Friday, 29 April 2016 12:55

Animal welfare regulation critical, says minister

Written by  Peter Burke
The proposed animal welfare regulations include new rules for handling bobby calves. The proposed animal welfare regulations include new rules for handling bobby calves.

The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, says the proposed animal welfare regulations now out for consultation are very important for the NZ primary sector.

He told Dairy News that NZ earns $23 billion from animal related exports and consumers are now much more connected to what is happening on our farms.

Guy says NZ is a world leader in food safety and is doing more than ever in environmental matters. And it is equally important that we look after our animals: this matters to our international reputation.

"Most NZ farmers look after their animals very well and they won't notice any significant changes but those few scallywags who don't will have to pull up their socks."

The new regulations follow the passing last year of an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, designed to improve the enforceability, clarity and transparency of the animal welfare system. Proposed regulations setting out in detail what farmers need to do have been developed in consultation with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).

Guy says the proposed regulations will set enforceable rules based on best practice and modern science.
"Our animal welfare system is considered one of the best in the world. The proposed regulations will further strengthen our reputation as a country that cares for animals."

The proposed regulations relate to the care of and conduct towards animals and include:

Infringement notices of $300 or $500 for low-level offending

Who may perform surgical or painful procedures on animals, and under what conditions

New rules for handling bobby calves, including raised areas for loading and trucking distance restrictions.

More powers for the director-general of the Ministry for Primary Industries on reporting of animal welfare when live animals are exported for breeding purposes.

Feedback is sought on the proposals by 19 May.

More like this

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Tough times

OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.

MSA triumph

OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter