The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) has wrapped up its top-of-mind survey aimed at gathering feedback from pork sector stakeholders on welfare priorities for updating Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs.
The survey, launched in mid-May, marked the first step in what will be a multi-year process to revise the Pig Code, last updated in 2014 and reviewed in 2019. The responses are now being compiled for presentation this fall to a stakeholder committee tasked with balancing industry needs, scientific research, and animal welfare expectations.
Jackie Wepruk, NFACC’s division director, emphasized the sector’s proactive role in initiating the process. “It really speaks to the level of commitment from the sector when they step forward and submit themselves to this code process,” she said. “It’s not an easy or quick process. Codes can take up to three years to complete, as they must balance diverse perspectives and realities on the ground.”
The Pig Code will continue to cover comprehensive lifecycle areas such as housing and handling facilities, feed and water, health management, stockmanship, emergency preparedness, transport considerations, and euthanasia. Once the draft code is completed—expected in about 18 months—it will be released for a 60-day public comment period to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
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