There has been considerable disquiet, in recent times, that the Animal Welfare Act 1999 allows practices to continue in New Zealand, even when they breach key sections of the Animal Welfare Act.
For example, the National Animal Welfare Advisory committee (NAWAC) acknowledges in the Code of Welfare for Pigs (2005), that the use of dry sow stalls for extended periods does not fully meet the obligations of the Act. Nevertheless, NAWAC has allowed this practice to continue by using the "exceptional circumstances" exception in section 73 of the Act. This contradiction undermines confidence in the Animal Welfare Act, and its ability to protect the welfare of animals.
This Bill clarifies that practices which breach key sections of the Animal Welfare Act, but which are still permitted in a code of animal welfare under the "exceptional circumstances" exception, must be phased out within five years.
In line with international practice the Bill also clarifies that the definition of "physical, health, and behavioural needs" includes animals having freedom of movement which is not restricted in such a way as to cause them suffering or injury, and includes having sufficient space to express normal patterns of behaviour such as being able to turn around easily and walk about..
The Bill also provides the Minister responsible for the Animal Welfare Act the power to amend or revoke an animal code of welfare or any minimum standard contained in such a code of welfare where the Minster considers this is necessary to prevent suffering or injury to any animal.
Read the full Bill...
