OTTAWA, December 6, 2012: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) takes allegations of animal mistreatment very seriously. The CFIA does not condone or tolerate any abusive behaviour towards animals, whether it is depicted in video footage or observed on-site. The Agency is aware of the recent video footage allegedly taken at a Manitoba hog farm and is working closely with our provincial colleagues on their investigation.
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. All Canadian provinces and territories have legislation concerning animal welfare.
The CFIA is responsible for animal welfare during transport as specified in the humane transport requirements of the Health of Animals Regulations and at slaughter at federally registered establishments according to the Meat Inspection Regulations. Most Canadian producers and transporters share our commitment to animal protection and adhere to these regulations. In the rare circumstances when these laws are broken, fines are issued and enforcement actions may be taken.
If at any time CFIA inspectors encounter suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect that fall outside the CFIA's jurisdiction, they forward all information to the appropriate authorities in Canada.
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