Tuesday, 30 April 2024 14:55

Removing ban 'a step backwards'

Written by  Staff Reporters
Two animal welfare groups are calling for the continuation of a ban on live exports. Two animal welfare groups are calling for the continuation of a ban on live exports.

Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.

A year ago this week, the ban was implemented by the previous government in a move that proved controversial.

SAFE chief executive Debra Ashton says that while the anniversary of the ban should be a cause for celebration, it has been overshadowed by the possibility of its reversal.

“The ban on live export was a response to years of advocacy and public outcry against the inhumane treatment of animals during transportation,” Ashton says. “It was a recognition of the inherent cruelty and suffering inflicted upon animals subjected to long-distance transport under often deplorable conditions.”

“We are urgently calling on the coalition to uphold the ban, recognizing the irreversible harm that lifting it would inflict on animal welfare and New Zealand’s international reputation,” she says.

A petition by former chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee John Hellstrom and supported by SAFE and the SPCA, has garnered more than 33,000 signatures since its launch in March, something SAFE says underscores widespread public support for maintaining the ban.

“The live export ban is a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to compassion and ethical treatment of animals,” Ashton says. “Reversing it would not only be a grave mistake but also tarnish our reputation as a global leader in animal welfare.”

SAFE isn’t alone in its opposition to a reversal of the ban, with SPCA chief scientific officer Dr Arnja Dale saying many farmers are in support of the ban.

“Government would have the public believe that any opposition to their plan is anti-farming,” Dale says. “It’s about animal welfare and farmers agree.”

Dale says the SPCA has requested for the Government to provide a business case or cost benefit analysis in support of the practice of live export, but she says the government claims not to have it.

“We have also asked to see the official advice provided to the Minister from MPI on the process for reintroducing live exports by sea. The Government refuses to share it,” she says.

“New Zealand farmers work tirelessly to provide good animal welfare evolving and safeguarding standards that are envied abroad. Why would anyone want to undermine that premium?”

Waikato dairy farmer, Chris Falconer has signed the petition and says that scrapping the ban is a step backward for farmers.

““Scrapping the ban is a backward step for farmers and farmers have enough trouble being associated with forward steps,” he says.

“My farm is my business so the first lens I apply is does it compromise our values – not is it financially viable - does it compromise our values and if it does – it’s a nonstarter,” Falconer says.

“It’s an animal welfare issue,” he says. “Not a political one.”

The petition closes 14 June and can be found at petitions.parliament.nz

More like this

Live exports battle

As the coalition Government mulls new regulations to reinstate the export of live animals, debate is heating up between supporters and opponents.

Featured

Wool pellets to boost gardens

With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.

'Cheap seed comes with major risks'

Choosing pasture seed at bargain prices may seem an attractive way for farmers to reduce autumn or spring re-sowing costs, but it comes with significant risks, says the NZ Plant Breeders and Research Association (PBRA).

High commodity prices, farmer optimism bode well for event

The 2025 South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) chairman, Rangiora farmer Andrew Stewart, is predicting a successful event on the back of good news coming out of the farming sector and with it a greater level of optimism among farmers.

National

Global wool marketplace to launch

Wools of New Zealand will soon launch the international version of an online global wool marketplace designed to bring farmers…

Machinery & Products

New seed drill tech coming

Incorporating Vaderstad's latest seed drill technology, the Proceed V 24, is said to improve precision and increase planting efficiencies for…

Foliar feeding 'lifts N efficiency'

Research findings published in Europe support the concept of foliar fertilisation or foliar feeding in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)…

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Waffle man

OPINION: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sometimes can't escape his own corporate instinct for evasion, and in what should have been…

Banks on notice

OPINION: Shane 'Matua' Jones, crusader against all things woke, including "woke banks", couldn't have scripted it better when his NZ…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter