Time running out to have your say on animal welfare

26 September 2012

Public consultation on proposed changes to the animal welfare system closes this Friday 28 September 2012.

The proposal, which went out for public consultation on 13 August, sets a strategic direction for animal welfare and improves the way the Animal Welfare Act operates.

The strategy will help New Zealand build on the strengths of the existing system by outlining where improvements can be made, as well as the responsibilities of government, industry, and all New Zealanders.

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

Under the proposal the 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.

Other proposed changes include the way live animal exports are regulated and the rules governing surgical procedures for animals.

Submissions need to be received by 5pm on Friday 28 September 2012.

You can find out more about the consultation and read the proposal on the web, here:

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/proposals-for-aw-strategy-and-aw-act

ENDS

For more information, contact Sid Pickering 04 894 2465, email sid.pickering@mpi.govt.nz or call the MPI media phone 029 894 0328