Vets welcome increased Budget funding for animal welfare

An extra $8.2m to boost animal welfare activities announced today as part of the Budget process is strongly welcomed by the NZ Veterinary Association (NZVA).

“We are delighted to see an increased compliance and enforcement effort with the doubling of enforcement officers and the stated focus on bringing the key organisations involved in animal welfare together,” spokesperson Dr Wayne Ricketts said.

“Animal welfare is a central activity in our profession. Veterinarians believe their role in society is to bring a science-based and ethically principled approach to the humane treatment of animals. We do this in partnership with other professions and organisations, and look forward to working more closely with them in the future.

The NZVA is also pleased to see that there is to be a major review of the Animal Welfare Act and additional support for codes of welfare and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

“Our international trade is partially based on our reputation as a country that treats its animals in a humane manner. Ongoing success in markets will increasingly focus on such matters as consumers become more and more selective about what they buy.

“Therefore the increased effort to assure sound animal welfare in our farming practices is essential,” Dr Ricketts said.

“This focus on farmed animals does not diminish the importance of caring for domestic pets in a similar manner. A civilised society is judged on its treatment of those creatures that can’t necessarily care for themselves.

“The Association looks forward to participating in the review and to an ongoing improvement in New Zealand’s record of caring for animals on both farms and in homes,” Dr Ricketts said.

ENDS

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