|
AFAC Member & Industry Contact
Demands for information, comments and articles from industry, media, students and researchers have expanded significantly over the past year. The AFAC website (www.afac.ab.ca) has generated local and international feedback. The AFAC Update was upgraded and distribution was expanded.
Awards of Distinction Program
AFAC launched its new Farm Animal Welfare Awards of Distinction Program. The first honoree was Darren Malchow, a CFIA Inspector who developed the ‘hog sled’ for the industry on his own time.
Classroom Resources: Phase I and II
We continue to distribute the Elementary Resource package. Ag in the Classroom volunteers request these materials annually. We received teacher orders all year, as a result. AFAC received sufficient funding from CARDF and industry ($73,000) to proceed with Phase II - Junior and Senior High School Classroom Resources. Lynn Munro was hired to develop the content. The first draft is complete.
Farmers CARE Program (Agriculture Initiatives Funded)
AFAC’s I CARE program and interactive display was set up at 8 major fairs and exhibition events throughout the province, reaching large numbers of children and adults with a clear message.
Animal Welfare Research Projects
AFAC received $200,000, from the AAFRD Industry Development Fund for livestock-related research. The board decided to direct the funds to transportation research, an update of our 1994 Humane Transportation Review and industry-applied projects. So far, funding has been directed to a cattle hauling and stress project and a spent hen disposal project.
S. Church represents AFAC on the UBC Animal Welfare Center Advisory Committee. AFAC is collaborating with AAFRD and Ag Canada (Lacombe) to develop a research partnership.
Bill C-15b; Criminal Code Changes to Animal Cruelty
AFAC continued to solicit legal input to the proposed federal changes to the Cruelty to Animals portion of the Criminal Code. At the request of the National Poultry Coalition, AFAC linked positions. AFAC continued to lobby for wording to offer ‘protection’ for the livestock industry. AFAC made a presentation to senior Justice Department staff. Several media requests were handled.
Livestock Industry Development Fund
AFAC submitted an overarching proposal for communication projects related to animal welfare.
Several of AFAC’s key projects are funded by the Alberta Livestock Protection System (ALPS) program grant, together with industry support.
At AFAC’s urging, the Minister of Agriculture, called for a review of livestock enforcement and protection services before any grant renewals would be approved. The AAFRD-conducted process was thorough. AFAC coordinated a position and worked with industry to ensure cohesive input. The position supported third-party enforcement provided by Alberta SPCA, but with conditions of province-wide consistency, open communication and a clear performance-based contract. AFAC made contract recommendations to AAFRD. Funding contracts are now in place between AAFRD/Alberta SPCA and AAFRD/AFAC. Industry extension and training is now clearly AFAC’s responsibility.
June 7, 2001 – The Increasing Profile of Farm Animal Welfare in North America
Held at the University of Calgary and in conjunction with the Expert Committee on Farm Animal Welfare, the conference addressed current livestock care issues. It was well attended by local, regional and national participants. Over half represented private industry. Media coverage was extensive. Co-sponsored by AAFRD.
AFAC continues to operate the 1-800-506-2273 line to respond to animal care concerns. 26 calls (compared to 40 in 2000, 44 in 1999, 35 in 1998, 37 in 1997 and 46 in 1996) were received and handled by the volunteer Resource Team members throughout the province. AFAC has decided to evaluate this service in 2002.
AFAC sought shared funding from a national animal welfare foundation to produce a report style newsletter that focuses on relevant research, issues and initiatives in farm animal welfare (FAWNews). The investigative approach to the first edition was well received, world wide, thanks to the fact that we have it on our web site. The second edition is at the printers.
1999 data was collected and efforts were made to incorporate more consistent reporting from all sources. Due to the Review, these efforts were stalled and no data was provided by SPCA to AFAC regarding warning letters.
Due to the Review, the process of AFAC receiving warning letters and prosecution summaries from the Alberta SPCA was cancelled by the Alberta SPCA. AFAC still maintained a database of information cases received from federal inspectors.
As a direct result of information gathered from the warning letters, 3 of AFAC’s founding members (Alberta Pork, Alberta Milk, Alberta Cattle Commission) are developing, with AFAC, specific guidelines and a communication strategy to improve the handling of unfit and cull animals. This action demonstrates the leadership of Alberta’s livestock industries regarding animal welfare.
AFAC’s Livestock Emergency Response Course is in demand through out the province. Jennifer Woods, the presenter, is also developing a Safe Livestock Handling Course.
Tim O’Byrne continues to offer the Cattle Hauling and Handling and the Hog Hauling and Handling Course. Also, he is working with AFAC, the Alberta Cattle Commission and Green Certificate to deliver cattle handling and animal welfare courses to high school students. He is conducting the Humane Transportation review for AFAC.
Lynn McLeod with AFAC has developed a Horse Hauling Course. Industry and AAFRD have provided significant funding.
AFAC staff attended, presented and or set up the AFAC display 30 (compared to 20 in 2000) at livestock industry AGM’s and conferences.
|
