Farmers back ‘gold standard’ regulations for livestock exports
Federated Farmers want to see the return of cattle exports but insists that animal welfare and New Zealand’s international reputation must be protected first.
Live Animal Export New Zealand (LENZ) says banning live animal exports will damage the New Zealand economy and claims the move is out of step with the views of the New Zealand public, according to research it has carried out.
"According to an independent research report by science insights company Voconiq, over half of New Zealanders surveyed have confidence that regulation can hold the industry accountable," LENZ spokesman Mark Willis says.
He adds that the industry's call for a Gold Standard of care for live animal exports in NZ has been ignored by the Government.
"Two years ago, our industry banded together to propose that the Government introduce much higher standards of care for the animals exported from New Zealand. We set out a clear and evidence-based 12-point regulatory plan to Minister O'Connor that would further improve and modernise the live animal export system," Willis says. "We did not receive any response."
LENZ accuses the Government of failing to consult in good faith with industry. "The end result will be legislation that is detrimental to the livelihood of farmers and New Zealand's economy, and a missed opportunity to lift the standards of live animal exports globally."
