The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) appreciates the time you and your staff took to meet with us last week to discuss concerns with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (OSPCA Act). Farmers and farm organizations endorse the humane treatment of all animals. Farmers who raise livestock or poultry treat them with care and consideration – it is their livelihood and in their best interests to do so. They also genuinely care about the well being of their animals.

However, as we discussed, the current model and execution of the OSPCA Act is flawed and can be improved to function more effectively for the well being of farm animals.

It is important to promote a much higher degree of collaboration across farm organizations and with Farm and Food Care Ontario (FFCO) to ensure farmers are well aware of the accepted Codes of Practice for farm animal care. In so doing, we believe a reduction in incident frequency and severity can be reduced and, in cases where animal welfare is a problem, remedial action can be pursued to resolve the issue.