Consultation on new animal welfare regulations

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on proposed regulations designed to take the next step in improving our already strong animal welfare system.

The regulations cover live animal exports, the care and conduct towards animals as well as surgical and painful procedures. The proposed regulations have come about following amendments to the Animal Welfare Act last year.

Examples of some of the proposals include:
- banning hot branding of any animal;
- administering pain relief when dehorning cattle, sheep or goats;
- requiring adequate shelter for bobby calves; and
- banning de-barking dogs except for therapeutic reasons.
MPI’s Director of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare, Julie Collins urges those with in interest in animal welfare to take the time to look at the proposals and have their say.

“Animal welfare matters. It’s important to animals, it’s important to us as a society, and it’s important to our economy.

“Consultation is open from today until 19 May. To ensure we get the best rules possible, we need your feedback.”

MPI will also be holding six public meetings across the country which are open to anyone who wishes to understand the proposals and share their views.

MPI is expecting feedback from a wide range of people. All feedback will be taken into consideration before recommendations are made to the Minister for Primary Industries.

The new regulations would be progressively introduced from the end of this year. Some regulations related to young calves may be introduced before the start of the 2016 calving season.

Visit www.mpi.govt.nz/animalwelfarefeedback to read the proposals, and find out how to have your say.

Public meetings:
Location: Wellington – St Johns Church
Date: Wednesday 27 April
Time: 5.30pm-8pm

Location: Palmerston North – Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute
Date: Thursday 28 April
Time: 5.30pm-8pm

Location: Christchurch – Russley Golf Course
Date: Monday 2 May
5.30pm-8pm

Location: Auckland – Quality Hotel Parnell
Date: Monday 2 May
5.30pm-8pm

Location: Invercargill - Ascot Park Motel
Date: Tuesday 3 May
5.30pm-8pm

Location: Hamilton – Hamilton Gardens
Date: Tuesday 3 May
5.30pm-8pm

ENDS

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