There’s an important opportunity to speak up against some of the worst cruelty suffered by chickens and turkeys killed for meat, and to call for more enrichment and better conditions for these sensitive birds.
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) has opened a survey to help guide an update to its Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chickens, and Turkeys. The survey, closing on November 8th, 2024, allows the public to share key welfare concerns and issues that should be addressed in the code’s revision.
Unlike most other developed nations, Canada lacks provincial and federal laws that regulate the treatment of farmed animals, as well as proactive government inspections. Instead, NFACC—an industry-dominated group—develops voluntary, unenforceable “standards” for animals on farms within its Codes of Practice.
While NFACC codes are no replacement for strong laws and proactive government inspections, Animal Justice is asking animal advocates to take part in the public survey to encourage the industry to stop supporting a number of horrific standard practices. This survey matters—the vast majority of the animals who suffer and die in farming every year are chickens and turkeys. Your voice can help them.
How to Take Part in the Survey
NFACC claims that public consultation is a key pillar of its organization, yet, the Poultry Code survey also states that submissions directed by organizations may be excluded. This new rule is undemocratic and could limit the participation of people who support advocacy groups with valuable, well-researched input, potentially skewing feedback toward less-informed individuals.
To ensure your submission is considered, share your unique perspective, be polite, and be concise. NFACC allows you to list only three priorities, limited to just 80 characters/14 words. Use our suggestions below to inform your comments!
Proposed Amendments to the NFACC Poultry Code
- Enrichments: In the current Code, enrichments (materials provided to add complexity to the environment and encourage pecking, scratching, exploration, and play behaviour) are listed under “recommendations” instead of “requirements”. At least two types of enrichments should be required.
- Stocking density: Some conditions in the current Code allow a stocking density of 38 kg/m2, which is far too crowded. 31 kg/m2 should be the maximum in any condition.
- Phase out fast-growing breeds: Chickens have been bred for unnaturally fast growth, causing immense suffering. Fast growing breeds should be banned.
- Light: Currently, birds kept in barns are only required in the Code to have four consecutive hours of darkness in a 24-hour period, but six continuous hours are recommended. At least six consecutive hours of darkness should be required.
- Depopulation / Euthanasia: Several methods of euthanasia are accepted by NFACC under various conditions. The following methods should not be accepted under any circumstances: manual blunt force trauma; decapitation; gas stunning; carbon monoxide; mechanical cervical dislocation; water or nitrogen foam; ventilation shutdown.
- Litter / Bedding: Bedding or litter is required in the Code to provide opportunities for birds to express normal behaviours like scratching, foraging, and dust bathing—but there are no specific requirements. It should be required that floors of all houses are covered with a minimum of three inches of non-toxic litter that is friable, with no more than 10% of the littered area caked.
Banner photo: Haig | World Animal Protection | We Animals
