Hon Phillida Bunkle
Minister of Consumer Affairs

Media release
4 April 2000

Support For Petition

The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Hon Phillida Bunkle has given her personal support to the animal rights groups opposed to the use of dry sow stalls in pig farming.

The Wellington SPCA, and Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) today presented a petition signed by more than 75,000 people, on the steps of Parliament. The petition seeks to have the stalls phased out in New Zealand.

Ms Bunkle said she personally wanted the stalls outlawed. The stalls are so small that pigs inside them do not have room to turn around.

"While this is my personal view, I believe quite strongly that the Pork Industry needs to take action in this area. If use of these stalls can not be outlawed, I would like to see pork products labelled, so that the consumer can make informed choices about what they are purchasing," the Minister said.

"I have personally given up eating pork farmed in this way, because I believe consumers should exercise their power over the way products are produced. I will only eat pork labelled 'free range'," Ms Bunkle said.

ENDS

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