Maple Leaf is urged to follow America's lead
For: Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals
CP Wire - Thu 25 Jan 2007
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/release ... For=632515
CCFA and WSPA urge changes to Canadian pig cages
Toronto, Ontario, Media Release, Jan.25 /CCNMatthews/ -
Following news of the biggest advance in farm animal welfare in modern agribusiness, the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals (CCFA) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) are calling on Maple Leaf Foods to follow the lead of America's largest pork producer.
Smithfield Corporation announced today it will be phasing out the confinement of mother pigs in cages ("gestation crates") over the next decade.
"We are asking Maple Leaf Foods, as Canada's largest pork producer, to follow Smithfield's lead and phase out this cruel confinement system," says John Youngman, a CCFA Director. "It would send a strong message to the rest of Canada's pork industry that sow stalls have no place in Canada."
Most of Canada's 1.6 million breeding sows are confined for their entire lives in cages measuring just two feet wide by seven feet long. The cages are so small mother pigs cannot turn around.
Farm animal expert Dr. Temple Grandin states, "Gestation crates for pigs are a real problem...Basically, you're asking a sow to live in an airline seat."
"This practice is considered so extraordinarily cruel that all of Europe has voted to ban sow stalls as of 2013. And now, voters in Florida and Arizona have also voted to ban the practice. This is an enormous win for animal welfare," said Silia Smith, Regional Director for WSPA Canada.
Under Smithfield's plan, mother pigs will instead be housed in group pens which will allow them some freedom of movement and the ability to socialize.
The Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals is Canada's largest farm animal protection organization.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals, the world's largest animal-protection organization, works to prevent cruelty to animals and improve animal welfare. WSPA's animal protection work includes field projects, disaster management, education and training, awareness and advocacy campaigns.
Media Contacts:
John Youngman, Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals, (204) 294-2940
Celecia Partap, Media Manager, WSAP (416) 369-0044
- END RELEASE - 25/01/2007
=============================
Smithfield to Phase Out Crates
Big Pork Producer Yields To Activists, Customers On Animal-Welfare Issue
By LAUREN ETTER
January 25, 2007; Page A14
Smithfield Foods Inc., the nation's largest pork producer, plans to announce today that it will phase out "gestation crates" at all of its company-owned sow farms over the next decade.
The company has come under fire by animal-rights activists in recent years over the crates, where some female pigs can spend most of their lives. The issue also played a role in last year's midterm elections.
Smithfield is the first major pork producer to move to ban the crates, but the company's efforts may not be fast enough for critics. "It's a big step," says Bernard Rollin, a professor of philosophy at Colorado State University and animal-rights researcher. But "it's not quick enough."
FULL ARTICLE at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01785.html
The End of SOW STALLS? - Maple Leaf is urged to follow
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• Page 1 of 1
The End of SOW STALLS? - Maple Leaf is urged to follow
by Oscar » Sun Jan 28, 2007 10:39 am
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Maple Leaf Endorses U.S. Industry Direction On Sow Stalls
by Oscar » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:07 pm
http://www.ccnmatthews.com:80/news/rele ... For=633264
Maple Leaf Endorses U.S. Industry Direction On Sow Stalls
January 31, 2007
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. today announced that it endorses the direction of the U.S. industry in phasing out the use of sow gestation stalls in favour of group housing, and will follow this initiative at all Company-owned hog production operations within the next 10 years.
While the science concerning the benefits of sow gestation stalls is sound, Maple Leaf has studied alternative housing methods for some time and actively supports initiatives which respond to consumer opinion as well as the science, in making decisions about thewelfare of animals in the Company's care. The fact is that the U.S. industry has to lead such initiatives; they have and Maple Leaf endorses it fully. As this is an integrated industry in North America, it is essential these types of changes are implemented as an industry, including large U.S. producers, in order to uniformly bear related costs. In making this decision, Maple Leaf recognizes that industry practices are evolving and the Company wants to be on the leading edge of that change.
Hog producers across North America use both group pens and stalls to house sows during pregnancy. While a body of research into both methods exists and is ongoing, to date no conclusive evidence exists that one leads to better herd health than the other, or is a superior production technique. However, there are a growing number of consumers and customers who feel group housing is a more humane handling method. Maple Leaf will migrate to this practice over the next decade as practical, including the retrofitting of existing barns and construction of new ones.
As Canada's largest pork producer, Maple Leaf Foods has actively participated for many years on both national and provincial initiatives into improved animal welfare practices, including through Farm Animal Care Councils, the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatoon and other organizations. The Company will continue to support research for improved gestation housing and animal welfare practices that ensure optimal herd health.
====================================
JANUARY 31, 2007 - 09:48 ET
Statement from Clare Schlegel, President, Canadian Pork Council, on
Maple Leaf Decision to Phase Out Sow Gestation Stalls
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Jan. 31, 2007) - Today, Maple Leaf Foods announced its intention to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls in favour of group housing in all of its hog operations over the next 10 years. This follows a similar announcement from the U.S.-based Smithfield Foods late last week.
The Canadian Pork Council recognizes the right of these firms to make marketing decisions to respond to their companies' needs. Both firms state that there is no conclusive evidence that one sow housing system is better than another.
Animal welfare involves a host of factors, including housing, management, and barn environment. Sow housing is only one of many that need to be addressed to have optimal animal welfare. The Canadian Pork Council, in 2005, introduced its Animal Care Assessment (ACA) to set minimum standards for care on Canadian hog farms. The ACA addresses critical facets of animal care, including housing.
Our industry recognizes that some consumers have expressed concerns about current sow housing systems, and the CPC remains committed to taking a leadership role in examining sow housing alternatives. It will be important to fully understand the welfare and management implications of current and new housing systems. Efforts to move to new systems should be supported, but only if the new approaches lead to improved animal welfare.
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/release ... For=633264
Maple Leaf Endorses U.S. Industry Direction On Sow Stalls
January 31, 2007
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. today announced that it endorses the direction of the U.S. industry in phasing out the use of sow gestation stalls in favour of group housing, and will follow this initiative at all Company-owned hog production operations within the next 10 years.
While the science concerning the benefits of sow gestation stalls is sound, Maple Leaf has studied alternative housing methods for some time and actively supports initiatives which respond to consumer opinion as well as the science, in making decisions about thewelfare of animals in the Company's care. The fact is that the U.S. industry has to lead such initiatives; they have and Maple Leaf endorses it fully. As this is an integrated industry in North America, it is essential these types of changes are implemented as an industry, including large U.S. producers, in order to uniformly bear related costs. In making this decision, Maple Leaf recognizes that industry practices are evolving and the Company wants to be on the leading edge of that change.
Hog producers across North America use both group pens and stalls to house sows during pregnancy. While a body of research into both methods exists and is ongoing, to date no conclusive evidence exists that one leads to better herd health than the other, or is a superior production technique. However, there are a growing number of consumers and customers who feel group housing is a more humane handling method. Maple Leaf will migrate to this practice over the next decade as practical, including the retrofitting of existing barns and construction of new ones.
As Canada's largest pork producer, Maple Leaf Foods has actively participated for many years on both national and provincial initiatives into improved animal welfare practices, including through Farm Animal Care Councils, the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatoon and other organizations. The Company will continue to support research for improved gestation housing and animal welfare practices that ensure optimal herd health.
====================================
JANUARY 31, 2007 - 09:48 ET
Statement from Clare Schlegel, President, Canadian Pork Council, on
Maple Leaf Decision to Phase Out Sow Gestation Stalls
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Jan. 31, 2007) - Today, Maple Leaf Foods announced its intention to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls in favour of group housing in all of its hog operations over the next 10 years. This follows a similar announcement from the U.S.-based Smithfield Foods late last week.
The Canadian Pork Council recognizes the right of these firms to make marketing decisions to respond to their companies' needs. Both firms state that there is no conclusive evidence that one sow housing system is better than another.
Animal welfare involves a host of factors, including housing, management, and barn environment. Sow housing is only one of many that need to be addressed to have optimal animal welfare. The Canadian Pork Council, in 2005, introduced its Animal Care Assessment (ACA) to set minimum standards for care on Canadian hog farms. The ACA addresses critical facets of animal care, including housing.
Our industry recognizes that some consumers have expressed concerns about current sow housing systems, and the CPC remains committed to taking a leadership role in examining sow housing alternatives. It will be important to fully understand the welfare and management implications of current and new housing systems. Efforts to move to new systems should be supported, but only if the new approaches lead to improved animal welfare.
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/release ... For=633264
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Editor . . . .the end of sow stalls!
by Oscar » Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:08 pm
Sent for publishing on February 12, 2007
Editor:
. . . the end of sow stalls!
Last week, Canadian pig factory owner, Maple Leaf Foods, spurred on by the US pig factory owner, Smithfield Foods, announced that, over the next 10 years, it would be phasing out sow gestation stalls.
Setting these animals free from their archaic 2 foot by 7 foot steel traps, where they spend their entire reproductive lives, repeatedly impregnated, unable to turn around or avoid standing and lying in their own waste, is long, long overdue.
England stopped using these cages in 1999, while Arizona and Florida, as well as the European Union, have also moved to ban them.
Predictably, Florien Possberg, CEO of Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporation, Big Sky Farms, along with the Manitoba Pork Council, have begun the whining: just think of the challenge it will be to end this ‘farming practice’ - they’ve always done it this way and they want the choice to continue to do so. And, just think about how much money they’re going to lose if they’re forced, by law or by consumers, to change their ways.
Undoubtedly, those folks who are already aware of this disgraceful manner of treating animals will echo the sentiments of John Youngman, a Director of the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals, when he said, “This is the most significant advance in farm animal welfare in Canadian history. It addresses one of the very worst farm practices in Canada.”
These same people are also seeking out producers of humanely-raised animals as food for their families. Soon, overseas consumers are going to follow suit.
Ready or not, the hog industry will have to end this unspeakable practice and join the 21st century!
Elaine Hughes
Archerwill, SK
Editor:
. . . the end of sow stalls!
Last week, Canadian pig factory owner, Maple Leaf Foods, spurred on by the US pig factory owner, Smithfield Foods, announced that, over the next 10 years, it would be phasing out sow gestation stalls.
Setting these animals free from their archaic 2 foot by 7 foot steel traps, where they spend their entire reproductive lives, repeatedly impregnated, unable to turn around or avoid standing and lying in their own waste, is long, long overdue.
England stopped using these cages in 1999, while Arizona and Florida, as well as the European Union, have also moved to ban them.
Predictably, Florien Possberg, CEO of Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporation, Big Sky Farms, along with the Manitoba Pork Council, have begun the whining: just think of the challenge it will be to end this ‘farming practice’ - they’ve always done it this way and they want the choice to continue to do so. And, just think about how much money they’re going to lose if they’re forced, by law or by consumers, to change their ways.
Undoubtedly, those folks who are already aware of this disgraceful manner of treating animals will echo the sentiments of John Youngman, a Director of the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals, when he said, “This is the most significant advance in farm animal welfare in Canadian history. It addresses one of the very worst farm practices in Canada.”
These same people are also seeking out producers of humanely-raised animals as food for their families. Soon, overseas consumers are going to follow suit.
Ready or not, the hog industry will have to end this unspeakable practice and join the 21st century!
Elaine Hughes
Archerwill, SK
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9965
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
'QUIT STALLING': COALITION TELLS HOG PRODUCERS
by Oscar » Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:10 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
'QUIT STALLING': COALITION TELLS HOG PRODUCERS
Saskatoon, February 1, 2007 — A national coalition of advocates for socially responsible livestock production is calling on Canada's pork producers to stop caging pregnant pigs on concrete in small metal cages known as gestation stalls or sow stalls.
Yesterday, less than one week after North America's largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods, announced a phase-out of all the gestation stalls in all its barns, Maple Leaf Foods followed suit, making it the first major Canadian hog producer to ban the controversial housing method.
“The Beyond Factory Farming Coalition applauds Maple Leaf Foods for its socially responsible decision,” said Cathy Holtslander, a Coalition Organizer. “We are now calling on all Canadian pork producers, including Big Sky Farms, Stomp Pork Farms, Hytek Ltd., Puratone and Paragon Pork, to follow Maple Leaf and Smithfield's example.”
Sow stalls have been standard practice in North American intensive hog barns for decades. In contrast, in the European Union, where several countries have long since banned the stalls on humane grounds, a universal phase-out has been in progress since 2000. Last year, Arizona became the second American state to ban sow stalls.
“Thanks to the persistent efforts of farm animal advocates, consumers have awakened to the horror stories behind their bacon and eggs,” said Syd Baumel, publisher of Eatkind.net, a member of the Beyond Factory Farming Coalition. “Now that Smithfield and Maple Leaf have moved to implement group housing, other Canadian producers who don't follow their lead could find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the social values-driven economy of the 21st century.”
Humane alternatives to sow stalls, such as housing sows in small groups on loose straw-covered flooring, are being successfully used by large-scale hog producers in Denmark, Sweden and other countries. Certified organic hog farms – which also provide access to the outdoors for the sows and their young – have seen demand for their product grow at an accelerating pace among today's ethical consumers.
For years, there has been a race to the bottom in global livestock production practices. Europe has begun to reverse that trend. Now it's Canada's turn to join the race to the top.
- 30 -
CONTACT:
Cathy Holtslander, Beyond Factory Farming Coalition: (306) 955-6454
Lisa Bechthold, Beyond Factory Farming Coalition: (403) 867-2999 or (403) 647-7887
Syd Baumel, Eatkind.net: (204) 452-1509
INFORMATION ABOUT SOW STALLS:
www.quitstalling.ca
www.humanefood.ca
www.aquarianonline.com/Values/Quit_Stalling.html
'QUIT STALLING': COALITION TELLS HOG PRODUCERS
Saskatoon, February 1, 2007 — A national coalition of advocates for socially responsible livestock production is calling on Canada's pork producers to stop caging pregnant pigs on concrete in small metal cages known as gestation stalls or sow stalls.
Yesterday, less than one week after North America's largest pork producer, Smithfield Foods, announced a phase-out of all the gestation stalls in all its barns, Maple Leaf Foods followed suit, making it the first major Canadian hog producer to ban the controversial housing method.
“The Beyond Factory Farming Coalition applauds Maple Leaf Foods for its socially responsible decision,” said Cathy Holtslander, a Coalition Organizer. “We are now calling on all Canadian pork producers, including Big Sky Farms, Stomp Pork Farms, Hytek Ltd., Puratone and Paragon Pork, to follow Maple Leaf and Smithfield's example.”
Sow stalls have been standard practice in North American intensive hog barns for decades. In contrast, in the European Union, where several countries have long since banned the stalls on humane grounds, a universal phase-out has been in progress since 2000. Last year, Arizona became the second American state to ban sow stalls.
“Thanks to the persistent efforts of farm animal advocates, consumers have awakened to the horror stories behind their bacon and eggs,” said Syd Baumel, publisher of Eatkind.net, a member of the Beyond Factory Farming Coalition. “Now that Smithfield and Maple Leaf have moved to implement group housing, other Canadian producers who don't follow their lead could find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the social values-driven economy of the 21st century.”
Humane alternatives to sow stalls, such as housing sows in small groups on loose straw-covered flooring, are being successfully used by large-scale hog producers in Denmark, Sweden and other countries. Certified organic hog farms – which also provide access to the outdoors for the sows and their young – have seen demand for their product grow at an accelerating pace among today's ethical consumers.
For years, there has been a race to the bottom in global livestock production practices. Europe has begun to reverse that trend. Now it's Canada's turn to join the race to the top.
- 30 -
CONTACT:
Cathy Holtslander, Beyond Factory Farming Coalition: (306) 955-6454
Lisa Bechthold, Beyond Factory Farming Coalition: (403) 867-2999 or (403) 647-7887
Syd Baumel, Eatkind.net: (204) 452-1509
INFORMATION ABOUT SOW STALLS:
www.quitstalling.ca
www.humanefood.ca
www.aquarianonline.com/Values/Quit_Stalling.html
- Oscar
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9965
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 3:23 pm
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