Farmers’ concerns have not been addressed

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2002

(OTTAWA) - Canadian farmers are disappointed that Parliament has passed Bill C-15b – changes to the Criminal Code of Canada concerning cruelty to animals – without addressing their serious concerns. Producers are looking to the Senate to make necessary amendments to the legislation.

“I would like to make it clear the agriculture industry does not condone the reckless abuse of animals, in fact we denounce cruel and abusive actions and as an industry we have set, and follow, high standards of animal care and treatment,” said Bob Friesen, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

“I would like to make it equally clear that the government could accomplish its goals within Bill C-15b without putting farmers at the risk of frivolous prosecutions which can not only be expensive, but damaging and even threatening to Canadian farm families.”

CFA is calling on the Senate to make the following amendments to Bill C-15b:

• Animal cruelty provisions are put back in Part XI of the Criminal Code. Animals are property and such classification does not impede or prevent appropriate animal care practices;
•  If the animal cruelty provisions stay in Part V.I , it must be amended to read, “Cruelty to Animals: Private and Public Property”;
•  The wording “legal justification, excuse and colour of right” be included in the new section;
• The definition of “animal” be amended and clarified.

“These are minor wording changes. Minor, but very significant for producers,” added Friesen. “Canadian farmers are not asking for special treatment under the law, we are only asking for a law that will respect standard animal practices.”

-30-

Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.

Contact:

Kieran Green, CFA Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633, info@cfafca.ca

Bob Friesen, CFA President, (204) 724-0824 (cell)

Brigid Rivoire, CFA Executive Director, (613) 236-3633 / (613) 715-3113 (cell)