The revised Code of Practice covers care and handling of hatching eggs, breeders, chickens, and turkeys.

It was devised by The Chicken Farmers of Canada, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council, Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadian Hatching Egg Producers and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC).

The Code was developed by a committee composed of farmers, welfare experts and government representatives, among others, aided by a scientific committee. It was also subject to a public comment period in autumn last year.

“The Code of Practice supports the sustainability of Canadian poultry industries and the success of farmers,” said Vernon Froese, poultry farmer and Chair of the Code Development Committee.

“Stakeholder commitment is the key to ensuring that quality animal care standards are established and implemented.”

Canada’s Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals.

They serve as the foundation for ensuring that farm animals are cared for using sound management and welfare practices that promote animal health and well-being. They also form the foundation for industry animal care assessment programmes.

“The Code process provides an important opportunity for advancing farm animal welfare policy in Canada,” said poultry welfare expert Dr Ian Duncan, representing the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies on the Code Committee. “A step forward has been taken with the completion of this Code.”