Auckland Man Fined for Selling Illegally Slaughtered Pigs
An Auckland man has been fined $6,000 for offering to sell illegally slaughtered pigs.
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."
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.