By Debra Pretty-Straathof, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has advocated for changes to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act for several years. The issue has not gone away and with increased concerns from Ontario farmers, OFA is putting a bigger push on collaborating with industry to move this issue to the front burner with politicians.

A resolution was passed at the recent OFA annual general meeting addressing the regulation that governs on-farm animal care. Ontario’s animal agricultural industry is regulated by the OSPCA Act that ensures farmers treat their animals with the respect and care they deserve. OFA has already identified the need to amend this Act, and made a number of specific recommendations to our provincial government in 2008. The recent member resolution noted that instances of unauthorized entrance to farms without the permission of the landowner are becoming an increasing concern to farmers.

The resolution was passed with full support from members directing OFA to work with commodity organizations and industry representatives to make further recommendations to government to amend the OSPCA Act. The resolution calls for the management of farm animal welfare by experienced professionals who are accountable to the public, famers and the legislature. Definitions of animal conditions such as distress also need to be clearly defined so officials can better judge the need for intervention. All of these recommendations, and those expected to come from further collaboration with industry, will advocate for much-needed updates to the legislation. This act needs reform, not unlike those already reformed in other provinces to ensure professionalism, fairness and accountability.

Farmers know the consequences of their actions and that day to day activities directly impact

animals and farm production. We are held accountable by regulations, ourselves as farm business owners and the well-being of animals that rely on us every day of the year. OFA believes farmers are being unfairly and unjustly targeted in some cases and are vulnerable to unwarranted farm inspections and even harassment. The OSPCA Act must be critically evaluated and updated to modernize and improve the rules affecting our farm businesses.

As farmers, we know that our success comes from healthy, productive animals. At OFA we’re pushing to ensure our government acknowledges our commitment to the care we provide our animals, and the food we produce for consumers. Advocating for regulatory reform with the OSPCA Act is a top priority for OFA. And working together with industry to bring an even stronger voice to policy makers is how we are ramping up our efforts on your behalf.