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Primary Industries Minister David Carter has praised the primary industry chief executives' animal welfare forum for its contribution to livestock welfare.
Carter attended the biannual meeting of the forum last night and endorsed the group's 2012 work plan.
"New Zealand's major livestock production industries are taking a responsible approach to animal welfare standards through encouraging voluntary compliance and proactive initiatives," Carter says.
A key project of the forum for 2012 involves working with farmers, meat processors, transport operators, private veterinarians and MAF to ensure all transported animals are fit for transport.
The group is also focusing on the on-farm welfare and transportation of bobby calves prior to slaughter.
"While the Government plays a key role in setting animal welfare standards, we rely on the livestock production industries to help ensure these standards are met," Carter says.
"I am pleased with the progress of the forum in encouraging our livestock producers to maintain a good reputation for animal welfare."
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