New requirements for animal transfer of care documents (Canada)

Source: Canadian Cattlemen's Magazine

On February 20, 2020, the Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals was amended. While the name of this legislation may not ring a bell, most producers caught word of the reduction in maximum allowed intervals without feed, water and rest for animals in transport. However, this is far from the whole story. 

Since the amendments came into effect, any animal left at a slaughter facility or assembly centre (i.e. auction market, assembly yard, or independent holding facility associated with a slaughter establishment) has to be accompanied by a written transfer of care document. This document ensures that the individual responsible for the care of the animal(s) in question is clearly identified at all times, which in turn defines who is accountable for welfare decisions. 

For some producers, the point at which this regulation came into effect is a source of confusion. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a two-year compliance promotion period for the enforcement of the new maximum feed, water and rest intervals. This means that until February 20, 2022, CFIA is focusing on education and awareness rather than strict enforcement of the new regulations. However, contrary to what many producers have been told, this does not apply to the transfer of care documents. That is, producers are currently required by law to implement this documentation. 

The guidelines for these written documents are quite general. There is no prescriptive format for the document, but instead, CFIA provides a list of the required information. The necessary information includes: 

1. The names of the transporting company and driver, 
2. The receiving company and representative, 
3. The condition of the animal(s) on arrival,
4. The date, time and place of the last feed, water and rest,
5. The date, time and place of arrival,
6. Notes regarding animal welfare concerns, dead animals found and resulting actions,
7. Acknowledgement from the receiver indicating receipt of the animal(s) and acceptance of the responsibility for care. 

Producers do not have to provide transfer of care documents to commercial carriers because responsibility for animal care is already transferred to the transporter upon release of the animals by the producer under the Health of Animals Regulations. As a result, a driver can refuse to drop off a load due to animal welfare concerns, since they are responsible for the care of the animals at that time. Similarly, receivers should document any welfare concerns on arrival to avoid being held accountable for issues that occurred before they were responsible for the care of the animal(s). Notably, CFIA states that this is an important step because it helps receivers avoid declining a load and pro- longing non-compliant animal transport to avert blame for the welfare issues. 

Transfer of care documents should be kept on file for two years. This rule is important to tracking accountability for care in case of a welfare investigation. Read the amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations online.

Luckily, VBP+ provides a template for a transfer of care document that is available to all producers, whether or not they are trained and/or certified in the VBP+ program. This helps producers save time and get their cattle passed on quickly and responsibly. You can find the transfer of care document, along with other record templates, at the VBP website.