The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Egg Farmers of Canada are pleased to announce the launch of the public comment period for the proposed amendments to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens

The comment period is an opportunity for all those with an interest in hen care and welfare to review the draft revisions and provide input that will inform the final Code.

The draft amendments and the online platform to submit comments are accessible HERE. All comments must be submitted through the online platform before the end of the 60-day comment period, which closes on May 26, 2025. The Code Amendment Committee will consider the comments after the close of the comment period, and the final Code of Practice will be released in the summer of 2025.

 “This public consultation is an important opportunity for consumers, producers, veterinarians, and indeed all stakeholders to provide their input and contribute towards progressive and achievable advances in bird welfare”

“Canadian egg farmers are dedicated to the health and welfare of the hens under their care,” said Roger Pelissero, Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. “The Code amendment process and its public consultation is a critical step forward in ensuring that our Code of Practice continues to be strengthened with the latest scientific evidence, as well as through input from our value chain stakeholders. We appreciate the work of NFACC in overseeing this process.”

The amendment is guided by NFACC’s robust Code process and focuses on three topics—space requirements for round feeders, space allowance for pullets in aviaries, and the maximum number of tiers permitted in barn facilities. Amendments are a mechanism in NFACC’s process that allow for timely revisions to Codes of Practice, ensuring they remain current and relevant by drawing on the latest animal welfare science, societal expectations for responsible care, and production practices.

The amendment is led by a 15-member Code Amendment Committee comprised of egg farmers, processors, and pullet growers working with government, veterinary, retail, animal welfare advocacy, and researcher representatives.

A report summarizing research on each of the amendment topics can be found alongside the draft Code amendment and should be reviewed prior to making a submission. A critically important resource throughout the project, this peer-reviewed report was developed by a Scientific Panel of nationally and internationally recognized experts in bird behaviour, health, and welfare.

“I am pleased to be part of this collaborative effort well focused on keeping the Code of Practice current and backed by science,” said Dr. Michelle Jendral who represents World Animal Protection Canada on the Code Committee. “This public consultation is an important opportunity for consumers, producers, veterinarians, and indeed all stakeholders to provide their input and contribute towards progressive and achievable advances in bird welfare.”

Canada’s Codes of Practice provide critical guidance for the care and handling of farm animals. They reflect our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices and serve as educational tools, reference materials for regulations, and the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs. NFACC’s consensus-based, multi-stakeholder approach ensures credibility and transparency through scientific rigour, collaboration, and consistency.

For additional information on the Code amendment process, click HERE.

In addition to this amendment, five Codes—beef cattle, equine, pig, sheep, and poultry—are being updated as part of a multi-year NFACC project. Visit www.nfacc.ca for more details and a timeline outlining the steps and progress made on the respective Codes.