available) about these animals. Remind them that what they are doing is illegal and will be reported
should they chose not to euthanize the animal on the spot.
loaded if it will cause unnecessary suffering. Because of the vagueness of the law, the CFIA
(Canadian Food Inspection Agency) published a Compromised Animals Policy in 2004. While it is
not yet legally binding, it is a policy and thus can be used to argue for euthanasia of an animal you
feel will suffer if transported.
According to the policy, a compromised animal is "An animal with reduced capacity to withstand the
stress of transportation, due to injury, fatigue, infirmity, poor health, distress, very young or old age,
impending birth, or any other cause"; namely:
ANIMAL'S BEHALF.
AGAINST THE AUCTION OR HAULING COMPANY.
indicates severe respiratory distress. Often due to existing
pneumonia (85% of sows have pneumonia due to breathing in high
ammonia levels in farrowing barns). This is one of the final stages
before a pig becomes a "downer". If she is not left alone and allowed
load her, she will collapse, vomit and die.
routinely in sows in response to lack of movement in gestation crates).
The rear leg joints may fuse into one making walking intensely painful
and difficult. These pigs are in great risk of poor handling because they
are slower.
(painful, inflamed teats). It is a sign of life-threatening illness.
appears as vertical line bruising.