Humane Transport / Animal Welfare

Protecting animal welfare in Canada is a shared responsibility between governments (federal, provincial and territorial), and industry (producers, transporters and staff in registered slaughter establishments). Canadian provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals.

Transportation

The CFIA is responsible for the welfare of animals during transport, as specified in the requirements of the Health of Animal Regulations, which governs the humane transportation of animals in Canada.

• Compromised Animal Policy
• Horse Transport
• Livestock Transport Requirements in Canada
• Transport Information for the General Public
• Transporting animals during hot and humid weather

Animal Welfare

Canadian provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals. All provinces and territories have laws in respect to animal welfare.

The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from wilfully causing animals to suffer from neglect, pain or injury. The Criminal Code is enforced by police services, provincial and territorial Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and/or provincial and territorial ministries of agriculture.

• Provincial and Territorial Legislation Concerning Farm Animal Welfare
• Humane Handling and Slaughter of Food Animals in Canada

If CFIA inspectors encounter suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect that fall outside the CFIA's jurisdiction, they forward the necessary information to the appropriate animal welfare authorities.

Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals

The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. Canada's code development process is led by the National Farm Animal Care Council.