It’s a revision of an original booklet produced by Federated Farmers, but this time MAF and industry bodies Dairy NZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand, NZ Pork and the New Zealand Veterinary Association, have had input.
“It’s a practical and user friendly type of book,” says Feds’ national board member David Rose, who has coordinated the revision. “We just hope we don’t have to use it very often.”
NZVA animal welfare coordinator Virginia Williams says the aim is to help farmers respond promptly and appropriately if they realise there’s a possible problem developing on a nearby farm.
“We want them to try to get away from the feeling they are dobbing people in and assist them in situations where people need their help,” she told Rural News.
“So many of the animal welfare situations that arise happen because people have other difficulties going on: family, financial, maybe mental health. It’s mainly about helping people.”
That’s echoed by Rose. “It gives good pointers on the sorts of questions to ask, and emphasises the need to respect and support the person.”
It will also help farmers gauge the seriousness of the situation they’ve come across, and the appropriate course of action to take, he says.
A final draft of the revised guide, produced and due for printing with MAF money but to be distributed by Feds, has been out for consultation with the parties involved and is “very close to sign off,” says Rose.
MAF has already released a similar guide for vets which is available online at www.biosecurity.govt.nz Click on Animal Welfare, then “publications”, and “other useful resources”.
