Urban and rural residents might have different views on what constitutes proper animal shelter.
Providing proper shelter makes good economic sense but Pam Miller, ALERT Line co-ordinator for Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), says it is necessary to provide adequate shelter to avoid any public perception that we, as an industry, are not taking care of the animals properly.
“In most people’s minds among the urban population, they want to see a structure of some sort, such as a barn or something that animals can go into to get out of the cold or the heat. Under the Animal Protection Act and for a lot of the livestock industry, protection can be windbreaks — it can be a good bush cover — it can be a flat fence,” says Miller.
She points out there is a big variation in what is considered proper shelter. For example, adequate shelter depends on the species. Pigs, turkeys and chickens need to be in a shelter. For horses and cattle, proper shelter could mean a windbreak.
The ALERT Line is operated by Alberta Animal Farm Care (AFAC). The number to call is 1-800-506-2273 for anyone facing difficulties looking after their animals or if someone is concerned animals might be in a stressful situation.