This Thanksgiving, the BC SPCA is pleased to feature several SPCA Certified farms raising turkeys.

“We are proud to offer consumers an alternative to conventionally farmed turkeys for their holiday table,” says Alyssa Bell Stoneman, who supervises the SPCA Certified labelling program.

Certified farms raising turkeys include:

• First Nature Farms (Alberta)

• Happy Chick Farm (Sunshine Coast)

• Ladybug Manor (Fraser Valley)

• Sunworks Farm (Alberta)

“The differences found in the SPCA Certified turkey standards are increased space, a flock health plan and a more stimulating environment for turkeys,” says Bell Stoneman. “The standards also call for eight hours of darkness every day so that the birds can rest.”

Lighting programs for broiler (meat) chickens and turkeys traditionally focus on maximizing growth. Along with genetic selection for fast growth rate, such lighting patterns are linked to “fast-growth problems”. These light patterns are also denying birds sufficient rest.  A BC SPCA and University of Guelph fact sheet contains further information on the importance of rest for chickens and turkeys.

SPCA Certified is a farm and food certification program that brings stakeholders together to further common goals in farm animal welfare.

Products come from farms annually assessed to BC SPCA farm animal welfare standards by trained inspectors, with certification determined by third party, independent reviewers.

The animal welfare standards incorporate current research in animal welfare science with practical protocols, as developed by an expert panel of animal welfare scientists, veterinarians, and farmers in consultation with the BC SPCA. Third-party certified farmers build their market share by branding their products for consumers with the red barn logo and communicating their innovative practices to the public.

Consumers can find a list of retailers and on-farm sales online that offer SPCA Certified products.

The Monty Fund for Community Education & Outreach supports the SPCA Certified program dedicated to improving farm animal welfare standards in Canada. Your gift can help millions of animals live a healthier, happier life. Please donate today.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.