March 15, 2024Did you know? It is estimated that there are more than 33 billion chickens worldwide! Outnumbering the human population, chickens are one of the most common farm animals. Get the s-coop on these eggs-traordinary animals here! 1. Chickens are living descendants of dinosaurs Chickens are the closest living relatives of dinosaurs! Scientific evidence has proven …
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News Category: Farm
March 12, 2024The BC SPCA advocates for cage-free eggs to support a better life for laying hens. Raising backyard hens has become a popular option in rural and urban areas as a source of cage-free eggs while supporting local food production. If you are thinking of raising backyard hens, it is important to consider whether you have …
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News Category: Adoption, Farm
March 8, 2024When buying eggs, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices. The various labels on egg cartons may look appealing, but do they truly reflect the welfare of the laying hens? Here’s how you can make informed choices to choose cage-free eggs and ensure higher welfare for laying hens. Types of egg production In Canada, there …
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News Category: Farm
March 5, 2024Mini pigs have grown in popularity and are often advertised as easy-to-care-for house pets. The reality is that caring for a pet pig comes with many challenges, and some so-called mini pigs may only stay mini for a short time! Consider these important points before adopting a mini pig. What is a mini pig? A …
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News Category: Adoption, Farm, Pet care
February 12, 2024Update: Bill C-355 to ban live export of Canadian horses overseas for slaughter has reached an important milestone! The bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons and has now been sent to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food for review. The Committee will be meeting on February 13 to discuss …
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December 13, 2023For Monika, a dedicated BC SPCA foster guardian, the benefits of positive reinforcement training for horses are clear. She has volunteered her time to rehabilitate horses rescued through our Animal Protection Services so they can have successful adoptions. “Positive reinforcement training motivates the desired behaviour,” says Monika. “It involves adding something rewarding to the horse, …
Continue reading “From timid to trusting: Promise’s rehabilitation journey”
News Category: Adoption, Farm
December 8, 2023This holiday season, let’s spread cheer to all – including farm animals! Farm animals come into the BC SPCA’s care through our Animal Protection Services. Sadly, these animals are usually in poor condition due to injury, neglect, or abuse. Our goal is to ensure these animals receive the veterinary care and rehabilitation they need to …
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News Category: Farm
September 27, 2023With so many labels on meat and eggs, it can be challenging to know what each means regarding animal welfare. Free-run and free-range can be particularly confusing labels on poultry products. It’s important to first define these labels in general terms to understand what they mean for farmed poultry. Free-run: animals are raised cage-free but …
Continue reading “Food label “fowl” play: the free-run myth”
News Category: Farm
August 9, 2023What do you know about sheep? Don’t let the term ‘sheepish,’ often used to describe people who mindlessly follow others, fool you…sheep are intelligent animals capable of more than just following the flock. Here are ten fun facts you may not know about these farmed animals that you’ll have to read to baa-lieve! 1. Sheep …
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News Category: Farm
July 7, 2023Cattle (often informally referred to as ‘cows’) are among the most common and iconic farmed animals. People who have spent time with them will likely agree that cows are valuable individuals with unique personalities. However, our limited exposure to cows encourages people to think they lack intelligence and sensitivity. If you have never given much …
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News Category: Farm