Minister Ritz Applauds Livestock Haulers' Leadership in Animal Transport

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 5, 2012) - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) Livestock Transporters' Division (LTD) has received commendation from the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board for its efforts to raise the bar of excellence in the animal transport industry.

"OTA and CTA [are] indeed industry leaders in humane animal transportation," read a letter from Minister Ritz. "I wish to congratulate you on the ongoing efforts of OTA/CTA to help improve conditions for animals during transport."

The Minister's letter highlighted the value of the LTD's recently released video which discussed the Division's efforts to promote an industry wide training standard. The LTD is currently working with industry partners to develop a training program for transporters which will help ensure all animals are transported safely and securely by properly trained drivers. As part of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), the program envisioned by the OTA LTD will be rolled out across Canada and considered a supply chain prerequisite for shippers to select which transporters they can use to haul their animals. (For example, similar to how certain suppliers require ISO-like training to bid on contracts).

"The LTD has been working hard to promote our vision for the industry and for training throughout the supply chain," said Deanna Pagnan, Director of the Livestock Transporters' Division. "It is gratifying to learn that our vision for the industry and efforts to ensure animal wellbeing is shared with the Government of Canada. We are very encouraged to have the Minister's support and have received similar support from members of the food retail community, interested in joining our cause. We look forward to continuing to work together in shared our commitment to animal welfare."

Join the LTD's campaign to raise the bar of excellence in the livestock transport industry by sharing the video via YouTube by clicking here.