Ontario SPCA Media Release
Ontario SPCA reminds Canadian truckers and sheep and goat producers to abide by transport regulationsNEWMARKET, ON, (March 28, 2006) - The approach of Easter means one of the peak sales periods of sheep and goats for the year. The Ontario SPCA's Investigations Department reminds producers who plan to sell sheep or goats in Ontario this Easter season to abide by the federal Animal Transport Regulations, the Criminal Code of Canada, and Ontario's provincial legislation.
"In previous years we have found a number of problems with sheep and goats arriving at Ontario sales barns," says Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector Mike Draper. "These problems included the transport of animals that were pregnant, and transporters not appropriately dealing with animals that became non-ambulatory (an animal unable to stand without assistance, or unable to move without being dragged or carried) or "fallen" during transport (an animal suffering from disease, emaciation or other condition likely to cause death). While these issues arise primarily with sheep and goats transported from western Canada, it is also a concern in Ontario. Failure to adhere to federal and provincial transportation regulations and legislation will not be tolerated and will lead to prosecution."
The Ontario SPCA reminds producers and truckers:
Do not:
· Load or transport pregnant animals that may give birth during the journey, at the sales barn or at the abattoir.
· Load or transport non-ambulatory animals, or animals likely to become non-ambulatory, or animals that will otherwise be caused to suffer during the journey.
· Transport livestock in overcrowded conditions or mix species of animals.
· Move or transport a "fallen" animal. Load or transport emaciated or otherwise compromised animals.
· Ensure that animals segregated in trucks receive extra protection from cold and wind chill; supply ample bedding.
Do:
· Segregate animals of different species or substantially different weights and ages, or those incompatible by nature.
· Ensure that animals segregated in trucks receive extra protection from cold and wind chill; supply ample bedding.
· Ensure that animals unloaded for feed, water and rest remain at the unloading location for at least five hours.
· Have sufficient headroom for animals to stand in a natural position.
· Ensure that non-ambulatory or fallen animals are dealt with in an expeditious and humane manner.
The Ontario SPCA strongly encourages direct-to-local slaughter at a licensed abattoir or humane euthanasia on farms for compromised animals. Ontario SPCA Inspectors will be monitoring Ontario sales barns during the Easter season and will lay charges if an offence under criminal or provincial legislation is found. Further, the Ontario SPCA is cooperating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and will forward cases, where appropriate, to CFIA for prosecution.
Further information on the proper transport of animals can be found on CFIA's website at
www.inspection.gc.ca.
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA Branch, affiliated humane society or police.
To make a donation to the Ontario SPCA call Cathy at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 322.
For media enquiries, please contact: Doug Rombough, Ontario SPCA Livestock Inspector, 1-888-668-7722, ext. 347.
Author