Philosophy
The Quebec Spring Show believes that every animal participating in activities should, at all times, receive proper care and management in the best interest of the animal's welfare.
Animal welfare is considered satisfactory if the following five criteria are met:
Absence of hunger, thirst and malnutrition;
Absence of fear and distress;
Absence of physical and thermal stress;
Absence of pain, lesions and disease;
Possibility for the animal to express the normal behaviors of its species.
Animal Care and Management Policy
The care, custody and control of animals are the responsibility of the owner and/or exhibitor. Under no circumstances will we have the care, custody and/or control of animals, whether exhibited or not, that are brought to the show site. However, in the event of an emergency or other compelling circumstances, authorized personnel will take care of the animal and direct the resolution of the problem.
Show staff, in conjunction with the official show veterinarian, reserve the right to require that animals deemed unsuitable for public display and/or in distress be taken to an area designated by the show. and/or removed from the exhibition site.
Animal care and management procedure
In the event of an emergency, the Official Show Veterinarian, in conjunction with the Board of Directors or their designate, will be primarily responsible for resolving a problem in the animal areas or during competitions.
Escaped Pet Policy
If an animal escapes from its designated confinement area, the owner/exhibitor and we will do everything possible to confine it as quickly as possible.
Procedure to follow in the event of an animal escape
If an animal escapes, owners and/or exhibitors should attempt to contain it, as they have the most experience with that animal. If the animal escapes from the fairground area, the chairman should contact the fairground security department and the police department. If the animal escapes after the show closes, Grounds Security will attempt to contain it and notify the police if necessary. The expo board will help contain the animal while security secures the perimeter and handles crowd control.
Injured/Dead Pet Policy
If an animal on the show grounds is injured or dies, the designated veterinarian will be notified immediately to coordinate a quick, expeditious and appropriate response. If emergency measures are required before the veterinarian arrives, authorized show personnel will ensure that the animal is moved to a designated area for evaluation as soon as possible.
Procedure for injured/dead animals
A stall/area in the cattle areas will be reserved for the treatment and/or assessment of injured or sick animals. A sled/trailer will be available to move an animal to the designated location if required. If an animal dies on the show grounds, the show staff and veterinarian will assist the exhibitor and coordinate the disposal of the animal. The show will keep an incident report on all animal injuries and/or deaths.
Animal disposal procedure: The animal must be loaded onto a sled/trailer and covered with a tarp to be evacuated from the public area to a designated area.
Quality Assurance Policy
The policy of the expo is that all animals are certified as having received no prohibited substances. There have been no known incidences of show animals in which drug residues have been detected. A firm is hired to ensure that the policies issued by the Holstein Quebec Rules and Regulations Committee are implemented and respected and that the Standard Agreements have been signed by the exhibitors. In addition, veterinarians are hired to give a few cows an ultrasound to ensure compliance with these standards.
Policy for Handling Animal Rights Issues
For all Expo staff:
All inquiries from the public, media, or representatives of animal rights groups regarding animal care or management should be directed to the Expo Coordinator or Chair.
For exhibitors:
If representatives of animal rights groups approach them, exhibitors should politely refer them to the expo office. Under no circumstances should an exhibitor engage in a debate on animal rights issues or opinions. Above all, we must avoid any confrontation. In the event of a demonstration, reference should be made to the safety policy of the expo premises.
Any other activity or demonstration that creates a problem for expo patrons, exhibitors or livestock must be dealt with by the police. The exhibition grounds are considered private property; therefore, anyone engaging in activities that are not in the best interests of the expo may be expelled.
