Director
CCSAW is pleased to announce the Appointment of Dr. Derek Haley as its new director effective Nov. 1, 2025.
Haley, a faculty member in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, brings extensive expertise in livestock behavior and welfare. He has been deeply involved with CCSAW for many years as both a faculty member and member of the Centre’s steering committee, contributing to its strategic direction and mentoring students engaged in animal welfare research and looks forward to continuing to build the Centre’s profile over his term.
Haley’s research primarily focuses on beef and dairy cattle, examining issues such as the effects of long-distance transportation, weaning stress and the welfare of culled dairy cows. Prior to joining OVC, Haley worked as a provincial livestock welfare specialist with Alberta Agriculture, where he advanced animal welfare initiatives across multiple provinces. Fluent in French, he has collaborated widely with producers, veterinarians and policymakers throughout Canada.
“I’m honoured to lead the Centre, which unites researchers and academics with expertise not only in animal welfare but also in the humanities, alongside dedicated individuals committed to improving the lives of animals,” says Haley. “Interest in how animals are cared for—and the impact of that care—is growing rapidly, encompassing farm animals, zoo animals, companion pets and wildlife.”
Steering Committee
The CCSAW Steering Committee meets once per month and is comprised of faculty from across campus. In addition to the Director, the current members are:
Dr. Anna Bolinder, Assistant Director of Animal Care Services
Dr. Charlotte Winder, Assistant Professor, Department of Population Medicine at OVC
Dr. Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph
Dr. Jeffery Rau, Clinical Veterinarian, Department of Clinical Studies at OVC
Dr. Jeff Wichtel, Dean, OVC
Dr. Lauren Van Patter, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Studies/Community Healthcare Partnership Program, OVC
Dr. Georgia Mason, Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology in the College of Biological Sciences
Staff
Karen Daynard, CCSAW Outreach and Communications Coordinator, daynardk@uoguelph.ca
Laura Harper, CCSAW Events Coordinator, lharper@uoguelph.ca
Lydia Conrad, CCSAW Social Media and PhD student in Animal Biosciences , lconra01@uoguelph.ca
