Ottawa, ON, January 12, 2026 – The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Equestrian Canada are pleased to announce the launch of the public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. The public comment period allows stakeholders – producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the welfare of equids – to view the draft Code and provide input that will inform the final version.
The draft Code and the public comment system are now accessible here. All comments are to be submitted through the online system. The public comment period will close on March 12, 2026. Subsequently, the Code Committee will consider the submitted comments, and the final equine Code of Practice will be released in early 2027.
A Scientific Committee report summarizing research conclusions on welfare-related topics of high applicability to the Code (priority welfare issues) can be found here. This peer-reviewed report aided the Code Committee during its deliberations in preparing the draft Code of Practice. The report, developed by scientific experts in equine welfare, should be reviewed prior to making a submission.
“I am very pleased to see the updates in the Equine Code, especially around training methods and pain recognition,” said Bettina Bobsien, Chair of the Code Committee and an equine veterinarian from British Columbia. “There has been substantial progress in research in these areas which is reflected in new recommended practices and rigorous requirements. In addition, an added section on emergency management ensures the Code is a comprehensive tool to guide horse care in Canada.”
“Through the lens of animal welfare enforcement, it is a privilege to contribute to the development of the Equine Code of Practice as it reaches the important milestone of public comment following a rigorous review process,” said Lisa Joachim from Manitoba Agriculture, representing the provincial animal protection enforcement authority. “Advancing equine welfare standards would not be possible without the shared commitment and expertise of the Code Committee, whose collaborative efforts drive meaningful, progressive improvements in animal care. The resulting science-informed, nationally consistent standards provide critical guidance for effective enforcement while strengthening public confidence and trust.”
Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals are the result of a unique consensus-based, multi-stakeholder approach that brings together relevant stakeholders with an interest in animal care standards. This Code’s update is led by a 15-person Code Committee that includes participants from across Canada; producers, animal welfare and enforcement officials, researchers, veterinarians, and government representatives. More information on the Code process is available here.
The equine Code is one of five Codes of Practice currently being updated. Codes of Practice serve as the national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices.
Financial support was provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
About the National Farm Animal Care Council
NFACC is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care issues in Canada and operates as a division of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.
About Equestrian Canada
Equestrian Canada (EC) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. With over 15,000 sport licence holders, 11 provincial/territorial sport organization partners and 10+ national equine affiliate organizations, EC is a significant contributor to the social, physical, emotional and economic wellbeing of the equestrian industry across Canada. EC is a Canadian registered charity as an RCAAA. EC thanks the Government of Canada for their financial support.
Media contacts:
Jackie Wepruk, Division Director, NFACC
Phone: 403-783-4066, nfacc@xplornet.com
Media enquiries for Equestrian Canada can be directed to Sue Bundy, sbundy@equestrian.ca