Beef + Lamb New Zealand says the proposed updated code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle, released for public consultation appears to take a balanced approach to ensuring stock owners ensure the welfare of the animals in their care.
The Code of Welfare: Sheep and Beef Cattle sets out standards that must be achieved to meet obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. It was last updated in 2018.
The new proposals take into account new technologies and updated science, and include new standards related to dairy sheep.
B+LNZ Chair Kate Acland says an initial analysis of the proposed code suggests it is broadly sound, but B+LNZ will discuss it with farmers before finalising its submission.
“New Zealand has an excellent reputation for animal welfare globally and some of the strictest animal welfare standards in the world.
“As farmers, we pride ourselves on how we look after the animals in our care.
“Based on our initial analysis of the updated Code, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee should be commended for considering on-farm practicality, and for showing their reasoning, in setting out the standards that must be achieved.”
Acland says the initial analysis is that a pragmatic approach has been taken to some areas farmers will have been looking closely at.
Pain relief during animal husbandry procedures such as docking or tailing has been recommended as best practice rather than a minimum standard, and the standards around shade and shelter appear sensible and achievable.
She says there are some details that may however need to be addressed in B+LNZ’s consultation submission.
“Some of the minimum standards may not be entirely fit for purpose for sheep and beef cattle, for example, ensuring unweaned lambs being prepared for transport have been fed within a specified period – so we’ll be looking into those in more detail and may request changes.”
B+LNZ will be making a consultation submission on behalf of farmers with support from its Farmer Reference Groups and will provide support for farmers who want to make their own submissions.
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Sam Halstead on 027 474 6065 or sam@latitudesc.co.nz
Further information
For more information on the proposed changes see the MPI website.