"New Zealanders care deeply about the welfare of animals, and this was reflected during the consultation process," says MPI's director biosecurity and animal welfare Julie Collins.
"The changes that are being introduced in August will further strengthen New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter of animals and animal products.
"They will give early effect to amendments made last year to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 that would have otherwise commenced in May 2020".
The changes will give MPI's Director-General more powers to:
require reports on the welfare of animals during their journey and for up to 30 days after their arrival in the importing country, and take that information into account when considering future export approvals.
In addition, the current regime under the Customs Export Prohibition (Livestock for Slaughter) Order 2013 will be moved to regulations under the Animal Welfare Act. These regulations will come into force on December 21, 2016.
"Currently this regime is implemented under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, and needs to be renewed every three years. Under the new regulations the requirement to renew this will be removed.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their feedback in the interests of New Zealand's animals."
