Animal welfare emerging as critical issue for agriculture

"Animal welfare is no longer considered a sentimental issue" was a common view expressed by international speakers at the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC)'s "Farm Animal Care and Welfare" conference held in Ottawa recently.

John Webster of Bristol University, advised organic producers to promote and live up to their high standards of animal welfare. He, along with virtually every speaker referred to the importance of continuing research in animal welfare. He reported on research completed recently by the EU's "Welfare Quality Project". Surprisingly to some in the audience, RSPCA-certified dairy herds do not provide better welfare than conventional herds. Other studies concluded that perches are necessary for laying hens, and lameness in dairy cows occurs at a higher rate even than in battery-caged laying hens. Dr. Webster delivered a spirited, fast-paced and informative session, emphasizing that all animals are sentient beings with an innate capacity to suffer. He is also passionate that in order to improve animal welfare, farmers must be rewarded by society.