Fine hike no surprise

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

by PATRICIA GROTENHUIS and BETTER FARMING STAFF

A federal decision to increase fines for livestock transport violations should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following livestock transportation issues, says the Ontario Farm Animal Council’s executive director.

“I would say in general there has been increased interest and awareness and public scrutiny on how farm animals are transported in Canada in the past year and we’ve seen a number of initiatives and resources dedicated to improving farm animal transport as well as increased inspection from CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency),” says Crystal Mackay.

Fine increases announced by federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on Wednesday will apply to violations under the Health of Animals Act and the Plant Protection Act. The agency enforces both Acts.

Maximum penalties have been increased to $1,300 from $500 for minor violations; to $6,000 from $2,000 for serious violations and to $10,000 from $4,000 for very serious violations.  Based on the gravity of the violation and the compliance history of the offender, penalties can be increased by an additional 50 per cent, says Lisa Gauthier, an agency spokesperson.

This is the first increase since administrative monetary penalties levels were set more than 10 years ago, Gauthier says. The increase was implemented to encourage the minority who do not comply with the standards to change their practices, she says.

Livestock groups such as the Canadian Cattleman’s Association and Dairy Farmers of Canada are supportive of the efforts to improve animal welfare during transport.

“Ontario Pork’s primary concern is for the well-being of animals and that they are transported safely and humanely to their destination,” says Mary Jane Quinn, the provincial commodity organization’s communication and consumer marketing representative.

Although recently there have been incidents involving livestock trucks, most drivers follow transportation guidelines, says Gauthier. Between April 2009 and March 2010, the agency issued 208 notices of violations for a total of $413,350.

Mackay says she has been working to improve livestock transportation for six years. The council has helped create transportation guidelines for truck drivers and farmers as well as a certified livestock transport program.  The program trains individuals in safe and humane animal transportation for all species.

“I have seen great improvement, which I think is excellent, starting with people’s attitude and awareness of the importance of humane handling and following the rules in terms of proper transport procedures,” Mackay says.

But, as with any issue, “you will always have a segment of any population that doesn’t follow the rules.” For that group, she says, it’s important to have “good regulations and appropriate fines.” BF