The Centre
Welcome to the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) at the University of Guelph!
Dr. Tina Widowski - Director
As an internationally recognized centre of excellence in the study of animal welfare, U of G has had a long and respected history in research, education and promoting high welfare standards for all animals used or affected by humans - including food, laboratory, companion and zoo animals and wildlife.
Throughout our history, we have been proud to boast a number of “firsts”; We were the first institution in Canada to establish an animal care policy for animals used in research and teaching (1964), which pre-dated establishment of the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Our Faculty was integral in the initial drafting of the Canadian Recommended Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals (1980). We also offered the first formal undergraduate degree course in Farm Animal Care and Welfare (1986) in the world.
In 1989, the Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CSAW) was formally established to strengthen our activities, and was the first of its kind in North America and second of its kind in the world. In 1995, a University Chair in Animal Welfare was established, and in 1996, the Centre was renamed The Colonel K.L. Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare in recognition of the commitment and support of Mrs. Mona Campbell, the widow of the late Colonel Campbell. Since that time, our undergraduate and graduate teaching programs, as well as the number of faculty members specializing in animal welfare science and the breadth of research projects focused on animal welfare have continued to grow. We now offer a regular series of public lectures, seminars, and educational opportunities for people with a variety of interests in animal welfare.
We hope you enjoy browsing our website – you can check for updates on upcoming seminars, symposia and events, read about our recent research findings, access information on our Associated Faculty, and browse information on animal welfare related courses offered through U of G. Please be sure to visit our donations page to find out how you can help support our programs, research projects and educational activities.
Tina Widowski, B.S., M.S., PhD.
Professor, Animal and Poultry Science
Director