As part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Animal Health Program, the transportation of animals is regulated to prevent undue pain or suffering in animals. However, the current regulations were created in the 1970s and lack current context. Long distance transport of animals has become more common, the science regarding animal physiology, welfare and health has evolved making certain current requirements inadequate, and the regulations insufficiently address the needs of all species. The concern for the welfare of animals and the belief that all animals, not just food animals, should be protected from suffering reflects the shared views of the industry and the public. Modernization of regulations will ensure that Canada keeps pace with international standards as well. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has now established standards for the transportation of animals by land and sea. Canadian regulations are consistent with OIE standards; however, some areas of the Canadian regulations need improvement such as those pertaining to feed / water / rest intervals and loading density. An advance notification to all Canadians was published, in April 2006, inviting comments on the existing regulations and areas that are being considered for modification before a proposal is drafted and published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Most of the areas that the CFIA had identified as being in need of modernization were similar to those of the respondents. These topics included updated definitions, sea transport, compromised animals and consistency in enforcement. The most contentious issue was re-defining the time periods that animals – notably food animals – can be transported without feed, water and rest As result of comments received, the CFIA is modifying the regulatory amendment to convert the prescriptive food water and rest intervals to outcome-based standards. Certain challenges to good transportation practices must be addressed, regardless of whether the current regulations or the proposed amendments are in force. CFIA inspection records show that even the minimum standards set out in the current regulations are regularly contravened. Per fiscal year, CFIA issues approximately 200 administrative penalties, with or without fines, for transportation-related contraventions. Another challenge that the industry is facing includes the use of very large transport vehicles and stressed hogs. The use of these large multilevel transports creates a twofold problem. It forces the hogs to navigate several ramps that often exceed the recommended angles for the species, resulting in increased animal injuries and stress. Secondly, it is difficult and unsafe for handlers to get into the pens on the trailer (for lack of head room) and consequently hogs end up being unloaded with electric prodding from “outside” the trailer. The resulting proposed regulations are based on clear and concise directions, which allow the regulated parties the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and new technologies. A balance of performance based, goal based and prescriptive regulatory elements should allow for flexibility, good judgment and experience to achieve desirable transportation outcomes. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) is commended for taking a lead role in promoting national animal welfare expectations that are monitored from within industry. The CFIA encourages the industry to lead animal welfare initiatives. Challenges will continue to be encountered and the CFIA wants to continue working in collaboration with the Canadian pork industry to achieve the shared goals of improved animal welfare.