Farmed Mink Code 5-year Review

The mink Code was released in 2013. A 5-year review was completed by a Code Technical Panel in 2018.

The Code Technical Panel’s recommendation for the mink Code of Practice was that an amendment be initiated and Canada Mink Breeders Association has initiated this process.

Major challenges identified that warrant Code amendments include:

Pen sizes
Access to nest boxes
Reference to the proper method of catching a mink and lifting from its pen
Euthanasia methods

Moderate challenges that should be addressed at some point include:

Identification of body condition extremes, i.e., over and under conditioned mink

CODE AMENDMENT TIMELINE

Start: January 2020
Public comment period: October to December 2020
Projected completion: March 2021

Code Amendment Committee members

Participants are defined as per NFACC’s Guiding Principles for Codes of Practice. Caroline Ramsay has been retained to facilitate the mink Code amendment process.

Organization/Role	Representative
Canada Mink Breeders Association (CMBA)	Matt Moses (Chair)
Canada Mink Breeders Association	Catherine Moores
Canada Mink Breeders Association	Rob Bollert
Canada Mink Breeders Association	David Williams
Canada Mink Breeders Association	Tom McLellan
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association	Dr. Dave MacHattie
Animal Welfare Representative*	Dr. Rebecca Meagher
Government of Nova Scotia	Dr. Andrew Morrison
Retail	CMBA requested a retail/fur auction representative, but the position was not filled.
Transporter	Not applicable
Canadian Food Inspection Agency	Dr. Daniel Schwartz
Researcher/academic	Dr. Georgia Mason
Researcher/academic	Dr. Jamie Ahloy Dallaire
Technical expert/auditor	Penny Lawlis

* CMBA requested a nominee from national animal welfare organizations affiliated with NFACC but the position was not filled through these channels