Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Amendments to the maximum monetary compensation amounts for registered and non-registered cattle under the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations

The FAQs below are meant to provide Canadians and businesses with general information about the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's regulations.

What is the purpose of this regulatory amendment?

This regulatory amendment to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations (CDAR), establishes new maximum monetary compensation amounts for registered and non-registered cattle ordered destroyed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the authority of the Health of Animals Act (HAA) in an animal disease outbreak situation. The maximum monetary compensation amounts for cattle have been amended to reflect current market value in order to continue promoting early disease reporting and the cooperation and of owners and producers.

What are the key elements of this regulatory amendment?

The CDAR have been amended to reflect new maximum monetary compensation amounts of $10,000 for registered cattle and $4,500 for non-registered cattle ordered destroyed by the CFIA.

The actual amount of compensation to be paid to an owner or producer is calculated based on the current market value of the animal at the time it is ordered destroyed minus the value of its carcass. The maximum monetary compensation amounts represent the highest payment that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food can authorize under the CDAR and are not retro-active.

How does this regulatory amendment affect Canadian businesses?

This regulatory amendment does not impact the operations of the cattle industry. There are no additional administrative costs to businesses.

It is anticipated that the revised maximum monetary compensation amounts for cattle, reflective of current market value, will encourage continued producer cooperation and participation during control or eradication efforts meant to prevent or reduce the spread of disease.

What is the timeline for implementation?

The new maximum monetary compensation amounts for registered and non-registered cattle came into force on August 5, 2015 and are expected to be published in Canada Gazette, Part II in August 2015.

Where can I get more information?

The CFIA is committed to working directly with affected owners and producers when an animal is ordered destroyed and to make sure that applications for compensation are processed as smoothly as possible. For information about what to expect when an animal is ordered destroyed, visit the CFIA website.

Additional information available:

• Health of Animals Act
• Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations
• Reportable Diseases Regulations
• CFIA disease surveillance activities
• CFIA Animal Health Offices