RED DEER, Alta. — Livestock transportation issues were discussed at a recent Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Livestock Care Conference in Red Deer.

Livestock transportation specialist, Tim O’Byrne, addressed delegates about a recent Livestock Transportation Review study he completed. He also summarized recent presentations he made to the American Meat Institute and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“One of the greatest benefits of our work in the transportation area has been to better understand the complex relocation process,” O’Byrne said. “Also, we have established a strong communication link between the transportation sector and the livestock industry that will be essential to implementing realistic, proactive animal care initiatives in that area.”

O’Byrne also recently participated in a course (on behalf of AFAC) on Practical Anti-Terrorism Training for the Food Industry. The course dealt with issues such as how to defend against animal activist campaigns.

“Our stand has always been changes need to be industry-driven changes – not ones dictated by those outside of our industry coming in and using questionable tactics,” says AFAC’s Susan Church. AFAC is supporting several initiatives on the livestock transport issue, including work by O’Byrne and direct efforts with the Animal Transportation Association, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the safe and humane transport of animals.