Veterinarian to Discuss Complexities of Farm Animal Welfare

Veterinarian to Discuss Complexities of Farm Animal Welfare

WINNIPEG – The Farm Animal Compassion Committee of The Winnipeg Humane Society presents a free public lecture that will explore the complex nature of farm animal welfare. ‘One Welfare: Animal Welfare is Simply not Simple’ will be led by Dr. Dale Douma, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a PhD in Large Animal Clinical Sciences, in The WHS classroom on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

The purpose of Dr. Douma’s lecture is to discuss farm animal welfare in relation to Manitoba’s Animal Care Act. Farm producers and animal activists see the issue of farm animal welfare from opposite spectrums, but Dr. Douma explains the issue is more complex.

“Frequently, welfare issues are approached with only one perspective or objective in mind and unintended consequences can occur,” Dr. Douma says. “Approaching these challenges more holistically can optimize the overall outcome for all involved.”

Dr. Douma will discuss the complexities of animal welfare enforcement, including the potential positive and negative consequences that are intertwined with enforcement. He believes learning about the issue from both sides will lead to an understanding of farm animal welfare which can result in systems that provide better outcomes for everyone involved.

The lecture will take place during National Farm Animal Awareness Week from Sept. 13-19. National Farm Animal Awareness week raises awareness about the conditions that factory farmed animals live in. Some animals are housed indoor and allowed little space, food, and care in order to maximize profit.

Where: The WHS classroom

When: Thursday, September 17, 7:00 p.m.

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The Winnipeg Humane Society is Manitoba’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency. The WHS is more than just pet adoption – the shelter offers education programs for children and adults to encourage responsible pet ownership, and a fully-functional veterinary clinic that performs subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for Winnipeggers on fixed or low-income. For more information, visit winnipeghumanesociety.ca.