What To Do If the Animal Welfare Inspector Comes

Monday, December 30, 2024

‘Inspectors & farmers have a shared interest.’

By Emily Mckinlay

Livestock farmers aim to keep their animals healthy and comfortable. Sometimes, incidents still happen where the welfare of an animal needs to be investigated. While animal welfare inspections provoke anxiety among most producers, it’s important to remember that inspectors share the same goal of ensuring the best care for these animals.

The PAWS Act (Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act) came into effect in Ontario in January 2020. Jaclyn Horenberg, senior producer relations specialist for Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), says this created the Animal Welfare Services at the Ministry of the Solicitor General. She explains that this is “the first fully provincial government-based animal welfare enforcement system in Canada.”

The goal is to ensure a standard level of protection and care for animals across the province.

Brent Ross, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, clarifies that animal welfare in agriculture is assessed separately from other animals under the act.

“AWS enforces the PAWS Act so that animals in homes, zoos, aquariums and farms are treated humanely and in accordance with the law and best agricultural practices. Any inspection performed by AWS is taken seriously,” says Ross.

“It should also be noted that while farm animals are subject to the act, an exemption exists for farmers because an inspector can also supplement their inspection by applying generally accepted agricultural practices to their assessment of the animals and the conditions in which they live.”

While being questioned on the quality of care producers provide for their livestock can be unnerving, knowing what to expect and how to respond can help farmers and inspectors work together.

What to expect

An inspection may occur if a complaint is submitted to AWS. When a complaint is called in to the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre (OAPCC) and is relevant to AWS, inspectors may attend the farm to ensure that farmers meet acceptable animal care and husbandry standards.

Ross says that not all calls will be determined to fall into AWS jurisdiction.

“When a concern is reported, the OAPCC will file an incident ticket and refer the caller to the appropriate local contact such as Animal Welfare Services, the local police service of jurisdiction, or municipal by-law enforcement. The OAPCC may also flag the ticket for further investigation by appropriate authorities,” says Ross.

“Animal Welfare Inspectors will follow up on all calls that fall within AWS’s purview.”

He adds that the inspectors may involve other professionals to support their investigation. This could include a commodity group, which may provide support for both parties.

“Where appropriate, animal welfare inspectors may conduct an on-site visit or involve other authorities, as needed, based on the location and nature of the incident reported (e.g., risks to human and/or animal health and safety that may require immediate intervention in order to prevent serious injury or to preserve life),” he states.

“This may include representatives from commodity groups, should the property be a member of that group.”

During an inspection, there are a few actions that an inspector can take:

• They will determine if the farm is providing an acceptable standard of care;
• They may provide education on the PAWS Act to promote welfare;
• They may issue an order to the farmer to correct non-compliance;
• They may review compliance with earlier orders;
• They may help relieve animals of distress by correcting insufficient care (i.e. not enough food, water, shelter);
• Or they may remove animals in distress.

Inspectors may also have assistance during an inspection in addition to a representative from a relevant commodity group, including veterinarians or other employees of government ministries.

Despite misconceptions, Ross explains that inspectors often do not need to place orders.

“It is worth noting that the vast majority of inspections either find that the farm is in compliance or that further education be provided,” says Ross.

What to do

Although many farms are found to be in compliance, producers may feel intimidated when an inspector arrives on the farm. It is important to remain logical and respectful.

“While it can be an unnerving experience, it’s important to stay calm,” says Horenberg, suggesting that beef producers should ask to have a BFO representative present to provide additional support.

“Be respectful and cooperative with the Animal Welfare Inspector. They have a duty to investigate the complaint. Ask the Animal Welfare Inspector for identification and their purpose for visiting your farm. Ask if BFO was contacted regarding the complaint.”

She recommends that if a BFO Animal Care Advisor or commodity group representative isn’t present, producers can ask the inspector to return when one is present. It is up to the discretion of the inspector to determine if they can grant the request based on the complaint they received.

Inspectors also might not need a warrant to inspect a farm, depending on the nature of the complaint. They may need enter farm properties to determine compliance with specific standards of care for animals.

The outcome of the inspections could be orders which are to be completed by the farmer to meet these standards.

“Inspectors can issue orders which are to be provided in writing and include a compliance date,” says Horenberg.

“If you have questions about your orders, please ask the inspector to ensure you understand what they are expecting you to do and when they will return to check for compliance.”

One aspect of AWS’ role is to provide education. By asking for clarification on orders, producers can ensure they understand standards clearly.

Once producers have received orders, Horenberg suggests that producers also connect with their veterinarian and nutritionist for additional support.

Working together

Animal Welfare Services and farmers can work together to continue to uphold the welfare of livestock.

“Inspectors and farmers have a shared interest in ensuring the best conditions and outcomes for animals, working collaboratively to support animal welfare through education and compliance,” says Ross.

He explains that the educational aspect of AWS can help farmers. There is an opportunity for this education and collaboration to go both ways and assist AWS in developing standards and identifying acceptable farm practices.

“Commodity groups and AWS may collaborate on issues of common interest such as:

• The interpretation of applicable agricultural Codes of Practice (e.g., guidance documents for species-specific agricultural animal care which include both requirements and recommended practices);
• Spreading awareness regarding biosecurity and animal welfare issues; and,
• Where appropriate, AWS may work directly with commodity groups to gauge what activities are considered reasonable and generally accepted practices of agricultural animal care.”

The AWS also has Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, and Ontario Sheep Farmers. This is an agreement between AWS and the commodity groups to ensure that animal welfare standards are upheld. That includes the timely investigation of complaints to maintain industry standards.

“The MOUs also help clarify roles and responsibilities in the enforcement of the PAWS Act, increase opportunities for information sharing, field training and greater communication with AWS,” explains Ross.

Animal Welfare Services play an essential role in ensuring the welfare of Ontario’s livestock. Farmers value the health and comfort of their animals, so an inspection may make many producers feel uncomfortable. Still, it is important to remember the shared values of the livestock industry and AWS. BF