Hon David Carter
Minister for Primary Industries

13 August 2012

Media Statement

New Zealanders have a say on animal welfare

The Government is asking New Zealanders for their feedback on proposed changes to the animal welfare system.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter says the proposals set a strategic direction for animal welfare and improve the way the Animal Welfare Act operates.

“Animal welfare matters. It matters because how we treat animals says something important about us as a society.

“It also matters for New Zealand’s reputation because our trading partners and international consumers rightly expect us to maintain high standards of animal welfare.

“I encourage New Zealanders to provide input on this discussion to ensure we get the system right.”

Mr Carter says the proposed national strategy, the first of its kind, will canvass the views of stakeholders with animal welfare interests, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and set a vision for New Zealand’s animal welfare system into the future.

“The proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act will clarify the way it operates and make it easier to enforce.

“A key proposal is that codes of welfare, which currently set the standards for animal welfare, are replaced with a combination of regulations and guidelines. Regulations will be directly enforceable in law. Guidelines will provide information and advice but will have no legal effect,” Mr Carter says.

The closing date for submissions is 28 September 2012.

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