Heavy Hand of the CFIA-----VICTIMIZES A CANADIAN CATTLEMAN---KEN HABERMEHL MACRORIE SASK
Goodmorning Steve Primose CHAIR (CCIA)
As promised from yesterday's phone call here is the followup email written in "case report format". It is written in this manner so that the ccs veterinary clinic contacts can relate to how our years of studies were presented to us during our veterinary school years.
This email and attached pictures will also be part of my evidence as I prepare to defend my case in an upcoming tribunal hearing.
I hadn't even got the cows in question out of the PFRA pasture and CFIA has had their Lawyers contacting me over this case.
Already the intimidation factor-----------LAWYERING UP.
On Tuesday Oct 22 I hauled the 29 cow-calf pairs home from the Elbow PFRA pasture. Before loading I walked throughout the cattle in their pens and took notes of ear-tag situations. Visual inspection one could see RFID "buttons" from the backs of their ears of the cows. The calves are easier to observe and there was no loss at that time. There was 3 tags that appear to be hanging loosely on calf ears at that time.
The 29 cows were put through the chute and head-gate the next day at the home ranch and both ears were examined of each cow. Nos of holes were counted of each cow, and examination was also for 'large diameter hole size". Many pictures were taken.
EVIDENCE FROM THE 29 COWS
1) Pic # 1-------------2086---There was two cows with just the Male stud left in the ear. RFID ring was gone.
2)All animals had at least 4 holes in their ears. Most animals were 3-5 year old cows.
3)Two cows counted 8 holes in their ears----Pic 2100 shows 5 holes in rt ear and 3 holes (2 tags) in left ear.
4)2nd Cow with 4 holes in left and 4 holes in right.
May 26 that is all the CFIA inspector was wondering. The few that were without the RFID tag---was there a hole to show that I had attempted to tag the animal. I hope CFIA is satisfied. I will give them a full list of 29 cows, the ID and how many holes in each ear.
5)Pic of enlarged hole and male button through.---Pic 2076
6)Three cows had RFID tags with enlarged holes and the Male buttons Loosely in those holes. These are 4 year old-cows. How long will they last in those animals?
Steve Primrose you sit as chair of the CCIA. You have CFIA representatives at your table. You do communicate with a head CFIA personnel a Mr. Kruger in Calgary. Remember I was just trying to be a Canadian Cow-calf producer and have worked hard in trying to do a job that the cow-calf industry would respect. I was minding my own business as a Canadian Cattleman, Cow-calf rancher. I sit on boards that promote the beef industry. What happened to me on May 26 I drove 100 miles to obtain RFID tags, because I never have carried RFID tags with me, because I habitually processed each animal the day before transit through my own chute and squeeze at the Ranch. This fine of section 176 I will not pay the $500.00 fine--$250.00 if paid within 2 weeks because I am not guilty. I am forced to spend much more that $500.00 to clear my name but I feel it is my obligation to the beef industry to draw attention and maybe force change at your level so that another canadian cattleman doesn't have to face the same ordeal as I am facing now.
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO CCIA CHAIRMAN:
1)The extreme amount of holes that are in some cows ears----they only have changed hands once as a bred heifer isn't that considered a cruelity to animals by some parties? What about the stress each time through the chute and handling those heads. No wonder cows heads flop around and are dangerous to workers.
2)Some veterinary clinics that were selling RFID tags have quit. The margins are slim, The complaints are getting extreme and the audits and bookkeeping is getting crazy----all for whose benefit???
3)Know the compostion of CFIA veterinarians. Many don't want to rock the boat, Many only have a year or two left and they receive full pension.
Why is it that some CFIA veterinarians who know me as a colleague or a friend encouraged someone like me to challange a case like this. It doesn't make any reasonable or practical sense---Full traceability when the cattle do not change hands. My neighbours are and colleagues are concerned that this CCIA wants to take this traceability to higher levels yet on our cow-calf ranches-------------this is why a "HUGE STINK OVER MY CONVICTION" will keep going out through western Canada.
4)Look at the packaging of the RIFD buttons. 25 RFID buttons with matching Male buttons. When one tags adult animals the restraint is restricted and heads are throwing around. Pins get bent and male buttons get damaged in the process. Are all Allflex male buttons compatable with the RFID buttons? I have raised that question now in community circles and in Veterinary clinics as well. I also have contacted Allflex Canada and have spoken to the technical division from Texas. Some Male buttons have different lengths---ie Angus RFID buttons, Old left over fly tag buttons. This is a general concern for many producers.
5)Why have the inspectors and CFIA veterinarians have quickly been called BUTTON COPS or BUTTON POLICEMAN?
Is this well spent Canadian tax payer $$$$$$$$$$$$. Is their budget for this work at this time?
6)Tim Hymore from Bob Bjornerud's provincial office have contacted me. They are recieving concern of workers getting their hands crushed tagging adult cows and bulls at Auction Markets. Give me any cow with 8 holes in its ears---they know how to throw their heads around.
7)Go to website www.agriville.com beef production-----Heavy hand of the CFIA or Email CFIA TAGS----Hon Gerry Ritz was questioned at a Mayerthorpe Meeting in Early October about CFIA implementation of act 176----He states that they have to stop there is no BUDGET for that work as yet.
8)Next letter to Hon Gerry RItz Minister of Agriculuture.
9)All practicing veterinarians ----------tell this story in all the vet clinics and communities in western Canada. Tell Cow-Calf producers if they get caught by a BUTTON COP---don't pay but take option 5 and go through the courts --------------------the max is only $500.00. What will it cost CFIA?????
10)No wonder CFIA carries a "rotten like ?????" stentch with them wherever they go.
11)Protection practice to cow-calf producers---carry extra buttons in pockets---rather than change, put in saddle bags on a trail drive down a public road. Don't forget to throw a couple in a trailer if the BUTTON COP shows up. I heard these comments from other producers and now see the reality of this practice.
12)Why is it now across this province that PFRA pastures are short of cows for next year?? Producers are just getting out of the business. Too many rules. Maybe turn the PFRA pastures into recreational facilities?
13)Considering selling our cow herd myself. Maybe apply for a job with CFIA------button-cop????
Keeping in touch
Victomized Canadian Cattlemen
Dr. Ken Habermehl (Rancher)
Goodmorning Steve Primose CHAIR (CCIA)
As promised from yesterday's phone call here is the followup email written in "case report format". It is written in this manner so that the ccs veterinary clinic contacts can relate to how our years of studies were presented to us during our veterinary school years.
This email and attached pictures will also be part of my evidence as I prepare to defend my case in an upcoming tribunal hearing.
I hadn't even got the cows in question out of the PFRA pasture and CFIA has had their Lawyers contacting me over this case.
Already the intimidation factor-----------LAWYERING UP.
On Tuesday Oct 22 I hauled the 29 cow-calf pairs home from the Elbow PFRA pasture. Before loading I walked throughout the cattle in their pens and took notes of ear-tag situations. Visual inspection one could see RFID "buttons" from the backs of their ears of the cows. The calves are easier to observe and there was no loss at that time. There was 3 tags that appear to be hanging loosely on calf ears at that time.
The 29 cows were put through the chute and head-gate the next day at the home ranch and both ears were examined of each cow. Nos of holes were counted of each cow, and examination was also for 'large diameter hole size". Many pictures were taken.
EVIDENCE FROM THE 29 COWS
1) Pic # 1-------------2086---There was two cows with just the Male stud left in the ear. RFID ring was gone.
2)All animals had at least 4 holes in their ears. Most animals were 3-5 year old cows.
3)Two cows counted 8 holes in their ears----Pic 2100 shows 5 holes in rt ear and 3 holes (2 tags) in left ear.
4)2nd Cow with 4 holes in left and 4 holes in right.
May 26 that is all the CFIA inspector was wondering. The few that were without the RFID tag---was there a hole to show that I had attempted to tag the animal. I hope CFIA is satisfied. I will give them a full list of 29 cows, the ID and how many holes in each ear.
5)Pic of enlarged hole and male button through.---Pic 2076
6)Three cows had RFID tags with enlarged holes and the Male buttons Loosely in those holes. These are 4 year old-cows. How long will they last in those animals?
Steve Primrose you sit as chair of the CCIA. You have CFIA representatives at your table. You do communicate with a head CFIA personnel a Mr. Kruger in Calgary. Remember I was just trying to be a Canadian Cow-calf producer and have worked hard in trying to do a job that the cow-calf industry would respect. I was minding my own business as a Canadian Cattleman, Cow-calf rancher. I sit on boards that promote the beef industry. What happened to me on May 26 I drove 100 miles to obtain RFID tags, because I never have carried RFID tags with me, because I habitually processed each animal the day before transit through my own chute and squeeze at the Ranch. This fine of section 176 I will not pay the $500.00 fine--$250.00 if paid within 2 weeks because I am not guilty. I am forced to spend much more that $500.00 to clear my name but I feel it is my obligation to the beef industry to draw attention and maybe force change at your level so that another canadian cattleman doesn't have to face the same ordeal as I am facing now.
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO CCIA CHAIRMAN:
1)The extreme amount of holes that are in some cows ears----they only have changed hands once as a bred heifer isn't that considered a cruelity to animals by some parties? What about the stress each time through the chute and handling those heads. No wonder cows heads flop around and are dangerous to workers.
2)Some veterinary clinics that were selling RFID tags have quit. The margins are slim, The complaints are getting extreme and the audits and bookkeeping is getting crazy----all for whose benefit???
3)Know the compostion of CFIA veterinarians. Many don't want to rock the boat, Many only have a year or two left and they receive full pension.
Why is it that some CFIA veterinarians who know me as a colleague or a friend encouraged someone like me to challange a case like this. It doesn't make any reasonable or practical sense---Full traceability when the cattle do not change hands. My neighbours are and colleagues are concerned that this CCIA wants to take this traceability to higher levels yet on our cow-calf ranches-------------this is why a "HUGE STINK OVER MY CONVICTION" will keep going out through western Canada.
4)Look at the packaging of the RIFD buttons. 25 RFID buttons with matching Male buttons. When one tags adult animals the restraint is restricted and heads are throwing around. Pins get bent and male buttons get damaged in the process. Are all Allflex male buttons compatable with the RFID buttons? I have raised that question now in community circles and in Veterinary clinics as well. I also have contacted Allflex Canada and have spoken to the technical division from Texas. Some Male buttons have different lengths---ie Angus RFID buttons, Old left over fly tag buttons. This is a general concern for many producers.
5)Why have the inspectors and CFIA veterinarians have quickly been called BUTTON COPS or BUTTON POLICEMAN?
Is this well spent Canadian tax payer $$$$$$$$$$$$. Is their budget for this work at this time?
6)Tim Hymore from Bob Bjornerud's provincial office have contacted me. They are recieving concern of workers getting their hands crushed tagging adult cows and bulls at Auction Markets. Give me any cow with 8 holes in its ears---they know how to throw their heads around.
7)Go to website www.agriville.com beef production-----Heavy hand of the CFIA or Email CFIA TAGS----Hon Gerry Ritz was questioned at a Mayerthorpe Meeting in Early October about CFIA implementation of act 176----He states that they have to stop there is no BUDGET for that work as yet.
8)Next letter to Hon Gerry RItz Minister of Agriculuture.
9)All practicing veterinarians ----------tell this story in all the vet clinics and communities in western Canada. Tell Cow-Calf producers if they get caught by a BUTTON COP---don't pay but take option 5 and go through the courts --------------------the max is only $500.00. What will it cost CFIA?????
10)No wonder CFIA carries a "rotten like ?????" stentch with them wherever they go.
11)Protection practice to cow-calf producers---carry extra buttons in pockets---rather than change, put in saddle bags on a trail drive down a public road. Don't forget to throw a couple in a trailer if the BUTTON COP shows up. I heard these comments from other producers and now see the reality of this practice.
12)Why is it now across this province that PFRA pastures are short of cows for next year?? Producers are just getting out of the business. Too many rules. Maybe turn the PFRA pastures into recreational facilities?
13)Considering selling our cow herd myself. Maybe apply for a job with CFIA------button-cop????
Keeping in touch
Victomized Canadian Cattlemen
Dr. Ken Habermehl (Rancher)
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