The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Goats is being updated for the first time in 16 years. There are over 230,000 goats in Canada, and while some goats are pets, the majority are raised commercially for dairy, meat and fibre (mohair/wool).
“Updating the Code of Practice is a key way to advance goat welfare in Canada. This Code sets the standard for minimum acceptable care of goats across Canada,” says Melissa Speirs, BC SPCA Manager of Farm Animal Welfare.
Speirs, an animal welfare scientist with goat welfare experience, is representing Humane Canada (Canada’s federation of SPCAs and humane societies) on the Code Development Committee.
The draft Code is now complete and open for public comment. Key welfare issues for goats include lameness, painful procedures, space allowance, natural behaviours, and enrichment.
“The public comment period is a key time to make sure the Code improves goat welfare and reflects the values of Canadians,” says Speirs.
The BC SPCA encourages everyone share their thoughts on the Code.
The public comment period will remain open until February 22, 2021.
Tips for filling out the survey:
- The survey asks you to identify yourself and indicate you are an animal welfare advocate.
- The survey includes highly detailed information about goat farming
- You can choose which sections to comment on, or just add your thoughts to the ‘general comments’ at the end.
- To see a summary of the latest research on some key goat welfare issues to help with your submission, go here.
- Please be polite. Submissions that include profanity or derogatory or threatening language will not be considered by NFACC.
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