Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program
Program Guidelines - Version 1.3

Effective Date: September 4, 2018

These guidelines are subject to change from time to time. Consult the ministry's website at www.Ontario.ca/predation, or call the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) at 1-877-424-1300, to find more information about the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program and predation prevention resources. In the event of a conflict between these guidelines and the Order in Council (OIC) 502-2016, the OIC will prevail.

Table of Contents

Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program: Overview

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation (OWDC) Program provides financial assistance to owners whose livestock, poultry and/or honey bees have been damaged or killed by wildlife.

The OWDCP is part of Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a five-year, $1.5 billion federal-provincial-territorial funding program launched in 2013. GF2 supports our agri-food and agri-products sector by encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development and, offering business risk management assistance.

OMAFRA undertook a review of the OWDC Program to ensure it was delivering services to owners in an effective and efficient manner. The changes being brought forward are the outcome of the review, and these changes will streamline delivery of the program and ensure owners receive compensation in a consistent and timely manner.

Program Changes - What's New?

A Standardized Valuation Model for Compensation Consistency

OMAFRA is standardizing compensation rates that owners can receive for damage caused by predatory wildlife. OMAFRA will assign a fair market value (FMV) for livestock or poultry injured or killed by eligible wildlife. FMV is the average value an owner might receive for an animal with specific characteristics, such as age and weight.

A table of FMV, reflecting the different weights and classes of livestock and poultry, is publicly available on the ministry's website and is updated regularly (www.Ontario.ca/predation). A process has also been established to determine premiums for bred or registered livestock and poultry.

The standardized valuation model and premiums will bring greater transparency and consistency to the program and will ensure that owners receive compensation that reflects the fair market value of their livestock and poultry.

Simplified Appeal Process

A new appeal process has been implemented to streamline and simplify owners' requests for an appeal of their application. Details of the appeal process are set out in these guidelines.

Simplified Reimbursement Process for Municipalities

To streamline the reimbursement process for municipalities, the municipal application and program application have been combined. In cases where an appeal is not requested, municipalities will be notified of the assigned compensation value by OMAFRA within 20 business days after a decision letter is issued to the owner. Subsequently, municipalities will receive reimbursement from OMAFRA.

Reasonable Care Plan

A reasonable care plan template has been developed for owners to help them communicate prevention measures they have employed and/or plan to employ. If an owner submits five applications within one calendar year (January 1 to December 31), that owner will be required to submit a completed plan in order to remain eligible under the program. Owners may submit a biosecurity plan in the place of a reasonable care plan so long as it incorporates a predator entry control component. The plan allows owners to detail the predation prevention measures currently being employed as well as potential enhancements they plan to implement to reduce the likelihood of further incidents.

Program Responsibilities

Owner

Owners are responsible for:

  • Demonstrating reasonable care of livestock, poultry, beehives, bee colonies and beehive-related equipment in relation to the prevention of predation.
  • Notifying their municipality within 48 hours of discovering the injury or death of livestock or poultry, or discovering damage to beehives, a bee colony and/or beehive-related equipment.
    • If the incident occurs in a territory without municipal organization, the owner must notify OMAFRA (1-877-424-1300).
  • Preserving the injury or kill site and carcass (or carcasses) until the municipal or territorial investigator has investigated and agrees it/they can be destroyed or disposed of, unless it contravenes the Ontario Regulation 106/09 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
  • Reviewing applications for accuracy and signing the application form prior to its submission.
  • Disposing of all dead livestock and poultry in a manner that is acceptable under the Ontario Regulation 106/09 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
  • Submitting a completed reasonable care plan (see section called Reasonable Care) if an owner has submitted five applications to the program within one calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and intends to submit a subsequent application.

Investigator

The municipal or territorial investigator is responsible for:

  • Carrying out a full and impartial investigation within 72 hours of receiving the notification of the injury or death of livestock or poultry.
  • Taking three to six colour photos per eligible kill/injury incurred and collecting all necessary information to accurately complete the application.
  • Municipal investigators are responsible for providing a completed program application to the owner and municipality within seven business days of completing an investigation.
  • Territorial investigators are responsible for providing a completed program application to the owner and OMAFRA's program administrator within seven business days of completing an investigation, as well as any additional evidence from the owner.

The bee investigator is responsible for:

  • Carrying out a full and impartial investigation with three business days of receiving notification of the damage to a beehive, bee colonies and/or beehive-related equipment.
  • Providing a completed program application to the owner and OMAFRA's program administrator within seven business days of completing an investigation.

Municipalities

Municipalities are responsible for:

  • Appointing municipal investigators.
  • Reviewing and submitting completed applications and any additional evidence to OMAFRA's program administrator.
  • Paying an owner's approved application, in accordance with the program guidelines and values assigned by the program administrator.
  • Providing Statement of Farm Support Payments (AGR -1) to owners who receive compensation.
  • Paying and reimbursing municipal investigators.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

OMAFRA is responsible for:

  • Administering the program.
  • Appointing investigators for territories without a municipal organization.
  • Posting the standardized pricing table containing the fair market values for all eligible livestock and poultry, and updating the table on a regular basis.
  • Reviewing applications to determine eligibility and assigning values based on the evidence provided.
  • Providing the owner with a written decision within 30 business days of receiving a complete application. Reviewing and assessing appeals.
  • Reimbursing municipalities in accordance with the program guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria

Owner

To be eligible for the program, the owner must meet the following conditions:

  • Be a person (includes a sole proprietor, corporation, partnership and unincorporated association).
  • Be in compliance with and remain in compliance with all federal, provincial and municipal laws.
  • Have a valid premises identifcation (PID) number for the farm property where the damage or kill occurred or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO), or, for beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment damage, have a beekeeper ID registered under the Bees Act.
  • Have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) for the current calendar year, or the previous calendar year, or valid FBRN exemption letter.

    • The FBRN must be current as of the date of injury or death listed on the application, or have been valid in the previous calendar year
    • The FBRN must match the owner's name (business or owner name) listed on the program application.

  • A valid FBRN exemption will:
    • Be current as of the date of injury or death listed on the application, or have been valid in the previous calendar year.
    • Reference the owner's name (business or owner name) listed on the program application
    • Be one of the following:
      • Religious Exemption: requires a copy of the Religious Exemption Letter as provided by the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (AFRAAT).
      • Cultural Exemption for Indigenous producers: requires a letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO) verifying the farm business operates in the First Nations community.
      • Gross Farm Income Exemption Letter: granted by OMAFRA.
  • Provide and demonstrate that reasonable care of livestock, poultry, beehives, bee colonies and beehive-related equipment has been taken in order to prevent predation.
  • Ensure sufficient evidence is available in order to determine that predation was the cause of death/injury (see appendices C and D).
  • Agree to fully cooperate with any audits related to compensation the owner receives under the program
  • Be eligible to receive compensation.
  • Agree to be bound by the requirements of the OIC and these program guidelines.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, on an annual basis, update the eligibility requirements and add further eligibility criteria.

Eligible Livestock Species:

  • Alpaca
  • Bison
  • Cattle
  • Deer
  • Donkey
  • Elk
  • Emu
  • Fox
  • Fisher
  • Goat
  • Horse
  • Lynx
  • Llama
  • Marten
  • Mink
  • Mule
  • Ostrich
  • Racoon
  • Rabbit
  • Rhea
  • Sheep
  • Swine

Eligible Poultry Species*

  • Bobwhite, northern
  • Chicken
  • Duck
  • Goose
  • Grouse, ruffed
  • Grouse, spruce
  • Grouse, sharp-tailed
  • Partridge, gray (Hungarian)
  • Pheasant, ring-necked
  • Ptarmigan, rock
  • Ptarmigan, willow
  • Turkey, wild
  • Turkey

*The total weight of poultry injured or killed must be more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) on a single application.

Eligible Wildlife Species for Damage to Livestock and Poultry

  • Bear
  • Bobcat
  • Cougar
  • Coyote
  • Crow
  • Eagle
  • Elk
  • Fisher
  • Fox
  • Hawk
  • Lynx
  • Mink
  • Raccoon
  • Raven
  • Turkey vulture
  • Weasel
  • Wolf

Eligible Wildlife Species for Damage to Beehives, Bee Colonies and/or Beehive-related Equipment

  • Bear
  • Skunk
  • Raccoon
  • Deer

Eligible Damages

  • Eligible livestock/poultry killed by an eligible predator.
  • Veterinarian costs for eligible livestock/poultry injured by an eligible predator.
  • Beehives, bee colonies and/or beehive-related equipment damaged by an eligible predator.

Disposal or Destruction: Your Responsibilities

Livestock or Poultry

The owner of the livestock or poultry cannot destroy, dispose of, or permit to be destroyed or disposed of, the carcass of any livestock or poultry reported killed until the municipal or territorial investigator has seen the carcass(es) and agrees that the carcass(es) can be destroyed or disposed of. The one exception to this rule is if the owner of the livestock or poultry is required to dispose of the livestock or poultry because of the requirements set out under Ontario Regulation 106/09 (Disposal of Dead Farm Animals), which states, "an operator may hold a dead farm animal following its death for up to seven (7) days for the purposes of a post-mortem activity." The owner of livestock or poultry shall comply with the requirements set out for the disposal of animals under Ontario Regulation 106/09 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 at all times.

Where the municipal or territorial investigator is unable to complete a full investigation within seven days, the owner will need to dispose of the carcass(es). Given that the municipal or territorial investigator will not have an opportunity to see the carcass(es), the death will be attributed to wildlife provided that the owner has collected sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the death was caused by wildlife and that the carcass(es) was/were disposed of in accordance with Ontario Regulation 106/09. The owner is encouraged to take and submit colour photos of the carcass(es), the location where the carcass(es) was/were found and document all evidence indicating an attack occurred to ensure that the program administrator possesses sufficient evidence to evaluate the application.

For more information on deadstock disposal please consult the OMAFRA website.

Bee Colony, Beehive or Beehive-related Equipment

The owner of the beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment shall not destroy or dispose of, or permit to be destroyed or disposed of, the beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment reported damaged until the bee investigator has seen the beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment and agrees that it can be destroyed or disposed of.

Submitting an Application

For owner and investigator guidance through the application process, consult the following:

The municipality or, in the case of an unorganized territory, the territorial investigator is responsible for completing the following tasks prior to submitting the application to the program administrator:

  • Verify that the application is complete.
  • Ensure that all required supporting documentation, including photographs, have been included.
  • Check that the application has been signed by the municipal investigator, municipality and owner.
  • If the owner indicated on the application that he or she wished to provide additional evidence, ensure this has been included in the submission.

Completed applications, including photos and supporting documentation, may be emailed to wildlife.damage@ontario.ca.

If possible, combine all attachments into a single PDF file. The maximum file size is 10 megabytes (MB) per email attachment. You can send multiple emails if necessary.

How Applications are Assessed

All applications received within the required timelines will be assessed by the program administrator against the following criteria:

  • The owner meets all eligibility requirements.
  • The application is complete:
    • If the application is incomplete or missing information, OMAFRA will contact the municipality, or territorial investigator in the case of territory without a municipal organization, to request that the information be provided within 15 business days.
    • If the information is not provided to OMAFRA within this period, the application will be deemed incomplete and declined.
  • Livestock and/or poultry have been injured or killed by an eligible wildlife species or bee colonies, beehives and/or beehive-related equipment has been damaged by an eligible wildlife species.
  • Total weight of poultry injured or killed on a single application is more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds).
  • The livestock, poultry or bee colony were in good health prior to the predation event.
  • There is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the livestock, poultry or bee colony was killed or injured as a result of predation, not by disease, sickness or natural causes. Subsequently the injured animal, carcass or bee damage must be present and directly assessed by the investigator. One of the following must also be captured in the photographic and written evidence collected by the investigator:
    1. Signs that livestock bled from the attack.
    2. Signs of tissue damage (bruising) under the lacerations and puncture wounds.
    3. Signs of a struggle, drag marks on the ground, broken vegetation and/ or blood around the site.
  • Evidence must include complete descriptions and supporting photos of the killed/injured species (see appendices C and D).
  • Damage was not caused by a dog.
  • There is evidence that efforts at reasonable care have been and are being taken to prevent future incidences of predation (see appendices C and D).

If the application is deemed eligible and valid, OMAFRA will assign a value for the damages.

If the application is determined to be ineligible by the municipal or territorial investigator, or by OMAFRA, the application will be denied.

Assigning Compensation

A standardized valuation table will be used to assign a value to an application that has been found to be eligible for compensation. The tables are reviewed regularly and updated depending on the availability of new market data.

The standardized valuation tables comprise industry-recognized market data (e.g., Statistics Canada and AgriStability sources).

Current standardized valuation tables as well as archived tables from past months can be found online at www.Ontario.ca/predation.

Determining Weaned and Not Weaned Livestock Values

For Weaned Beef and Dairy Calves

Compensation is determined using the indicated weight and standardized FMV.

For Young Calves (not weaned)

Beef calves are assumed to weigh 500 pounds at weaning age. Newborn calves and calves up to one month of age are to be compensated at 70 per cent of weaning value using the standardized valuation tables. The value increases by five per cent a month and reaches full value at seven months of age.

Age of Calf Discount Multiplier (%)
0-1 Month
70
2 Months
75
3 Months
80
4 Months
85
5 Months
90
6 Months
95
For Weaned Lambs and Kids

Compensation is determined using the indicated weight and standardized FMV.

For Young Lambs and Kids (not weaned)

Newborn lambs and kids are valued at 45 per cent of the FMV. The value increases by five per cent a week and reaches full value at 12 weeks of age. The following table shows the per cent of full value for each week of age.

Age of Lamb or Goat Kid Percentage of Full Value
1st week
45
2nd week
50
3rd week
55
4th week
60
5th week
65
6th week
70
7th week
75
8th week
80
9th week
85
10th week
90
11th week
95
12th week
100

Premiums

The program will pay premiums for agricultural livestock and poultry only when the required documentation can be provided by the owner. Premiums are calculated using an evidence-based approach with industry-recognized market data.

Registered Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Cattle

Registered purebred cattle will be compensated at one-and-a-half times the FMV set out in the standardized valuation tables, up to the maximum compensation value for registered cattle (see section Maximum Compensation Values in these program guidelines).

Required Documentation: The owner must provide registered purebred documentation and evidence of an ID tag or tattoo that matches the registered purebred documentation for the predated animal. Parental registration documents will be accepted if additional documentation is provided demonstrating a genetic link between the predated calf and the registered parents.

Sheep and Goats

Registered purebred sheep and goats will be compensated at two times the FMV set out in standardized valuation tables, up to the maximum compensation value for registered sheep and goats (see Maximum Compensation Values in these program guidelines).

Required Documentation: The owner must provide registered purebred documentation and evidence of an ID tag or tattoo that matches the registered purebred documentation for the predated animal. Parental registration documents will be accepted if additional documentation is provided demonstrating a genetic link between the predated lamb or kid and the registered parents.

Pregnant Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Cattle

Pregnant cattle will be compensated at one-and-a-half times the FMV set out in standardized valuation tables, up to the maximum compensation value for unregistered cattle (see section Maximum Compensation Values in these program guidelines).

Required Documentation: The owner must provide breeding records for the predated animal. The submitted records must contain the following information to be eligible:

  • ID (animal or group)
  • Insemination date (if applicable)
  • Date exposed to bull
  • Estimated calving date
  • Confirmation of pregnancy date

Sheep and Goats

Pregnant ewes and does will receive $70 per ewe or doe, in addition to the FMV set out in standardized valuation tables, and up to the maximum compensation value for unregistered sheep or goat (see section Maximum Compensation Values in these program guidelines).

Required Documentation: The owner must provide an ultrasound report or breeding records for the predated animal. Submitted records must contain the following information to be eligible:

  • ID (animal or group)
  • Number of ewes or does (if applicable)
  • Ram or buck ID (animal or group)
  • Dates rams or bucks went in and came out
  • Estimated lambing or kidding date

Breeding Poultry

Breeding stock values are factored into standardized valuation tables found at www.Ontario.ca/predation.

Required Documentation: The owner must provide sales receipts demonstrating the majority of the flock was sold to breeders and proof of pedigree from a breeder company to support grandparent, great-grandparent, foundation and pedigree stock claims.

Other Breeding Livestock

Premiums may be considered for other types of breeding livestock if the owner submits breeding records or equivalent documentation and receipts (issued within the last 18 months) with his or her application.

Ineligible Premium Claims

Flock damage is not eligible for compensation under the program.

Receiving Payment

OMAFRA will provide a written decision letter to the owner notifying him or her of the application assessment results, including any compensation value assigned. If an appeal is not requested, the municipality will receive notification of the assigned compensation value 20 business days after the date of the original decision letter. Payment will then be released by the municipality to the owner. OMAFRA will reimburse the municipality for the assigned compensation value indicated in the notification letter. An administrative allowance of $30 per application will also be provided by OMAFRA to municipalities to assist with application processing costs. Payments to beekeepers and those in a territory without a municipal organization will come directly from the OMAFRA.

If requested by the local municipality or OMAFRA, owners must provide either a Canada Revenue Agency business number or a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before compensation can be issued.

Compensation payable under the program is taxable income.

  • Municipalities/OMAFRA are required to complete and issue a Statement of Farm Support Payment (AGR-1 form) at the end of a given calendar year to all owners who received compensation, in compliance with CRA requirements.
  • Municipalities/OMAFRA must submit the AGR-1SUM Return of Farm-Support Payment to the CRA.

Appeals

OMAFRA will provide written notification to the owner and the municipality of the application assessment results, including any compensation value assigned. If an owner does not agree with the written results of his or her assessed application, he or she may request, in writing, an appeal of the decision. A written request for an appeal must be received by the program administrator within 20 business days of the date indicated on the notification letter. A fee of $25, in the form of a cheque or money order payable to "Minister of Finance," is also required to process the appeal request; however, the fee will be refunded if the director makes a decision that favours the owner's position.

How to Request an Appeal

Send a letter to:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Attention: OWDCP Program Administrator
Rural Programs Branch
1 Stone Road West, 4th floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

  • Identify the application by the application number contained in the decision letter and the date of the letter contained therein.
  • Indicate that you wish to appeal the outcome of the application.
  • Indicate in the letter your reason(s) for appealing.
  • Provide any additional evidence to substantiate your reason(s) for appealing.
  • Include the $25 fee payable to "Minister of Finance" (cheque or money order).

The director of appeals will conduct a comprehensive re-valuation of the claim and respond within 20 business days of receiving the appeal. The director may adjust compensation awarded by the program administrator, either higher or lower, or deny the claim. The director will provide a copy of the decision to the owner, the program administrator and the respective municipality.

Reasonable Care

As an eligibility requirement, owners must have implemented reasonable care measures to prevent predation on the property where the kill/injury occurred. Owners must be capable of identifying all investments, retained services and farm management practices that have been employed over time to mitigate predation. If consistent predation is occurring, a scalable prevention plan should be implemented. Owners must also be in compliance with all dead livestock disposal regulations.

A reasonable care plan is required for owners who have already submitted five applications in a given calendar year (January 1 to December 31). This plan requires owners to identify all implemented and planned investments, services retained and farm management practices employed to mitigate predation on their farm premises (or multiple premises). Owners must employ or plan to employ predation prevention measures that are reasonably in proportion to the predation they have experienced. Planned reasonable care measures, which have been indicated on a reasonable care plan, must be implemented by the owner within a practical period of time. Alternatively, a biosecurity plan may be submitted in the place of a reasonable care plan, so long as it incorporates a predator entry control component.

All reasonable care plans (or biosecurity plans) are reviewed and assessed by OMAFRA. Where a plan is required, all applications will be deemed ineligible until the requested plan is submitted and reviewed.

The completed reasonable care plan (or biosecurity plan) should be sent directly to the program administrator by email (wildlife.damage@ontario.ca) or by mail:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Attention: Program Administrator, OWDCP
Rural Programs Branch
1 Stone Road West, 4th Floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

OMAFRA will send a reasonable care plan template to owners at the time a fifth application is processed. The template is also available at ontario.ca/predation.

Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Laws

In circumstances where OMAFRA is concerned with the well-being of farm animals, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) may be contacted. Empowered by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, inspectors and agents of the OSPCA relieve animal suffering and distress by issuing orders, removing animals and laying charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act where circumstances warrant. Under the act, inspectors and agents have the same authority as police officers when enforcing animal cruelty laws.

Ontario Farm Animal Care Helpline Services: This helpline can provide assistance to farmers (of beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, rabbits, chickens and turkeys) who are unwilling or unable to maintain acceptable conditions for their farm animals (or if you are a farmer experiencing difficulties) and concerns will be relayed to the appropriate group. The phone number is 519-837-1326. More information can be found online at Farm and Food Care Ontario.

Maximum Compensation Values

Species
Maximum Amount ($) Per Unit
Alpaca
8,000
Bison bull, one year and older
4,000
Bison, all other
2,500
Cattle, registered
8,000
Cattle, non-registered
4,000
Deer Buck, one year and older
8,000
Deer, all other
4,000
Donkey
5,000
Elk Bull, one year and older
8,000
Elk, all other
4,000
Emu
500
Fox
1,500
Fisher
250
Goat, non-registered
600
Goat, registered
1,000
Horse
8,000
Llama
8,000
Lynx
2,000
Marten
250
Mink
150
Mule
5,000
Ostrich
3,000
Rabbit Breeders, for meat production
40
Rabbit ,all other
30
Raccoon
75
Rhea
1,500
Sheep, registered
1,200
Sheep, non-registered
500
Swine, registered
5,000
Swine, non-registered
2,000
Species
Maximum Amount ($)
Chicken, for egg production
30
Chicken, parent breeder for egg production
60
Chicken, parent breeder for meat production
60
Chicken, grandparent breeder for egg production
120
Chicken, grandparent breeder for meat production
100
Chicken, all other
20
Chicken, primary breeder foundation stock
1,200
Goose, for meat production
40
Goose, parent breeder
100
Goose, grandparent breeder
300
Turkey, for meat production
70
Turkey, parent breeder
250
Turkey, grandparent breeder
700
Turkey, primary breeder foundation stock
1,050
Duck, for meat production
28
Duck, for egg production
60
Duck, parent breeder
85
Duck, grandparent breeder
250
Bobwhite, northern
Grouse, ruffed
Grouse, sharp-tailed
Grouse, spruce
Partridge, gray (Hungarian)
Pheasant, ring-necked
Ptarmigan, rock
Ptarmigan, willow
Turkey, wildThese species are game birds pursuant to a license under Schedule 3 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.
500

Determining Beehive, Bee Colony and Beehive-related Equipment Values

The bee investigator will determine the FMV of damaged beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment and use that to calculate the value of a claim under this program.

The maximum compensation for a bee colony is $150.

The maximum compensation for beehive-related equipment is $100.

Program Definitions

Note that the definitions below appear in upper and lower case throughout the document.

"Beehive" means the habitation or dwelling place constructed for a bee colony.

"Bee colony" means a colony of bees maintained for the production of honey.

"Beehive-related equipment" means equipment normally associated with operating a beehive.

"Bee investigator" means a person or persons appointed by the Minister to act as an investigator for the purposes of determining damage to beehives, bee colonies and/or beehive-related equipment under the program.

"Biosecurity plan" means documented management strategies developed to prevent the entry and spread of disease.

"Business day" means any working day, Monday to Friday inclusive, but excluding statutory and other holidays on which the Government of Ontario has elected to be closed for business.

"Damage" means the partial destruction of beehive-related equipment and construction materials normally associated with operating a beehive.

"Director" means an individual appointed by the minister to hear appeals under the program.

"Fair market value" or "FMV" means the average value an owner might receive for an animal with specific characteristics, such as age and weight. In most cases this will be represented by the standardized compensation rates provided by OMAFRA.

"Farm Business Registration Number" or "FBRN" means the registration number that farm operations with a gross farm income of $7,000 or more are required to acquire under the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act.

"Injured" in respect to livestock or poultry means physically wounded.

"Injury" has a corresponding meaning to injured.

"Livestock" includes mammals kept or raised on a farm for agricultural purposes and that are designated by the minister in section Eligible Livestock Species of these program guidelines.

"Minister" means the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs or such other minister who may be designated from time to time as the responsible minister in relation to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act or the program, as the case may be, in accordance with the Executive Council Act or any other act of the Ontario legislature that allows another minister to be designated as the responsible minister, unless the context indicates otherwise.

"Ministry" means the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs or such other ministry that has been designated as being responsible for this program, unless the context indicates otherwise.

"Municipal investigator" means a person or persons appointed by a municipality to investigate injury or death to livestock and/or poultry caused by wildlife as set out in section 7(6) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act.

"OIC" means the Order in Council 502/2016.

"Owner" means a person who owns the livestock and/or poultry that has been injured or killed as a result of wildlife or whose beehives, bee colonies and/or beehive-related equipment has been damaged as a result of wildlife; they are the applicant to the program, and the person to whom a taxable income receipt is issued.

"Ontario Regulation 106/09" means Ontario Regulation 106/09 - Disposal of Dead Farm Animals, as amended, made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 4, as amended.

"Person" for the purposes of this program guideline includes an individual, sole proprietor, corporation, partnership and unincorporated association.

"Plan" means a reasonable care plan.

"Poultry" includes domesticated fowl kept or raised on a farm for agricultural purposes and that are designated by the minister in the section Eligible Livestock Species of these program guidelines.

"Premises identification" means the assignment of one unique premises identification number based on national standards to a single land parcel that has been registered, characterized and validated.

"Program administrator" means an individual appointed by the minister for the purposes of administering the program.

"Program" means the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

"Program guidelines" means any written documents setting out the criteria governing the operation of the program and posted to the ministry's website.

"Reasonable care" means predation prevention measures, which align with livestock, poultry or honey bee industry best management practices, have been implemented by the producer on the property where predation occurred.

"Registered livestock" means livestock that are registered with the appropriate breeding association for that species of livestock.

"Sufficient evidence" means evidence which allows the municipal investigator and the program administrator to determine that a predator was the primary cause of death/injury to healthy livestock and that the predator involved is eligible under the program guidelines. Photographic evidence of each carcass is required.

"Territory without municipal organization investigator" means a person or persons appointed by the minister to act as investigator for territories without municipal organization for the purposes of this program.

"Wildlife" means undomesticated animals as designated by the Minister as outlined in the section Eligible Wildlife Species within these program guidelines.

Appendices

Appendix A - Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Livestock or Poultry are Injured or Killed by Wildlife

  • Notify your local municipality within 48 hours of discovering the injury or death of your livestock or poultry. If you are located in a territory without a municipal organization, call OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 to contact the territorial investigator.
  • Seek veterinary care: If an animal sustained an injury, immediately seek veterinary care or other humane treatment options to prevent further suffering. Veterinary care costs are eligible under this program up to the FMV of the livestock. All receipts and invoices should be saved and submitted with the application.
  • Preserve the injury/kill site: Do not move, destroy or dispose of the carcass(es) or injury/kill-site evidence until the municipal or territorial investigator has investigated and agrees it/they can be destroyed or disposed of. An exception will be made if this contravenes Ontario Regulation 106/09 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
    • Suggested methods of preserving the site include avoid walking in or around the area, placing a tarp over the carcass(es), adding lime around the site, and taking photos of the injuries/carcass(es) and scene.
  • As part of the application process, the following information will be required to complete a claim:
    • A valid FBRN, approved documentation confirming an FBRN exemption, or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO).
    • A valid premises identification (PID) number for the site where the kill or damage occurred or a confirmation letter provided by the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO).
    • Owner signature on the application certifying the information provided is true and accurate to the best of his or her knowledge.
    • Indicate on the application whether you wish to provide additional evidence and/or documentation.

Appendix B - Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Bee Colonies, Beehives and/or Beehive-related Equipment Have Been Damaged By Wildlife

  • Notify either OMAFRA (1-877-424-1300) or the bee investigator within two business days of discovering the damage to beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment.
  • Preserve the site: Do not move, destroy or dispose of the beehive, bee colonies or beehive-related equipment until the bee investigator has seen the evidence and agrees it can be destroyed or disposed of.
    • Suggested methods of preserving the site include avoid walking in or around the area, placing a tarp over the damaged equipment, and taking photos of the scene.
  • As part of the application process, the following information will be required:
    • A valid beekeeper ID registered under the Bees Act.
    • A Canada Revenue Agency business number. Compensation received under the program is considered taxable income by Canada Revenue Agency. OMAFRA will issue Statement of Farm Support Payments (AGR1) for income tax purposes.
    • Owner signature on the application certifying the information provided is true and accurate to the best of his or her knowledge.
    • Indicate if you will be submitting additional evidence relevant to the application assessment and valuation process.

Appendix C - Completing an Application for the Livestock or Poultry Owner

The municipal or territorial investigator must complete a program application within 72 hours of being notified of a kill or injury. The municipal or territorial investigator must record all evidence collected through the investigation as well as any information provided by the owner. It is the program application and any additional relevant documentation provided by the owner that will be used by the program administrator to assess the eligibility of the application and the value of the compensation for the damages.

All sections of the program application form (steps one to ten) must be completed. If OMAFRA receives an incomplete application, the municipality will be informed and given 15 business days to provide the necessary information. Incomplete applications will be declined after this period.

Step 1 - Owner Identification and Basic Eligibility Requirements (to be completed by owner)
  • Contact information for the livestock or poultry owner.
  • Owner's business number
    • The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number should correspond to the one used to declare the owner's farming income to the CRA. If the owner does not have a CRA number and compensation for damages is approved, a social insurance number (SIN) must be provided to the municipality and/or OMAFRA upon request, for income tax purposes.
      • Canada Revenue Agency Business Number: a nine-digit business identifier used in Canada to which clients can register program accounts with the CRA. The program account number consists of three parts: the business number, the two-letter program identifier, and the four-digit reference number. Visit this website for more information: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc2/README.html.
  • A valid FBRN associated with the owner:
    • An FBRN is a six- to seven-digit number and identifies farm businesses that have declared gross farm income of $7,000 or more for income tax purposes. Farm businesses are required by legislation to register each year for an FBRN with Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999. There is an annual fee.
    • The owner may qualify for an exemption from the FBRN. Acceptable exemptions include:
      • Religious Exemption: Requires a copy of the religious exemption letter as provided by the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (AFRAAT).
      • Cultural Exemption for First Nations producers: requires a letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario (IAPO) verifying the farm business operates in the First Nations community.
      • Gross Farm Income Exemption Letter: granted by OMAFRA.
  • Premises identification (PID) number:
  • A PID number is a unique identifying number assigned to a parcel of land that is the site of the injury or kill location.
  • PID numbers begin with "ON," followed by seven (7) digits.
  • It's free and quick to obtain a PID number. Visit www.ontariopid.com or call 1-888-247-4999.
Municipal or Territorial Investigator Report
Step 2 - Investigator Information
  • Contact information for the municipal/territorial investigator.
Step 3 - Description of Damages Incurred

A) Indicate the type of damages being reported and the date on which the incident occurred.

B) Describe the injuries

  • Include a description of the injuries and/or wounds sustained (includes evidence of bite marks, wounds, lacerations, bleeding, bruising, position of carcass, etc.).
  • Describe the location where the incident occurred and any evidence of a predatory struggle (includes blood splatters and trails, drag marks, torn-up earth or vegetation, etc.).
  • Attach additional sheet(s) if needed.

C) Photos

  • Provide three to six digital colour photos per individual livestock or poultry.
  • Include photos of the injuries and/or wounds sustained (e.g., bite marks, wounds, lacerations, bleeding, bruising, etc.).
  • Photos of the location where the incident occurred are also required including any evidence of a predatory struggle (e.g., blood splatters and trails, drag marks, torn-up earth or vegetation, etc.).
  • Additional photos taken by the owner, if they are colour and relevant to the incident, can be submitted as supplementary evidence and should be labelled as being taken by the owner.
Step 4 - Description of Predator
  • Identify the wildlife species.
  • Outline site evidence to support wildlife identification (e.g., tracks, killing wounds, damages incurred).
Step 5 - Description of Injured or Killed Species

The information reported in the table will be used to calculate the value of the predated animal. The municipal/territorial investigator must include:

  • Quantity of head/poultry
  • Sex
  • Species type (one per row)
  • Estimated live weight (one weight per row)
  • Age
  • Premium (if applicable)
  • Investigator declaration: indicate whether sufficient evidence has been found to determine that the livestock or poultry death/injury was caused by wildlife.
  • Evidence of predation:
    • Indicate if the carcass(es) or injured animal(s) being claimed is/are on site and can be directly assessed.
    • indicate if the available evidence meets OMAFRA's minimum standards of evidence by checking the applicable boxes provided.

Request for premiums: owners may request a premium if they possess the required supporting documentation, such as breeding records or registration documents, to substantiate their request (see section Assigning Compensation in these program guidelines). Please indicate which premium is being applied for and provide the required documentation to support the premium.

Step 6 - Reasonable Care

The following information will be used to assess whether reasonable efforts have been taken to prevent the incidence(s) of injury or death of livestock or poultry:

  • Herd/flock size
  • Health condition of herd/flock
  • Breeding season
  • Dead livestock disposal practices
  • Livestock inspection frequency
  • Fencing type and condition
  • Presence of a guard animal
  • Investigators findings regarding reasonable care

After receiving five applications within one calendar year (January 1 to December 31), OMAFRA will require a detailed reasonable care plan (or biosecurity plan) be submitted and reviewed in order for future claims to be considered complete and eligible. Please use the following link for the reasonable care plan template: www.ontario.ca/predation.

Step 7 - Municipal Investigator Declaration and Signature

The municipal or territorial investigator must make a declaration as to the findings of their investigation. The signature of the investigator is also required.

Step 8 - Livestock or Poultry Owner Declaration and Signature

The owner must agree to the terms and conditions of the program and attest to the information contained in the application by signing the application. As part of step eight, the owner must also indicate whether the owner wishes to provide additional evidence.

Additional evidence or documentation must support the evidence provided by the municipal investigator and be submitted directly to the municipality within seven business days of the municipal investigator visiting the kill/injury site. Relevant third-party-issued documentation will be accepted as additional evidence. Acceptable evidence may include photos, purebred documentation (certificate of registration), veterinary reports and paid receipts, breeding records (or equivalent documentation), pregnancy scanning data, and sales receipts for other breeding livestock not captured in the standardized valuation tables.

Owners from territories without municipal organizations may submit additional evidence to the territorial investigator who will provide it to the program administrator or via email (wildlife.damage@ontario.ca) or mail:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Attention: OWDCP Program Administrator
1 Stone Road West, 4th Floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Step 9 - Submitting the Program Application (To be completed by Municipal Official

The municipal clerk or territorial investigator in the case of territories without a municipal organization will review the application and ensure the following:

  • The application is complete.
  • The municipal investigator and the owner have signed the application.
  • All required supporting documentation has been provided (e.g., three to six colour photos of each animal, purebred documentation).
  • If the owner indicated in step eight that they wished to provide additional evidence, and that evidence was provided within seven business days of the investigation, it has been included.

All claims are to be submitted to OMAFRA via email (wildlife.damage@ontario.ca) or mail:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
OWDCP Program Administrator
1 Stone Road West, 4th Floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Step 10 - Municipal Declaration and Signature

If applicable, the municipal clerk must review and certify that the information provided in the application form is true and accurate to the best of his or her knowledge. This step is not required in unorganized territories.

Appendix D - Completing an Application for Beekeepers

The bee investigator must complete an application within two days of being notified of the loss or damages. The bee investigator must record all the evidence collected through the investigation as well as any information provided by the owner. It is the program application, and any additional relevant documentation provided by the owner, that will be used by the program administrator to assess the validity of the application and the value of the compensation for the damages.

All sections of the application (steps one to nine) must be completed. If OMAFRA receives an incomplete application, the bee investigator will be informed and given 15 business days to provide the necessary information. Incomplete applications will be declined after this period.

Step 1 - Beekeeper Identification & Basic Eligibility Requirements (To be completed by owner)
  • Contact information for the beekeeper.
  • Owner's business number:
  • The CRA business number should correspond to one used to declare the owner's farming income to CRA. If the owner does not have a CRA number and is approved for funding, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) must be sent to OMAFRA for income tax purposes.
    • Canada Revenue Agency Client Number: a nine-digit business identifier used in Canada to which clients can register program accounts with the CRA. The program account number consists of three parts: the business number, the two-letter program identifier, and the four-digit reference number. For more information, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc2/README.html.
  • Beekeeper ID number:
    • Beekeepers or owners of beekeeping equipment are required by legislation to register each year for a beekeeper ID number. A beekeeper ID number can be obtained by contacting the Provincial Apiarist via mail, fax or email:
      Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
      Animal Health and Welfare branch
      1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor NW
      Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
      Fax: 519-826-4375
      E-mail: apiary@ontario.ca
  • Premises identification number
    • A premises identification (PID) number is a unique identifying number assigned to a parcel of land that is the site of the injury or kill location. PID numbers begin with "ON," followed by seven digits
    • It's free and quick to obtain a Premises ID. Visit the following website www.ontariopid.com or call 1-888-247-4999 for more information.
Bee Investigator Report
Step 2 - Bee Investigator Information
  • Contact information for the bee investigator.
Step 3 - Description of Bee Colony, Hive and Equipment Damages

A) Describe the damages:

  • Indicate the type of damages incurred
  • Indicate the date the damage/destruction occurred

B) Description of damages sustained, location of incident site and other relevate details.

C) Photos

  • Provide three to six digital colour photos per damaged beehive, bee colony, or piece of beehive-related equipment.
  • Include photos that show the relevant surroundings of where the damage occurred (e.g., fencing, attack site and structures).
  • Additional photos taken by owner, if they are colour and relevant to the incident, can be submitted as supplementary evidence.

D) Declaration by the bee investigator

  • The bee investigator must assess whether sufficient evidence exists to determine that the beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment was damaged due to wildlife.
Step 4 - Data Collection

The information reported in the table will be used to calculate the value of the damage incurred. The bee investigator must assess:

  • The number of hives damaged
  • The value of the beehive and beehive-related equipment damages
  • The number of bee colonies damaged
  • The value of the bee colonies damaged
  • The total compensation that can be applied for
Step 5 - Description of Predator
  • Identify the wildlife species.
  • Outline site evidence to support wildlife identification (e.g., tracks, droppings, type of damages).
Step 6 - Reasonable Care

The following information is required and will be used to assess whether reasonable efforts have been taken to prevent the incidence(s) of damage to the beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment:

  • Total number of bee yards managed
  • Total number of active beehives (in this yard)
  • Bee yard inspection frequency
  • Health condition of bee colonies
  • Investigators assessment regarding reasonable care
Step 7 - Beekeeper Declaration and Signature

The owner must agree to the terms and conditions of the program and attest to the information contained in the application by signing the application. The owner must also indicate whether or not they wish to provide additional evidence (e.g., photos taken by the owner or proof of payment for bee equipment). Additional evidence or documentation must support the evidence provided by the bee investigator and be provided within seven business days of the bee investigator visiting the kill/injury site. If the owner chooses to provide additional evidence, it must be sent directly to the program administrator via email (wildlife.damage@ontario.ca) or mail:

OWDCP Program Administrator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West, 4th Floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Step 8 - Submitting this Program Application

The bee investigator must review the application and ensure the following:

  • The application is complete.
  • All required supporting documentation has been provided (e.g., three to six colour photos of each colony or damaged bee equipment).
  • The bee investigator and the owner have signed the application.
  • Include any additional evidence/documentation provided by the owner within 7 business days of the investigation (if applicable).

All claims are to be submitted to OMAFRA at the following email address: wildlife.damage@ontario.ca.

Step 9 - Bee Investigator Declaration and Signature

The bee investigator must certify that the information provided in the application form is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The bee investigator must also sign the application.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca