MPI drags the chain on goat welfare

Goat Welfare NZ
The habitual tethering of goats on and off roadsides is still not being addressed by the new animal welfare regulations.

Tony Robson from Goat Welfare NZ said “The majority of submissions ( in the consultation period) regarding goat tethering once again asked this practice be banned . When the Goat code of Welfare 2012 was being consulted on this was also the case”.

The Goat code of Welfare 2012 states as a “recommended best practice “ that ;
“Goats should not be tethered as they are social animals”.

“MPI continue to drag the chain on this practice , it is the tethering that enables the neglect of these animals . Fining people a mere 300$ for not providing water , shelter and food does nothing to provide for their social needs or their opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour which is a requirement under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 says Robson.

Goat Welfare NZ petitioned parliament in 2015 requesting goat tethering be banned . The petition was forwarded to MPI.

“Austria and Switzerland do not permit this practice and also require goats have company. We cannot claim to be “world leaders in animal welfare” when we allow animals to live on the end of chains “. Said Robson .

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