New Animal Welfare Act touted as Canada's toughest Wednesday, March 4, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by TREENA HEINThe recommendations of farm groups such as Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Ontario Farm Animal Council were ignored in developing Ontario’s new Provincial Animal Welfare Act, which took effect on Sunday (Mar. 1).Peter Jeffrey, OFA Senior Policy Researcher, says the federation had some serious concerns about the way the Act was worded, and had recommended changes, “but none of them were incorporated.” These concerns include the absence of a system of oversight and accountability for the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), which is the enforcement body for the Act.“There is no reporting back to the legislature or the Minister,” he says. “They don’t have to report their activities to anyone.”The federation also considers the dual nature of the OSPCA problematic. As a provincial body and through its local chapters, OSPCA serves as the enforcer for animal welfare protection while also existing as a charitable organization. “The line is blurred,” Jeffrey notes. “A story on a raid regularly gets turned into a plea for money to care for the animals involved in the raid.”One of the Act’s key elements is the establishment of “standards of care” for all animals and the introduction of penalties for causing harm to an animal. In addition, there are new offences for causing or permitting distress to an animal. New penalties include jail terms of up to two years, fines of up to $60,000 and a potential lifetime ownership ban.This concerns Jeffrey because the knowledge base of OSPCA enforcement officers with regard to livestock health and agricultural practices may not be adequate in some cases. “Certain breeds appear less healthy than others, but are in fact perfectly healthy for their breed,” he says. “The ‘standard of care’ provision is open to interpretation.”The Act also authorizes the OSPCA with the ability to inspect sites where animals are kept for entertainment, exhibition, boarding, sale or hire, and requires veterinarians to report suspected abuse/neglect while protecting them from liability for doing so.This farm entry aspect concerns Jeffrey because “they have the power to enter without a warrant and are paying lipservice to biosecurity concerns.” The new Act amends the OSPCA Act, and consists of the most significant changes to animal welfare legislation in Ontario since 1919.In a news release earlier this week, the provincial government called the Act the “strongest animal protection law in Canada.” BF Township's farm building development charges spark provincial interest Focus on the Environment: A return to basics with biochar
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online
Milwaukee Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench Thursday, September 12, 2024 Measuring torque is a common on-farm task it can sometimes be a challenge to accomplish this for multiple and varied pieces of equipment, that where Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ 1" D-Handle Ext. Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ can provide value. Cordless tools create convenience,... Read this article online
Ontario and Feds look to strengthen the provincial agri-food sector Monday, September 9, 2024 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will be investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses that will enhance... Read this article online
The Great Ontario Yield Tour predicts a record-breaking soybean crop Friday, September 6, 2024 The Great Ontario Yield Tour is predicting the 2024 Ontario soybean yield will be 54.12 bu/ac—a NEW RECORD high surpassing the previous record of 53 bu/ac set last year. If the prediction is correct, it will be the best soybean crop ever produced in Ontario!... Read this article online
IPM needs volunteers Thursday, September 5, 2024 The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online