Sheep producers know the importance of animal welfare. Sheep that are well-treated are more productive and profitable than those given a lower level of care. As well, public opinion and consumer confidence decreases when cases of animal abuse and neglect are publicized.
Click links below to learn more:

• Important Animal Welfare Organizations
• Animal Welfare Legislation
• Animal Welfare and Handling Resources

Important Animal Welfare Organizations 

•  Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:  The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA) is a registered charity dedicated to the welfare of animals. The SPCA encourages the humane treatment of animals through enforcement of animal protection legislation and through education programs throughout Alberta. To report animal abuse or neglect call 1-800-455-9003.

• National Farm Animal Care Council: The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) brings together diverse stakeholders to:
  • develop Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals,
  • create a process for the development of animal care assessment programs,
  • provide a forum for open dialogue on farm animal welfare.

• Alberta Farm Animal Care: The Alberta SPCA, in collaboration with the former Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) Board of Directors, is pleased to announce plans for the ALERT Line to be answered by the Alberta SPCA. 
• • SPCA ALERT Line (1-800-455-9003) is a confidential call line for anyone to report livestock care concerns.

Animal Welfare Legislation

 Alberta producers are subject to legislation which governs the treatment of animals. There are several Acts that protect animals on the Federal and Provincial levels. The Acts are enforced when animals are reported as in distress, lacking care or subjected to willful abuse

Alberta’s Animal Protection Act states that an animal is in distress if it is (2a) deprived of adequate shelter, ventilation, space, food, water or veterinary care or reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold; 2b) injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or; (2c) abused or subjected to undue hardship, privation or neglect. However, activities carried out in accordance with “reasonable and generally accepted practices” of animal care do not apply. The Criminal Code of Canada prohibits anyone from causing suffering, unnecessary pain or injury to an animal or bird, whether through willful action or neglect.

• Alberta Animal Protection Act 

• Alberta's Animal Protection System (diagram) 

• Overview of Animal Protection Legislation (Federal and Provincial - diagram)

Animal Welfare and Handling Resources:

• Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep  (pdf)

• Guide to the Humane Care, Handling and Transportation of Sheep (Guide developed by ALP and Animal Farm Animal Care to help determine if an animal is fit for transport)

• Responsible Animal Care and the Code of Pratice (ALP fact sheet)

• Animal Welfare Considerations for Castration and Tail Docking  (ALP fact sheet)

• Handling Systems for Sheep (ALP fact sheet)

• Setting It Up: Sheep Infrastructure (ALP Infrastructure module) contains information and plans for handling systems for sheep operations 

• Body Condition Scoring (link to Health Page)
• Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale (aid for gauging use of pain medication)

Videos on ALP's YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta