Animal Welfare

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) leads and facilitates the management of animal welfare policy and practice in New Zealand. It promotes policies for the humane treatment of animals, and is a key participant in the ongoing animal welfare debate.

Complaints made about non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 including cases of animal ill-treatment or cruelty are investigated by MAF and the SPCA. While the vast majority of complaints are dealt with through consultation and education, successful prosecutions again persistent or blatant offenders are routinely undertaken.

This section provides you with information about the structure and activities of MAF's animal welfare group, as well as information about the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

• A Guide to the Animal Welfare Act 1999
• A Guide to Part 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999

The Act provides for codes of animal welfare to be created and, if approved by the MAF, reviewed at least every 10 years. You can make submissions on any codes being reviewed.

Animals being exported from New Zealand require an animal welfare export certificate, as set out in the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Information about AWECs can be found under Commercial Exports.

To find out more about the groups activities click below:

• Codes of welfare
• Minimum standards and recommendations for best practice
• Publications
• Research