Animal Justice Canada has made a submission to The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) recommending stronger industry protections for pigs including a prohibition on the lengthy confinement of sows in farrowing crates – cages so small that they cannot turn around or lie down comfortably.
“Animal Justice Canada has made best practice recommendations to the National Farm Animal Care Council to reduce the suffering of pigs, including sows, in industrial agriculture. The Draft Code of Practice with our recommendations are a positive step towards improving the lives of the millions of pigs held in confinement across the country,” said Nicholas dePenicer Wright, Executive Director of Animal Justice Canada.
The current Draft Code of Practice seeks to phase out farrowing crates but would continue to permit their use for up to five weeks at a time – a practice that results in suffering for the sow.
Other key recommendations for the Draft Code of Practice include:
- Reducing the phase-out period for farrowing crates;
- Prohibiting ear notching;
- Not presuming that tail docking is necessary and exploring alternative measures if there is a demonstrated tail biting problem;
- Prohibiting “thumping” piglets as a form of euthanasia;
- Increasing piglet weaning periods.
Animal Justice Canada is an incorporated Registered Charity dedicated to advancing public knowledge of animal practices and preventing the abuse and killing of animals through the enforcement of existing laws.
Tax deductible donations can be made on the website using credit card or PayPal at: http://www.animaljustice.
