested individuals. The input received will help the Code Development Committee understand the kinds of issues people wish to see considered in the update. Everyone is invited to participate! The survey is open until June 4 – submit your thoughts now!

To ensure your submission is reviewed, please follow these tips:

• Use your own words – share your unique perspective; identical submissions may be ignored.
• Be concise – the survey does not provide much room to enter your submission.
• Be polite – submissions that include profanity or derogatory language will not be considered.
• Address on-farm welfare issues – the Code does not apply once pigs leave the farm, so it does not cover transport or slaughter.

Priority areas we would like to see addressed to improve pig welfare:

• Freedom of movement in housing
  • Complete the phase-out of gestation stalls, and limit the use of farrowing crates (both forms of restrictive housing)
  • Provide greater space allowances in group housing
• Environmental enrichment
  • Multiple forms of enrichment should be provided to pigs, with enough for all to access
• Reduce and eliminate painful practices
  • Analgesics and anesthetics must be used in the meantime until management practices change
• Address the causes of lameness
  • Pig comfort and improved flooring should be prioritized
• Prohibit blunt force trauma euthanasia
  • The Code currently considers this an approved euthanasia method

Reminder – you can use this list as a starting point, but please use your own words.

Click here to learn more about how pigs are raised on farms in Canada & welfare issues they face.