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AFAC Strategic Plan 2009 - 2011
Animal welfare is the quality of life of an animal.
“Animal welfare is a human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well-being,
including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention, responsible care, humane
handling, and, where necessary, humane euthanasia.”
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Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
AFAC is an association started in 1993 by the livestock producers of Alberta to:
- promote responsible, humane animal care;
- engage in discussion with the public;
- monitor and participate in issues and legislation, and;
- encourage animal care research.
AFAC's goal is to improve animal handling and promote responsible animal care. The partnership recognizes that animal welfare issues are a growing international concern and the public expect all animals to be humanely treated throughout their lifetime. (AFAC's goals and timeline).
AFAC, working with industry, has collaborated on:
We are the first livestock organization to form a working partnership with our provincial animal protection agency - the Alberta SPCA. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) is also a partner of this new umbrella group called the Alberta Livestock Protection Network (ALPN).
The industry also recognizes the need to base change on valid livestock welfare research and data linking to economic returns. AFAC, Agriculture Canada and AF formed the Livestock Welfare Research Partnership to ensure effective technology transfer from research development to producers and the public.
Responsible animal care is necessary for the long term sustainability of Canada's livestock industry, both domestically and globally. For information regarding farm animal welfare, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@afac.ab.ca.
Producers Taking Initiative
When it comes to animal welfare, AFAC believes that industry driven change is the best way to improve.
"It is our responsibility to meet the needs of the animals in our care and to always seek ways to improve." - P. Schuld, dairy farmer
Consumers Expect It
Consumers want assurance that animals are raised humanely. Thus, it is a priority to demonstrate our commitment to animal well being, at all times - be it on small mixed farms or where livestock are raised in confinement.
"There is need for those of us in animal agriculture to talk to consumers, not just about product promotion but also about the interrelationship of farmers and their animals. Balanced information helps everyone make informed choices." - D. Blackwood, turkey producer.
"Animal welfare practices are only as good as the people using them. It's stockmanship and husbandry that determine the level of animal welfare NO MATTER WHAT SYSTEM is used. I don't want legislation to decide which system is best." - S. Goodwin
AFAC Board Members
- Alberta Auction Markets Association
- Alberta Beef Producers
- Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association
- Alberta Chicken Producers
- Alberta Egg Producers
- Alberta Elk Commission
- Alberta Equestrian Federation
- Alberta Hatching Egg Producers
- Alberta Lamb Producers
- Alberta Milk
- Alberta Pork
- Alberta Turkey Producers
- Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine
- Western Stock Growers Association
- Wild Rose Agricultural Producers
- Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
AFAC Active Members
- Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
- Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association (Directors at Large on AFAC Board)
- Alberta Poultry Hatchery Association
- Bison Producers of Alberta
- Canada/Alberta Livestock Research Trust Inc.
- Calgary Stampede
- Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
- Edmonton Northlands
- Feeder Association of Alberta Ltd.
- Horse Racing Alberta
- Lakeland College, Agricultural Science
- North American Equine Ranching Information Council
- Olds College, School of Animal Science
- University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine (Directors at Large on AFAC Board)
AFAC Associate Members
Alberta veterinarians, colleges, food companies, meat processors, agribusinesses and individuals also support AFAC.
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