Sheep Welfare and Legislation

Producers considering the establishment of a new sheep operation in Manitoba should make themselves aware of any legislation that may affect their operation. Such legislation might include manure handling, control of predators, endangered species, water pollution by animals etc.

The Canadian Agricultural Research Council (CARC) have established Codes of Practice for many farm animals. Such Codes are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of different species of farm animals. Codes are not intended to be used as production manuals; instead, the Codes are designed to be used as an educational tool in the promotion of sound management and welfare practices. The Codes contain recommendations to assist farmers and others in the agriculture and food sector to compare and improve their own management practices.

Sheep Code

In Canada, a number of sheep breeds and their crosses are managed under a variety of systems appropriate to the type of sheep, topography, local climate and resources available to the producer. These systems include, but are not limited to: range grazing, brush grazing, pasture grazing, semi-confinement and total confinement.

The complete Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep consists of recommendations which, when observed, go a long way in ensuring the well being of any flock, under any management system. The Full code is available as part of the Manitoba Sheep producers Reference Manual.

• Sheep Code of Practice
• Sellers Beware
• Predator Compensation Program
• Public Concerns with Livestock Production

Author

Mamoon Rashid
Business Development Specialist - Sheep/Goat
Livestock Knowledge Centre
545 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6
Phone: 204-945-7557
Fax: 204-945-4327