Island Farms Thank-you so much for your comment, Jane Bryony-Shaw. As you might imagine, we receive our dairy from many, many different farms. The health, treatment and care of dairy cows is strictly legislated by the BC Ministry of Agriculture, and as such we (Island Farms, or any other dairy processor) do not have any direct involvement in the types of feed provided to the cows. Island Farms believes that cows must be treated fairly, and that their health and welfare should be priority. We are confident that the government agencies responsible for animal welfare have well-defined guidelines and monitoring practices. The Dairy Producers in BC are well-regulated, with strict guidelines about animal welfare. Farms must meet all regulations imposed by the BC Ministry of Agriculture, and production of milk must meet standards set by the Milk Industry Act. Animals must have free choice to move about in what is referred to as free stall housing. The cows should never be tied, they must be free to go where they want at all times within a building that provides them with shelter, protection from cold and hot weather and with comfortable, clean areas to lie down. They must also have access to pasture daily. The BCSPCA has been given the mandate for responsibility for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Beyond the BCSPCA there is the BC Farm Animal Care Committee( bcfacc.ca) that proactively deals with issues related to animal welfare. Another link you may find helpful: dairyfarmers.ca/what-we-do/programs/canadian-quality-milk This contains information about the Canadian Quality Milk Program, and meets standards as established by the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Animals. As part of regulating the dairy industry in BC, the Ministry of Agriculture inspectors conduct routine site inspections, set standards for parameters related to milk quality and safety, monitor tested levels from all farms, and apply significant financial penalties to violators. We hope that this answers your question. If you find you have further concerns about this important inquiry, please contact our head office at: 1-800-501-1150 or you can contact the BC Dairy Association: BC Dairy Association 3236 Beta Ave Burnaby, BC V5G 4K4 Tel: 604.294.3775 Fax: 604.294.8199 Toll free in BC. 1.800.242.MILK [6455] [email protected] BCFACC : British Columbia Farm Animal Care Council bcfacc.ca British Columbia Farm Animal Care Council  BCFACC : British Columbia Farm Animal Care Council bcfacc.ca British Columbia Farm Animal Care Council
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:24:36 +0000
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