Most farmers raise livestock because they like working with animals. Most know too that properly cared for animals are more productive which means a better income for them and their families. Nevertheless, there are controls in place to help ensure that farm animals are raised responsibly. Agriculture and food production is not exempt from laws and regulations governing animal treatment.
Offences are punishable by law.
Specific government and industry regulations are also in force to control the production, transportation, marketing and processing of livestock and poultry. These regulations take into consideration humane issues, and penalize those found to be in violation. Recommended Codes of Practice are currently in place for poultry, hogs, veal, dairy cattle, beef cattle, deer, horses, sheep, animals raised on farms for their fur, and livestock transportation. These Codes have been designed to guide farmers, handlers, transporters, and processors in their practices. The codes have been drafted through close consultation with producers, government researchers, industry and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and have been well received and adopted by mainstream agriculture.