FAQs related to Disqualification Order Enforced by MAF

Why aren’t pet shops covered by the code of welfare for dogs?

This code is for all dog owners and people in charge dogs, including at pet shops. There is a code of welfare for ‘temporary housing of companion animals’ being developed that will have minimum standards specifically for pet shops.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

Why aren’t there minimum standards for dog fighting in the code of welfare for dogs?

The Animal Welfare Act prohibits dog fighting and baiting, which means there is no need for additional minimum standards in a code of welfare.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

The code of welfare for dogs doesn’t include information on dog control, registration and impounding. Where can I find this info

Dog control and registration (and microchipping) are covered by the Dog Control Act 1996. Local authorities can provide further information on these requirements or this Act can be accessed at www.legislation.govt.nz (offsite link to www.legislation.govt.nz)

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

The code of welfare for dogs allows electric collars. Aren’t these harmful to a dog’s welfare?

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) reviewed submissions and available information and determined that if used correctly, electric or electronic training devices can be effective for modifying the behaviour of dogs with serious behavioural problems where alternative methods have failed. However, these devices do have the potential to cause a great deal of pain and distress to dogs if incorrectly used, therefore they should only be used on suitable dogs, with care by competent operators, and where absolutely necessary.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

What is being done to reduce the incidence of inherited disorders in dogs?

Dogs can suffer from inherited disorders and diseases that significantly impact on their quality of life. Indiscriminate breeding can contribute to this problem and increase the frequency and/or severity of known disorders. The code of welfare for dogs has two minimum standards that are intended to reduce the incidence and severity of inherited disorders in dogs. One requires anyone breeding dogs to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the combination of dam (mother) and sire (father) will not increase the frequency or severity of known disorders. There are tests available for some inherited disorders that might assist in this decision. The other requires anyone who sells or gives away puppies to tell the new owner about disorders that the puppy or dog might inherit. There is information on such disorders available on the internet, or vets can provide advice.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

Who runs the assurance schemes that assure tail banding is performed in compliance with code of welfare for dogs? How do I conta

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is aware of one accredited tail banding scheme that is managed by the New Zealand Kennel Club. More information is available on their website. Anyone can establish an accreditation scheme, as long as it meets the requirements in the code of welfare.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

What are the assurance schemes that assure that tail banding is performed in compliance with code of welfare for dogs?

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is aware of one accredited tail banding scheme that is managed by the New Zealand Kennel Club. More information is available on their website. Anyone can establish an accreditation scheme, as long as it meets the requirements in the code of welfare.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

Why can’t dog tail injuries simply be treated as and when they occur in the adult dog?

Tail injuries to adult dogs can be treated, although treatment may be prolonged and there can be complications. 

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

Why is dog tail docking and dew claw removal allowed only in puppies that are under four days old?

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) considered, on the available evidence, that the amount of pain that a dog experiences when its tail is docked is reduced if the puppy is of a very young age. At this age, some of the connections in the puppy’s brain which carry signals to let the puppy experience pain are not yet fully developed and scientific evidence suggests that, at this age, the puppy does not experience pain as it would if the tail was removed in an older dog. 

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

What is dog tail banding? How does it differ to surgical removal of the tail?

Tail banding involves tying an elastic band around a puppy’s tail. The band is left in place for several days, cutting off the blood supply to the end of the tail so that the end of the tail drops off. This is compared to surgical removal, where the tail is cut off with a sharp instrument, which may only be done by a veterinarian.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

Why isn’t tail docking banned in the code of welfare for dogs?

The code of welfare for dogs only allows tail banding (removal by an elastic band), and only by knowledgeable, trained and competent people acting under a quality assurance scheme using bands on puppies less than four days old. Vets can still remove injured tails if they have to.

The tail docking issue is complex, and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee considered that there isn’t enough evidence to show whether tail docking newborn puppies according to current good practice (rubber bands within three days of age, by a trained, knowledgeable, competent person) causes significant pain. But, the evidence that NAWAC does have suggests that little or no pain is caused if tail docking is performed as the code requires. This issue will be looked at again when the code of welfare is reviewed.

Please note this information is provided by way of general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parties are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to particular fact situations.

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