MAF seeks views on animal export certificate guidelinesby frosth ()Release Date: 17 December 2008 The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is seeking submissions from interested parties on proposed guidelines for the issue of animal welfare export certificates. The guidelines relate to the export of livestock; being live sheep, cattle, goats and deer. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, it is an offence to export live animals without an animal welfare export certificate (AWEC), which exporters can apply for through MAF. The Animal Welfare Act also outlines the factors MAF must take into account when considering an application and provides for these guidelines to be published. Deputy Director General, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, Barry O’Neil says “This consultation provides the opportunity to publish written guidelines that will be a useful tool for exporters, with clear expectations about the level and type of information MAF requires from applicants when considering whether or not to issue an AWEC. “New Zealand has an international reputation as a leader in the field of animal welfare and these guidelines have been developed with reference to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Guidelines which are recognised as the international reference for issues relating to animal health” MAF says facilitating international trade while remaining a responsible exporter is something it is committed to and the future publication of these guidelines reflects the importance of providing potential exporters certainty on what is expected of them, while still facilitating international trade. The proposed guidelines are available from http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult and submissions can be posted to:
Paula Lemow or emailed to paula.lemow@maf.govt.nz The closing date for submissions is 27 February 2007. For further information contact:
Lisa Gibbison |