Ontario Pork: Addressing Animal and Public Safety Concerns

Pork producers, transporters and processors in Ontario are committed to producing quality products through responsible practices. Increasingly animal and public safety is being compromised by protestors. In some cases, the actions of protesters have seriously jeopardized the safety of animals, the people transporting them  ̶  and even the safety of the protesters themselves. 

The Canadian food system is one of the best in the world. The meat production, transportation and processing industry is federally and provincially regulated. Best practices for animal transport  ̶  that are safe for the animals, transport drivers and members of the public  ̶  are firmly established. Farmers themselves may transport their own animals or use a trucking company to take the animals for processing. The federal requirements for animal transport are covered under the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XII (Transportation of Animals). 

These requirements include loading densities, how and when feed/water can be administered and rest periods. Drivers are trained for changing weather conditions, and during hot and cold weather, ventilation is monitored and animals are checked to ensure their comfort. 

Federal processing plants follow detailed and timed loading and unloading schedules and standard operating procedures. Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspectors are on site to monitor the health of the animals when they arrive. Animals have access to climate controlled shelter and nourishment if required.

Pork producers, transporters and processors in Ontario strive for continued improvement and are committed to producing food that is responsibly and sustainably raised. Individuals have the right to protest, but safety for all parties and food integrity must not be compromised.

About Ontario Pork
Ontario Pork represents the 1,524 farmers who market 4.97 million hogs in the province. The organization plays a role in many areas, including research, government representation, environmental issues, consumer education and food quality assurance. Ontario's pork industry "farm to fork" generated $2.5 billion in economic output and 15,814 in full time equivalent jobs. For more information visit Ontario Pork's website at www.ontariopork.on.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Pork