| a chimpanzee sanctuary - un sanctuaire pour chimpanzes |
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Volume 6, number 1 — Summer 2003 |
About the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals by Tony Smith The Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals (CCFA), established in 2000, consists of many Canadian animal-protection organizations representing approximately 100,000 Canadians who are not only committed to the welfare of farm animals but also concerned about the treatment of the many millions of animals raised for food in Canada. Founded by Animal Alliance of Canada, Vancouver Humane Society and the Winnipeg Humane Society the coalition has now expanded to include numerous other groups such as the Animal Protection Fund, WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) and Zoocheck Canada. The Fauna Foundation is excited and very proud to announce that we have become a member of this important Coalition. CCFA's mission is to help the 650 million animals raised for food annually in Canada. The three major ways in which this desperately needed help can be realised are through education by raising public awareness as to how animals are treated in food production; changes in legislation and by the promotion of humane food alternatives across Canada. Currently the two main priorities of CCFA are ending the use of sow stalls in pork production and hen "battery" cages in egg production. The steady increase in factory farming has resulted in deplorable living conditions and inhumane treatment of animals that would shock the average Canadian. Among the many, too numerous to list, are animals that are subjected to body mutilation without anaesthetics, unbelievable cramped confinement, transportation over long distances (often without food or water) and inhumane slaughter methods that often involve inadequate stunning. It is staggering to consider that, on an annual basis, in excess of 3 million animals arrive dead at slaughterhouses. Factory farming also has proven to have devastating effects on human health, the environment, the economy and rural communities. For example, the foot-and-mouth epidemic in Europe was facilitated by the long-distance transport of millions of animals. Large-scale factory farming has been the demise of some family farms resulting in economic depression in some rural communities. Intensive animal production increases the likelihood of food poisoning, sometimes fatal, such as salmonella and e-coli. The environmental effect is that our air is being polluted and our water contaminated. Every day animals are pumped full of antibiotics and hormones in an effort to accelerate meat production for the sole purpose of providing cheap meat in an effort to boost profits. Globally, we are moving away from intensive animal agriculture, the banning of sow stalls and battery cages being just the start. Around the world, laws are being enacted that ban the intensive confinement of animals on welfare grounds. In Europe, for instance, battery cages in egg production will be banned by 2012. Great Britain and Sweden have already banned sow stalls. Even large "fast food" corporations such as McDonald's, Burger King and Safeway, ever conscious of their image, are adopting animal-welfare programs that require their suppliers to comply with higher standards of animal care. Canada's antiquated animal welfare laws include voluntary codes of practice that are not subject to enforcement. They do not address the needless suffering bought about by intensive-confinement systems, such as sow stalls and battery cages. In fact, they specifically endorse such systems. Bill C-10 (b), which amends and improves the animal cruelty section of the Criminal Code of Canada, is an attempt to update animal welfare laws that have not changed for 113 years. After prolonged debate in the House of Commons, the Bill finally passed through to Senate in late 2002 and was referred to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Sadly, as we speak, some members of the Senate are attempting to amend the bill with the intention of exempting all industries that use animals for food production, research, breeding operations, the fur trade and trapping. Is this perhaps a reflection of the multi-billion dollar industry that uses animals? Without legislative change these industries will never be held accountable for the inhumane treatment of animals. CCFA believes that humane farming is possible and that there are alternatives. Laying hens could be housed in open aviary-style barns with perches, nest boxes and dust baths. Breeding sows could be group-housed in large indoor pens with room to move around and socialize. Some farmers in Canada and other countries are already raising animals using these methods. However, farming practices that are being banned in other parts of the world still remain standard practice in Canada. A change is urgently needed that will not only? ensure that all animals raised for food in Canada are afforded a decent quality of life but to also to safeguard the sustainability of Canada's agricultural sector. We hope that with your help, the concerted efforts of the CCFA, other animal-welfare groups and concerned citizens this can be realized. If you are interested in helping, supporting or obtaining more information please contact CCFA. Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals (CCFA) CCFA Members Action Volunteers for Animals (Toronto)
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