Sheep producers know the importance of animal welfare. Sheep that are treated well are more productive and profitable than those given a lower level of care. As well, public opinion and consumer confidence decreases when cases of animal abuse and neglect are publicized.
Important Animal Welfare Organizations
- Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA) is a registered charity dedicated to the welfare of animals. The SPCA encourages the humane treatment of animals through enforcement of animal protection legislation and through education programs throughout Alberta. To report animal abuse or neglect call 1-800-455-9003.
- National Farm Animal Care Council: The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) brings together diverse stakeholders to:
- Develop Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals.
- Create a process for the development of animal care assessment programs.
- Provide a forum for open dialogue on farm animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Legislation
Alberta producers are subject to legislation which governs the treatment of animals. There are several Acts that protect animals on Federal and Provincial levels. The Acts are enforced when animals are reported as in distress, lacking care or subjected to willful abuse.
Alberta’s Animal Protection Act states that an animal is in distress if it is (2a) deprived of adequate shelter, ventilation, space, food, water or veterinary care or reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold; 2b) injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or; (2c) abused or subjected to undue hardship, privation or neglect.
However, activities carried out in accordance with “reasonable and generally accepted practices” of animal care do not apply. The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from causing suffering, unnecessary pain or injury to an animal or bird, whether through willful action or neglect.
- Alberta’s Animal Protection System (diagram)
- Overview of Animal Protection Legislation (Federal and Provincial – diagram)
Animal Welfare and Handling Resources
- Guide to the Humane Care, Handling and Transportation of Sheep – Guide developed by ALP and Animal Farm Animal Care to help determine if an animal is fit for transport.
- Responsible Animal Care and the Code of Practice (ALP fact sheet)
- Animal Welfare Considerations for Castration and Tail Docking (ALP fact sheet)
- Handling Systems for Sheep (ALP fact sheet)
- Setting it Up: Sheep Infrastructure (pdf) – This ALP Infrastructure module contains information and plans for handling systems for sheep operations.
- Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale – Aid for gauging use of pain medication.
Learn More With Videos
Videos on ALP’s YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta
Responsible Animal Care and the Code of Practice
Animal Welfare and the Humane Handling of Sheep
Dr. Ed Pajor – Animal Welfare: the new social ethic
Handling Systems – Lakeland College
Flock Health Management: Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep