Ontario is going through summer temperatures that easily go above 30°C and beyond, sometimes up to 40°C when taking into account various factors such as humidity levels. High temperatures can cause stress and suffering to animals during transportation. Footage of pigs showing symptoms of extreme suffering from the heat and lack of water and ventilation have been circulating online.

According to federal transport regulations, as found in the Health of Animals Regulations Act, Part XII, Sections 143(1)(d) and (e):

143. (1) No person shall transport or cause to be transported any animal in a railway car, motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, crate or container if injury or undue suffering is likely to be caused to the animal by reason of (d) undue exposure to the weather; or (e) inadequate ventilation.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for the enforcement of farm animal transport regulations. I therefore urge the CFIA to meet its obligations, and take reasonable steps to enforce animal protection during extreme weather. I am asking that pigs and chickens have access to water, that trucks be equipped with adequate, operating ventilation systems or otherwise that transportation be suspended until temperatures reach acceptable levels.

**If we wish to reduce animal suffering and the environmental impacts of factory farming, a greater shift towards veganism and higher animal welfare standards are needed.