Pig Code To Be Rolled Out Next Year

Pig Code To Be Rolled Out Next Year

A new pig code is expected to be in place by April next year.

Professor David Mellor, Chairman of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) said this allows those who have already made written submissions on the code to comment further on the outlined draft. Submissions must be made by 22 January.

“Drafting the Pig Code has been a complex and time consuming task with considerable input from industry, members of the public, and other interested parties. Nearly 700 written submissions have been received and over 50,000 postcards. This is clearly an issue that has captured the interest of the New Zealand public,” he said.

“It is essential that the final code not only reflects the spectrum of concerns raised in the submissions but can also stand up to scientific scrutiny. NAWAC considers it is important for further comment to be sought in order to take account of any changes that have occurred in the drafting of the code.”

The process has run in parallel with the drafting of the other six animal welfare codes, including the commercial slaughter, circus, zoo, layer hens, rodeo, and broiler code.

“Drafting the animal welfare codes is a long and intensive process involving public consultation. This is necessary to cover the range of complex and emotive issues surrounding animal welfare and how they can become legally represented,” he said.

Those who have written submissions on the code have been notified. Submissions can be made at www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/animal-welfare

ENDS

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