Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
Almost 500 people attended six public meetings across the country, to express views on animal welfare.
MPI is currently seeking feedback on 85 proposed animal welfare regulations and took to the road as part of the five week consultation. The proposals set out tougher rules around animal management and would put new fines and infringements in place.
Director of biosecurity and animal welfare Julie Collins has been pleased with the amount of feedback MPI had received to date.
"We've received 190 submissions so far and have had great discussions with a large number of people with a range of views on the proposals. We now want to encourage those who are yet to make a submission to do so by 19 May," says Collins.
Given the large number of proposals out for consultation, the discussions at public meetings covered a wide range of animals and topics, however, some common subject themes were noted.
"Some of the more predominate conversations were in relation to regulations for bobby calf welfare, the tail docking of dogs, sheep and cattle, stock transport, the consultation process, and clarity around the infringements and offences.
"None of the proposals are final and after submissions close, MPI will be considering all the feedback received at public meetings and as written submissions to ensure we have the best rules possible for the welfare of animals," Collins added.
Consultation closes on May 19, 2016.
Fertiliser co-operative Ballance has written down $88 million - the full value of its Kapuni urea plant in Taranaki - from its balance sheet in the face of a looming gas shortage.
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Canterbury farmers and the Police Association say they are frustrated by proposed cuts to rural policing in the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
The sale price of Fonterra’s global consumer and associated businesses to the world’s largest dairy company Lactalis has risen to $4.22 billion.
Alliance Group's proposal to sell a 65% shareholding to Ireland's Dawn Meats won't solve the red meat industry's structural problems, says former Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams.