New Face of Farm Animal Care in Canada

Most livestock producers would accept that farm animal care is going to become a bigger factor in their lives, said Ed Pajor at the 2010 Banff Pork Seminar.
calendar icon 23 February 2010
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Ed Pajor is part of that new face of farm animal care. His return to Canada as professor, animal behaviour and welfare at the new University of Calgary veterinary school is significant. That school will have a major role in farm animal care research and training in Canada, and adds to a growing body of research and on-the-ground capability nationally.

Besides his obvious academic credentials, Professor Pajor is exactly the kind of player Canada's livestock industry needs. He is young, articulate, a capable presenter and a willing participant in industry events like the Banff Pork Seminar. He seems equally comfortable with producers and industry, and as his interviews with media in the hallways outside the Seminar presentation would suggest, a champion of the cause of farm animal care and the realities that must be faced.


Ed Pajor

Those attending these sessions on the growing challenges of farm animal care typically share several responses. Some see the extra paperwork that will inevitably follow industry standards and more regulation, whether self or government imposed. Some see economic opportunity. Some see greater endorsement of stewardship. And some just glaze over at the extra effort when many in the livestock industry are under such personal and economic stress.

There is no doubting the message that Professor Pajor delivered, or his belief in what is needed to deal with it. Animal law is the fastest growing area of law in North America, he told the Banff session. It used to be environment but animal law is catching up. Many law schools now offer animal law courses.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) commitment to global standards will increase the importance of animal welfare in issues related to trade and help drive development of legislation and standards in more than 170 countries.

Professor Pajor added: "They may not all be strong, but they will be standards. Animal welfare is a fundamental part of the culture of agriculture and its importance is only bound to increase."

Further Reading

- You can view other reports from the 2010 Banff Pork Seminar by clicking here.


February 2010
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