Do you have thoughts about how birds raised for meat should be farmed in Canada? Now is your chance to take a survey to share your concerns about farmed bird welfare and make a difference.
Update: this survey has now closed.
The National Farm Animal Care Council has announced that the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Chickens, Turkeys, and Breeders, published in 2016, will be updated. The Code contains requirements and recommended practices for on-farm care.
An essential first step in the Code development 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. Everyone is invited to participate! The survey is open until November 8th.
To ensure your submission is reviewed, please follow these tips for filling out NFACC’s survey:
- 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
Key welfare issues for chickens and turkeys that we would like to see addressed include:
- Eliminating physical alterations and improving enrichment
- Reducing stocking density and limiting growth rates
- Foot and leg health
- Depopulation and euthanasia methods
Reminder – you can use this list as a starting point, but please use your own words.
Next steps
After the survey closes, the Code Development Committee comprised of farmers, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, researchers, transporters, government representatives, and others, will review the submissions and create a list of priority welfare issues.
A group of researchers will compile the most recent research on these topics to help the Code Development Committee create a science-informed Code. A draft Code will be released in approximately two years for public review and comment. The BC SPCA will share the draft Code when it is ready.
Learn more
Learn about birds raised for meat in Canada and other welfare issues they may face