Colorado’s cattlemen and women, recognizing the need to raise the awareness of not only fellow cattle producers, but also the general public, of their inter-generational commitment to protecting the animals and resources which they utilize, officially adopted Animal Welfare and Resource Stewardship Codes of Ethics.

These codes of ethics plainly state the beliefs and accepted practices of Colorado’s cattle producers in their daily work producing food for the nation and world. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is the only state cattlemen’s association in the United States with such an official comprehensive statement of beliefs on both issues.

Colorado Cattleman's Association's
Animal Welfare Code of Ethics

Passed by CCA’s membership in 1990, CCA’s Animal Welfare Code of Ethics communicates the need for proper care for food animals and demonstrates cattle producers’ commitment to proper and humane animal care. CCA’s actions have been met with praise by national and international mainstream animal care organizations. It recognizes and reaffirms that it is a livestock producer’s duty to oppose inhumane treatment of livestock at any stage of the animal’s life, and proclaims that Colorado’s cattle producers will provide assistance to officials investigating and prosecuting those who abuse livestock.

1. Statement of Position
The multi-billion dollar livestock industry in Colorado is dependent upon the welfare of the animals under its stewardship. It is the policy of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association to promote among its members good stewardship towards animals under their care. It is further the policy of the CCA to cooperate with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, and other organizations, agencies, and individuals that share legitimate concerns about the humane treatment of animals.

2. General Considerations in Livestock Raising
A. Livestock should be raised in conditions that meet their basic physical and behavioral needs. These include access to fresh water and quality feed, and a humane death.

B. Handling facilities. Properly designed, well-kept facilities allow humane, efficient cattle movement. Facilities should be constantly evaluated to see if they can be modified to allow better and more humane cattle handling.

C. People with a good knowledge of working cattle and cattle behavior allow the best use of these facilities. Staff should be monitored to make sure they understand the best way to work cattle.Training should be available for those who need additional instruction in handling livestock. This applies especially to those who have not previously handled livestock.

D. Inducements. Inducements of any sort (hot shot, whips, etc...) Should be used as little as possible and should be used only to the extent that is necessary to facilitate animal movement.  They should never be used in a punitive or angry manner.

E. Livestock should have access to professional veterinary care as required both to prevent and treat injuries and disease. Use of pharmaceuticals should be used based on an evaluation of the animal’s need, not simply out of "habit."

3. Transport of Animals
Density of the loading of livestock should be based upon careful consideration of the class of livestock and the planned duration of the trip. Under no circumstances should the animals be crowded to the point of causing undue stress during the transport. Length of time in the vehicle should be based upon the class and condition of the livestock. In no case should the animals be in the vehicle long enough to cause them inordinate amounts of stress.

4. Livestock Auctions
A. Terminally sick or injured animals should be destroyed on the ranch and not be subjected to the additional stress of being shipped to auction.

B. It is essential that auction management continually monitor their facilities and staff to make certain conditions that may foster animal abuse do not exist.

5. Statement of Duty
It is a livestock producer’s duty to oppose inhumane treatment of livestock at any stage of the animal’s life. Persons who willfully mistreat animals will not be tolerated in our business. We will provide any assistance necessary to proper officials during the investigation and prosecution of individuals who abuse livestock under their care.

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Resource Stewardship Code of Ethics Passed by CCA’s membership in 1993, CCA’s Resource Stewardship Code of Ethics soon became the foundation of a national policy and official statement passed by the cattle industry. It recognizes that productive range resources are vital to the well being of individual ranchers, local, state, and national economies, and society as a whole, and that through adaptable management practices, commitment, and a continual quest for knowledge, the health of the nation’s resources will help sustain healthy communities and a healthy environment.

Colorado Cattlemen's Association
Resource Stewardship Codes of Ethics

1. Statement of Belief
Productive range resources are vital for the well being of the individual rancher, local, state, and national economy and society as a whole. A healthy rangeland provides for a healthy watershed and a renewable source of feed for domestic animals and wildlife. Ranching sustains open spaces and aesthetic features which contribute to recreational opportunities.

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association promotes the prudent use of natural resources and offers the following Resource Stewardship Code of Ethics. The Association further recognizes the value and benefit of periodic input and revision to keep the commitment to resource stewardship alive.

2. Position
Rangelands are Diverse and Complex, Responsible resource stewards:

A. Recognize and inventory the environment for its varying and distinct properties.

B. Manage for the whole resource, including climate, soil, topography, plant and animal communities.

C. Realize that the range community is alive and ever-changing and management must adapt.

D. Recognize and appreciate the interdependence of ecosystems.

Natural Resources Reflect Management Practices Responsible resource stewards:
A. Recognize that successful management is an ongoing, long-term process and commit to stewardship, economic success and business continuity.

B. Strive to develop a management framework which involves family, employees, and business associates so that the entire team is committed to common goals.

C. Monitor and document for effective practices.

D. Never knowingly cause or permit abuses that result in permanent damage on public or private land.

E. Take constructive steps to work with individuals where abuses do occur.

The Knowledge Base of the Industry Must be Better Utilized and Enhanced Responsible resource stewards:
A. Develop ways to communicate and share the vast practical experience of other resource stewards.

B. Become involved in industry associations that provide an effective way to educate and support individuals.

C. Solicit input from a variety of sources on a regular basis as a means to improve the art and science of resource management.

D. Help develop public and private research projects to enhance the current body of knowledge.

E. Recognize that individual improvement is the basis for any change.

F. Communicate with diverse interests to resolve resource management issues.

Copyright 1997, by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, 8833 Ralston Rd., Arvada, Colorado 80002