“Fox farmers are committed to caring for their animals,” Mike Bollert said in Moncton, New Brunswick Nov. 23. The fox farmer who chairs the Canada Fox Breeders Association’s Code Development Committee explains, “The Code revision process enables the industry, government and researchers to come together to develop standards that will assist farmers in making decisions on behalf of their animals.”
“The revision of the Code of Practice provides the opportunity to update practices that will benefit both the mink and mink farmers,” says Gary Hazlewood, Executive Director of the Canada Mink Breeders Association. “Advances in management and science have contributed to a knowledge base that will enhance the well being of mink. This can only lead to a Code that will be embraced by producers and provide a clear understanding of the standards for those not familiar with the sector.”
Codes of Practice represent a national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended best practices for farm animals. They promote sound management and welfare practices through recommendations and requirements for housing, management, transportation, processing and other animal husbandry practices.
The NFACC Code of Practice development process will guide both the ranched fox and the mink committees through the revision process. A key feature of the process is the inclusion of a Scientists’ Committee that reviews the research relative to priority welfare issues for the species.
“Everyone, including the animals, benefit from having science-based Codes of Practice,” says NFACC Chair Edouard Asnong. “Over time, the body of science in any given area will develop and further inform us as to an animal’s care and handling needs. The Codes are updated to take into account this evolution of our knowledge and understanding.”
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies Program Director Shelagh MacDonald says, “The CFHS recognizes the importance of Codes of Practice for animal industries. The collaborative approach with scientific input outlined in the new NFACC Code development process is a leap forward and the CFHS is pleased to have a representative to participate in this process to move animal welfare forward.”
Don Mitton from the Canadian Association for Humane Trapping will represent CFHS on both the ranched fox and the mink Codes Development Committees.
Nadine Meade has been contracted as a Code Development Secretary and will facilitate the work of both the ranched fox and the mink Code Development Committees. She has a Master of Animal Science degree and diverse work experience.
The updated versions of both codes should be released in 2012.
For more information on the Codes of Practice and NFACC’s Code development process visit www.nfacc.ca
