The Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, (Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada publication 1853/E 1990) The following sub-sections in regards to hoof trimming are within the Code of Handling Handbook Section 5 Supervision of Cattle 5.2.6 The animals' legs should be checked periodically to detect and treat injury or disease. Hoof infection or leg abrasions must be treated without delay. Hoof care of all animals must be conducted as required and at regular intervals by a competent person using proper equipment. When hooves are cared for, devices used for restraining the animals must be safe for personnel and for animals. 5.3.2 If aerosols or paints are used for temporary marking only non-toxic materials should be used. 5.4. Attendants 5.4.1 All personnel working with cattle should understand and accept their responsibility to prevent avoidable suffering of animals. 5.4.2 Before duties are assigned, producers should be satisfied that the attendants responsible for the animals' care have the skills necessary to respond to the needs of all cattle entrusted to them. Attendants should be able to recognize behavioral symptoms that indicate discomfort or disease and should know when to consult a veterinarian. 5.5 Handling of Cattle 5.5.1 Cattle should be handled quietly but firmly at all times and with care to avoid unnecessary injury, pain and distress. Any enforced action must be consistent with the animals' natural movements and typical to physical capabilities. 5.5.2 Before handling animals, attendants should become familiar with the animals and should choose the safest route of approach. 5.5.3 Animals should always be aware of an approaching person. Attendants must avoid activities that cause unnecessary fear in animals. People's actions and movements should be quiet and consistent. Animals properly handled from an early age respect and handlers commands and obey them with ease. 5.5.4 Equipment for handling and restraint should be effective without causing unnecessary stress or pain to the animals and should be designed for maximum safety of the handler. 5.5.5 Punishment of animals should be generally avoided, but if it is necessary it must always be applied with discretion. Refer to Section 7 of the aforementioned code of practice handbook and the flow chart for Guidelines for dealing with Compromised Cattle Sheep or Goats 7.2 Unfit Cattle 7.2.1 Each crippled, lame, sick, weak, or fatigued animal should be documented and deemed as unfit 7.2.2 Unfit cattle must be off-loaded without causing the animal undue pain and suffering 7.2.3 Unfit cattle must be placed in a segregated pen. These animals must be kept comfortable, fed (if necessary), and watered. They must be provided with medical treatment as soon as possible or humanely destroyed. Reportable Diseases, ie. Foot and Mouth Section 5.2.3 It is mandatory for some diseases to be reported under federal and provincial legislation. If an animal is suspected of having such a disease, a veterinarian must be advised immediately. When a reportable disease has been confirmed, the producer must immediately introduce the appropriate measures required under the provisions of the applicable legislation. It is required by federal law specifically, the Health of Animals Act that no person shall conceal any animal that has a reportable disease or toxic substance. back to issues

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