PETA wants web cams in shearing sheds
Animal rights protest group PETA is calling for Agriculture Minister Todd McClay to introduce legislation which would make it mandatory to have live-streaming web cameras in all New Zealand shearing shed.
World Animal Protection (WAP) has downgraded New Zealand’s animal protection ranking.
The international non-profit animal welfare organisation reduced New Zealand’s ranking from an ‘A’, awarded in 2014, to a ‘C’ in its latest report.
WAP says the downgrade is primarily due to the Government’s lack of legislation outlawing cruel practices.
It says New Zealand’s codes of welfare are not legally binding and undermine the principles of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
Additionally, it says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a conflict of interest and prioritises economics ahead of animal welfare.
WAP says legislation is also needed against practices such as colony cages, farrowing crates, rodeo, and live export.
National animal rights group Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) CEO Debra Ashton says the ranking shows New Zealand’s animal practices need to align with its legislation.
"This report should be a wakeup call for the Government," says Ashton.
"The Animal Welfare Act recognises that animals are sentient, yet we still keep hens and pigs in barren cages. So-called rodeo ‘cowboys’ continue to bully animals every summer, and we’re still shipping millions of live animals overseas. We’re undermining our own legislation."
"We’re not surprised that New Zealand has been downgraded. New Zealand’s track record is appalling."
SAFE says a particular concern highlighted by the report is the MPI’s role as the body with primary responsibility for animal welfare.
SAFE says MPI’s main concern is to promote and increase exports, which conflicts with its animal welfare responsibilities.
"MPI’s role as the body responsible for animal welfare is like having the fox guard the henhouse."
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed last month.
Two European dairy co-operatives are set to merge and create a €14 billion business.
DairyNZ's Kirsty Verhoek ‘walks the talk’, balancing her interests in animal welfare, agricultural science and innovative dairy farming.
"We at Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and you at Dairy News said over six months ago that the dairy industry would bounce back, and it has done so with interest.”
Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Karen Williams is the new chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand.
Whole milk powder prices on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) remains above long run averages and a $10/kgMS milk price for the season remains on the card, says ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown.
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