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."
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
Afimilk, a global dairy farm management solutions provider, has appointed Justin Miller as the new general manager for New Zealand and Australia.
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