Abbotsford dairy farm allowed to operate again with conditions

A farm in Abbotsford that had its licence pulled after animal cruelty allegations surfaced, is allowed to operate again.

The BC Milk Marketing Board had suspended Cedar Valley Farms’ permit to operate after it determined there were multiple violations of the Code of Practice at the farm at the end of October.
Details of the allegations made against the farm have not been made public, but the BC SPCA says it has taken its case to Crown Counsel after the animal protection group received more than 300 video clips.

According to Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer, the agency made an immediate, unannounced visit to the farm after receiving the footage.

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While the investigation continues, the farm is now allowed to operate again, but must do so under restrictions.

The BC Milk Marketing Board determined through an independent oversight of the care of animals during the suspension period they are healthy and receiving proper care, and therefore conditionally reinstated the licence.

Those include working with an independent third-party which will oversee employees, and an independent veterinarian who will conduct regular herd health checks.

“Over the next 12 months, Cedar Valley Farms will be subject to monthly unannounced animal welfare inspections by BC Milk. All costs associated with oversight and monitoring of the farm and employees will be incurred by Cedar Valley Farms,” the marketing board said Friday, adding any information gathered by the BC SPCA during its independent investigation may add additional conditions to the dairy license at any time.