National's plan irks vets

The collective, while it calls itself 'veterinarians', includes other non-vets such as animal welfare advocates, animal welfare scientists, and other non-veterinary and body corporate members. Founding members include Bryce Johnson, former head of Fish and Game, and ecologist Mike Joy. It was established in 2022 to provide a science-based animal welfare advocacy voice.

Group spokesperson and veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie says animal welfare is not political, it is scientific and as such should not be used as a vote-chasing, political football. She says it's disappointing to hear that National would consider reinstating livestock exports.

Beattie says it's especially disappointing given that several National Party MPs sat in on the select committee hearing where a harrowing description was given of animals' experiences during livestock export.

"Irrespective of vessels being purpose built, animals would still be subjected to sea journeys of up to three weeks and a journey across the equator. Managing cattle welfare in these circumstances while maintaining an economically viable model would be extremely difficult and for that reason could never be classed as 'gold standard'," she says.

Beattie says she's also concerned about some of National's plans around winter grazing rules. She says there is also a significant and historically unacceptable animal welfare aspect to winter grazing.