MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Maple Leaf Foods announced the promotion of Kathleen Long, DVM, to vice president of animal care. Long will lead animal care policies and programs for Maple Leaf Foods’ livestock and poultry production and processing operations.

Since joining the company in 2013, Long played an integral role in supporting the company’s animal welfare strategy. “Ensuring animal care is essential to achieving our goal of becoming the most sustainable protein company on earth,” said Randall Huffman, Ph.D., chief food safety and sustainability officer at Maple Leaf Foods. “Dr. Long has played a key role in our poultry welfare programs and will continue to advance our world-class animal care program throughout all livestock and poultry operations. Her specialized knowledge, expertise and leadership are highly recognized within Maple Leaf Foods and across the animal health industry.”

Long holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with a major in animal science from the Univ. of Alberta. She also holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where she completed advanced coursework in both poultry and swine management, nutrition, reproduction and health. She also holds a Master of Avian Health and Medicine through the Univ. of Georgia and is a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.