Green Party talking manure

If the Green Party were in Government animal farming would be banned and to hell with the New Zealand economy, says National’s associate agriculture spokesperson Shane Ardern.

“That is the message Sue Kedgley has given in her recent press release. The Green Party, alias “Lap Dog for Labour” is a party which never lets the facts get in the way of a headline!

“It is a sad day for New Zealand politics when a plea for time to make sure that Animal Welfare codes put in place by Parliament are correct results in an hysterical outburst by the Green Party. What are they trying to hide?

“This is an important piece of legislation and there have been accusations of foul play.

“For example, I have been advised that the card used by the SPCA campaign against pig farming in New Zealand has used a photo of an overseas piggery taken several years ago. If this is correct the public have been conned and they have a right to know this. I think it is a shame if the SPCA, which does a worthy job, has allowed itself to be used for political gain.

“Farming has unfairly come under attack from people who do not have the full information.

“National supports the introduction of farm animal codes – it should have been passed through Parliament long before this. However, for the sake of all New Zealanders and our economy we must get it right. We want to ensure that animal codes are not based on a loony Green idealism which wants to see our large animal-farming sector destroyed.

“The bottom line is that it makes no sense for a farmer to mistreat farm animals, if for no other reason that a healthy animal means a healthy profit. Let us have the opportunity to hear the facts and not be guided by hysterical, incorrect and dishonourable campaigns,” said Mr Ardern.

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