MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Maple Leaf Foods is adopting new measures to improve its animal welfare practices, including remote video auditing. The company unveiled its formal Animal Care Commitment, which details the company’s principles, goals and initiatives toward becoming a “leader in animal care.”

As part of that commitment, Maple Leaf intends to implement remote video auditing in its production and processing facilities, starting with three plants in 2015. Detailed reports gleaned from the audits will be used to advance training and operating practices, and respond swiftly to any animal welfare incident.

The company’s plan is line with the Five Freedoms standard of for responsible animal care: freedom from hunger or thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom to express normal behaviors; and freedom from fear and distress. The company intends to advance these standards through its four-pillar animal care initiative that focuses on culture, accountability, advancement and communication. 

Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

“As the largest meat protein company in Canada, we hold ourselves to a high standard of animal care,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO. “This requires building a strong culture of animal wellbeing, advancing continuous improvement within Maple Leaf and across the industry, and holding ourselves accountable for performance and progress. We will provide the necessary organizational focus and resources, with a steadfast commitment to advancing the humane and science-based treatment of animals.”

Additional information about Maple Leaf Foods’ animal care commitment is available on the company’s website: http://www.mapleleafsustainability.ca/#!scene=5&page=treating-animals-well.