Humane Standards Officer

OMAFRA hires a humane standards officer

Guelph (November 29, 2006) - The importance of animal welfare in the livestock and meat inspection system in Ontario was highlighted recently with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) hiring Penny Lawlis, a full-time humane standards officer (HSO).

The humane standards officer will be a critical part of Ontario's meat inspection system, and a trusted source of information regarding animal welfare, audit and inspection. This new position will be based in Guelph and provide animal-welfare related services to the province's livestock and meat industry.

Ms. Lawlis will provide leadership and scientific support for inspection programs related to evaluating animal welfare in licensed abattoirs and livestock auction markets. She will also develop, maintain and enforce new standards, as well as compliance and audit procedures and protocols. Providing advice to inspection staff and industry as well as co-ordinating the investigation and tracking of animal welfare issues are also among her duties.

Ms. Lawlis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. She holds a Master of Science degree in Farm Animal Welfare and Behaviour from the University of Guelph. She has been involved in the development and delivery of OMAFRA's animal welfare policies and regulations for more than twenty years in her capacity as animal care specialist.

Ms. Lawlis developed and delivered training and audit programs on the humane handling and stunning of animals at abattoirs, and worked with the industry to monitor the impact of these programs. She has provided national leadership on livestock handling and spearheaded the development of the code of practice for horses.

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