Under the Agreement, both organisations will work together to address concerns of animal abuse or neglect. Ontario Pork will provide technical assistance to Ontario SPCA Officers in cases where inadequate animal care may be occurring on swine farms.

Further, Ontario SPCA and Ontario Pork have agreed that upon at least 48 hours notice, Ontario Pork will visit a swine farm in conjunction with Ontario SPCA Officers for the purpose of investigating any complaints or allegations of inadequate animal care.

Similarly, Ontario SPCA has agreed to contact Ontario Pork with at least 48 hours notice, except in situations where animals are in immediate distress, to arrange a joint inspection of the licensed farm property.

In addition, the Ontario SPCA and Ontario Pork will host joint education sessions on an annual basis to exchange information and experiences related to on-farm animal care and Code of Practice issues.

"This is the fourth of recent MOAs that have been developed by the Ontario SPCA and livestock commodity groups," says Chief Inspector, Connie Mallory, Ontario SPCA. "We are pleased to be working together with Ontario Pork to help animals in need and enhance Animal Welfare across the province."