Question to John Church

Could you please provide statistical information or charts to demonstrate the number of plants audited, the outcomes and improvements/changes?

In 2007, 49 out of 51 provincially inspected red meat abattoirs in Alberta were audited using the AMI/T. Grandin animal welfare audit process. The following summarizes the results of this initial audit:

• Three plants in particular had problems with stunning hogs
• One plant which had problems handling and shooting bison on the day of the slaughter.
  
• Overcrowding of hogs in holding pens that should only be 75% full, occurred at 6 of the 49 plants.
  
• Excessive use of the electrical prod was observed in 66% of the abattoirs.
  
• In 18% of the abattoirs, animals were observed slipping.

Regional Managers and or their Assistants have followed up on the deficiencies identified during the audit and have reported improvements and or corrections of deficiencies.

They plan to focus on hog stunning this year and have trained auditors on staff to conduct regular animal welfare audits.