Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Animal welfare in rodeo practices report released

15 October 2018

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), the independent committee that advises the Minister responsible for Animal Welfare, has today released a report on animal welfare in rodeos, together with advice to the Minister making recommendations to improve the welfare of the animals in rodeos.

The report entitled ‘Rodeo events – How do they impact the sentient animal?’ was commissioned in March by the then Minister responsible for Animal Welfare to advise on animal welfare within rodeos, the use of specific equipment and techniques, and the use of calves. NAWAC utilised an expert panel and a structured assessment process to evaluate the animal welfare impacts of the seven rodeo events as listed in its existing code of welfare for rodeos.

NAWAC Chair Dr Gwyneth Verkerk says positive changes are expected to be introduced over the 2018-2019 rodeo season as a result of the discussions held while developing this report and communicating the recommendations to the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association (NZRCA).

“One significant recommendation in the report is for the establishment of a new rodeo animal welfare committee that would see key stakeholders, inside and outside the rodeo community, collaborating to improve the welfare of the animals in rodeos. This would cover monitoring and record-keeping of the use of animals; modifications to aspects such as equipment use; and ensuring the appropriate weights of animals in some events.” Consideration will also be given to research examining longer-term impacts of rodeo events on the animals.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Animal use in rodeos is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act 1999, the code of welfare for rodeos, and the new Animal Welfare Care and Procedures Regulations (2018), which came into force on 1 October 2018.

“It is essential that rodeo operators and participants follow the code and regulations, but there needs to be continuous improvements” says Dr Verkerk.

“We’ve seen constructive conversations between the various stakeholders during the development of this report, and the proposed committee will support continued progress in the way animals are cared for,” says Dr Verkerk.

NAWAC will continue to encourage implementation of the recommendations, and will take note of progress as the proposed committee is established and welfare-focused practices are adopted into the future.

To view the report, visit NAWAC at MPI’s website: mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/animal-welfare/national-animal-welfare-advisory-committee/

See also www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.