Hon David Carter MP
National Party Agriculture Spokesman
John Carter MP
National Local Government Spokesman
28 March 2006

Anderton a lame duck over farm dog microchipping

Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton was shown up as being a lame duck when he admitted his failure to argue farmers’ case over microchipping of farm dogs, says National Agriculture spokesman David Carter.

“Mr Anderton’s responses in Parliament today show the Cabinet’s number three ranked minister’s been well and truly rolled by 18th ranked Nanaia Mahuta.

“Despite his big talk all around the country to the rural community, Mr Anderton has failed them.

“Farmers will be extremely disappointed by this costly and illogical move to include working farm dogs in microchipping requirements.”

National Local Government spokesman John Carter says Treasury papers show it will be costly to not just dog owners but taxpayers as well.

“Treasury told the Government that just setting up a national dog database would cost $1.3 million, with a further $400,000 in annual running costs.

“This is on top of the local government costs, and the cost to dog owners themselves.

“Treasury also warned the Government in a 2003 report that it was ‘concerned that a national dog database will not address the issue of dog control and comes with significant costs and the risk of technological obsolescence.’

“The public needs to be aware that on top of any costs to local government and dog owners, the taxpayer will also be footing part of the bill. It’s ludicrous the Government hasn’t taken the advice of its own highly-paid officials.”

ENDS

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